Trailblazing businesses from across Cumbria have won prestigious awards.
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024, held in Kendal, saw 16 winners pick up their awards.
Managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “This year’s awards really were extra special as we marked 50 years of Cumbria Tourism and reflected on half a century of working alongside businesses who deliver world-class experiences to our visitors day in, day out, year in, year out.
“With such a wealth of incredible talent, hard work and resilience on display, the judging process is tougher than ever and it was an immense privilege to bring together a diverse range of tourism-related operators from across the county to celebrate their achievements.
“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.”
Winners
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
- Kendal Calling
- The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness(highly commended)
- Outdoor Mobility(highly commended)
B&B and Guest House of the Year
- Sunnyside Guest House, Keswick
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
- Skelwith Fold, Ambleside
Experience of the Year
- Mountain Goat Tours
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
- The Quiet Site, Ullswater
Large Hotel of the Year
- North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith
Pub of the Year
- George & Dragon Clifton
New Tourism Business Award
- Force Cafe and Terrace, Ambleside
Small Hotel of the Year
- Queens Head, Troutbeck
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Netherby Hall, Carlisle
Taste of Cumbria – Casual Dining Award
- The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere
Taste of Cumbria – Fine Dining Award
- The Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, Brampton
The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award
- Hannah Clapp, head of experiences, Muncaster Castle
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Levens Hall, near Kendal
Wedding Venue of the Year
- Roundthorn Country House, Penrith
Makers and Producers Award
- Shed One, Ulverston
- Great Corby Brewhouse (highly commended)
To round off the night, there was a special presentation of the Bernard Gooch Award.
It is the highest accolade collectively given by the industry for an outstanding contribution to Cumbria’s visitor economy.
This year it was awarded to one of the county’s big success stories – its £1 billion food and drink sector and all the exceptional people behind it.
Maria Whitehead MBE, co-founder of Hawkshead Relish, accepted the award on behalf of Cumbria’s entire food and drink sector, which represents chefs, cafes, restaurants, B&Bs, hotels, food and drink producers and retailers, and more.
Mrs Haigh added: “A particular mention must also go to the thousands of people involved in our world-class food and drink sector, which won the prestigious Bernard Gooch Award.
They have really propelled Cumbria as a foodie capital, putting us on the map nationally and internationally, and supporting thousands of other businesses, farming and suppliers in the process. Thank you and congratulations!”
The Cumbria Tourism Awards are organised on a not for profit basis and this year’s designated charity is the Cumbria Tourism 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund that will help support the next generation of tourism talent to stay within the county and kickstart their careers in tourism and hospitality.
Many of the winners at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024 could now go on to represent Cumbria at next year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, following in the footsteps of the nine previous Cumbria Tourism Award winners who have become national finalists over the past two years.
