VisitEngland Awards for Excellence finalists revealed

VisitEngland, the national tourist board, has announced the finalists for its Awards for Excellence, paying tribute to businesses and individuals who are at the top of their game with customer service and practice.

The awards cover seven categories in the hospitality including small hotel, large hotel, B&B / guest accommodation, holiday park / village, self-catering holiday provider, taste of England and tourism pub.

Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitBritain and VisitEngland, said that the awards raise the profile of England and celebrate the importance of the industry’s contribution to local and national economies.

“We received some truly impressive applications this year and shortlisting 80 finalists has been a tough feat, involving a team of mystery shoppers and even two dogs testing dog-friendly businesses,” she said.

“There’s absolutely no doubt those chosen are representative of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations. Working collaboratively, we are inspiring and motivating businesses to provide the highest standards.”

Finalists will receive either a gold, silver, bronze or highly commended award at the final on 8 March at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Hospitality finalists

Bed & Breakfast/ Guest Accommodation

Low Mill Guesthouse – Leyburn, North Yorkshire

Molland Manor House – Sandwich, Kent

Pebble House – Mevagissey, Cornwall

St Cuthbert's House – Seahouses, Northumberland

Trevose Harbour House – St Ives, Cornwall

Holiday Park/ Holiday Village

Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park – Keswick, Cumbria

Darwin Forest Country Park – Matlock, Derbyshire

Padstow Touring Park – Padstow, Cornwall

Poston Mill Park – Peterchurch, Golden Valley, Hertfordshire

Woodovis Park – Tavistock, Devon

Large Hotel

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa – New Forest, Hampshire

Peckforton Castle Hotel – Tarporley, Cheshire

Rockliffe Hall – Darlington, County Durham

Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa – Salcombe, Devon

South Lodge – Horsham, West Sussex

Self Catering Holiday Provider

The Dandelion Hideaway – Nuneaton, Leicestershire

The Dovecote Barns York – Kelfield, York

Treworgey Cottages – Looe, Cornwall

Whalesborough Cottages & Spa – Bude, Cornwall

Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges – Bishop Wilton, York

Small Hotel

Cross Lane House – Minehead, Somerset

Hell Bay Hotel – Bryher, Isles of Scilly

Kentisbury Grange – Barnstable, Devon

Tudor Farmhouse – Clearwell, Gloucestershire

Yorebridge House – Bainbridge, North Yorkshire

Taste of England

Eckington Manor – Eckington, Worcestershire

La Locanda Ristorante Italiano – Clitheroe, Lancashire

Martineau Guest House – Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear

The Dining Room – Rock, Cornwall

The Guardhouse Café – Brixham, Devon

Tourism Pub

The Cartford Inn – Preston, Lancashire

The Fleece Inn – Bretforton, Worcestershire

The Rising Sun – Truro, Cornwall

The Shibden Mill Inn – Halifax, West Yorkshire

The Swan – Bampton, Devon