Trailblazing businesses from across Cumbria’s vibrant visitor economy gathered to find out the winners of the county’s annual tourism Oscars.
Hosted by ITV Border’s Kate Walby and sponsored by United Utilities, the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023 saw 15 awards presented to high-achieving businesses.
To win, the judges were looking for operators offering truly distinctive, memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of their business.
There was a special surprise presentation of the Bernard Gooch Award for ‘Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the Year’. This is the highest award collectively given by the industry for lifelong services to tourism; this year, it was awarded jointly to Peter and Iona Frost-Pennington, of Muncaster Castle and Gardens.
The Frost-Penningtons have an immense passion for Cumbria, particularly the Western Lake District and Coast, and have been responsible for delivering many tourism projects domestically and internationally.
As a couple they oversee one of the UK’s key heritage sites and are well-known as leading lights in sustainability. Iona was previously the High Sheriff of Cumbria, while Peter is a high-profile representative for the county on many tourism steering groups and boards.
Managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “It has been an immense privilege to bring together such a wide range of tourism-related operators to pay tribute to their hard work and dedication in delivering world-class experiences to visitors.
“It’s only fitting that many of our winners could now go on to represent Cumbria nationally at next year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, following in the footsteps of seven previous Cumbria Tourism Award winners recently honoured with gold and silver accolades on the national stage.
“We should be tremendously proud of not only our award-winners, but of all of the finalists. who continue to help make our county an incredible place for us all to live, work, study and visit.”
The Cumbria Tourism Awards are organised on a not-for-profit basis and this year’s designated charity is mental health charity Growing Well.
Winners
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
- The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere
Large Hotel of the Year
- Storrs Hall Hotel, Windermere
Small Hotel of the Year
- Rothay Manor, Ambleside
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Cragg Cottage, Torver
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
- Hillcroft, Pooley Bridge
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Wordsworth Grasmere
- The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness (highly commended)
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Walby Farm Park, Crosby-on-Eden
Experience of the Year
- The Infinity Bridge at Honister
The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award
- Ben McGregor, Lake District Estates
Wedding Venue of the Year
- Lindeth Howe Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere
Taste of Cumbria Award
- Allium at Askham Hall
- The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere (highly commended)
Makers and Producers Award
- Cumbria Crystal, Ulverston
New Tourism Business Award
- Lanty Slee’s Saloon Bar, Elterwater
Pub of the Year
- The Dalesman Country Inn, Sedbergh
