Five tourism businesses from the East of England enjoyed success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024.
The businesses, which were either winners or finalists at the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024, were recognised at a ceremony in Liverpool on June 5.
Mill Farm Eco Barns in Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk, won the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.
“Winning this award means the world to us,” said Emma Punchard, who owns Mill Farm Eco Barns with her partner Neil. “Being nationally recognised as a small, independent business has given us an incredible boost. It validates our efforts and inspires us to do even more.
“Now, we are eager to collaborate with other local companies to spread sustainable practices. It’s not only commercially viable but also immensely appreciated by our guests.”
ROARR! dinosaur adventure park in Lenwade, Norfolk, took Silver in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category and Bronze for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
“To be recognised at national level, with multiple awards, is a huge accolade for the ROARR! team,” said Adam Goymour, park director.
ROARR! picked up a Silver and Bronze award (Image: ROARR!)
“Our crew continues to push boundaries with both guest experience and excellence in customer service, and their commitment to our vision at the park is a key factor in our success.
“These wins give us great confidence in what we are doing, supporting Norfolk’s visitor economy as it continues to grow and flourish.”
Colchester Castle in Essex also made it through to the national awards, picking up Bronze in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category.
Colchester Castle claimed Bronze in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category (Image: Colchester + Ipswich Museums)
Councillor David King, leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This recognition underscores our efforts to make the Castle a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs.
“We are thrilled to be acknowledged at the national level and will continue to strive for excellence in inclusivity and community engagement.”
Bethnal&Bec Luxury Stays in Cottered, Hertfordshire, won Bronze in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.
Vicky and Chris Saynor, owners of Bethnal&Bec Luxury Stays (Image: Binky Nixon)
Vicky Saynor, owner of Bethnal&Bec, said: “We were so excited for the national awards night – even just to be there amongst our peers was just fantastic!”
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (WBSTL) in Watford, Hertfordshire, picked up Silver in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (WBSTL) was awarded Silver in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category (Image: TM & © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Wizarding World Publishing Rights © JKR)
Stephanie Griffin, head of events and promotions at Newsquest, which organised the East of England Tourism Awards, said: “We are very proud to once again have five businesses from the East of England selected as finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
“Many congratulations to Mill Farm Eco Barns on the Gold award and to our other finalists for being awarded Silver and Bronze in their respective categories.
“We are so pleased to be part of supporting the tourism sector in hosting the East of England Tourism Awards.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here