Cumbria Tourism Award Winners 2010
The winners of the 2010 Cumbria Tourism Awards were revealed at a glitzy ceremony at The Rheged Centre, Penrith on Tuesday 11th May 2010.
Hundreds of tourism professionals and businesses from around the county gathered at Rheged where the evening began with a drinks reception followed by a celebratory dinner. Host for the evening was Stuart Maconie, TV and radio presenter, who announced the winners and entertained the audience with a series of Cumbria related anecdotes.
Fifteen awards were presented on the night, recognising excellence in business, customer service and training and development.
Each category winner received a certificate and specially designed award, individually handcrafted by Jo Vincent of Jo Vincent Glass Designers. You can view the individual award winners below.
For further information on the awards, please contact Paula Scott or Pauline Crossley on 01539 822222 or email pscott@cumbriatourism.org or pcrossley@cumbriatourism.org
Taste of Cumbria Award
Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore
Winner - The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter
The Cottage in the Wood's excellent use of local produce, really friendly customer service and stunning views all work together to create a fantastic taste experience which exceeds customer expectations.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsored by Carlisle Tourism Partnership
Winner - The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness on Windermere
The World of Beatrix Potter makes great use of every inch of the attraction to appeal to as broad a customer base as possible. From the new Peter Rabbit garden to the shop, the staff live and breathe Beatrix Potter throughout as they deliver brilliant customer service and ensure a fun and memorable visit for all.
Sustainable Tourism Award
Sponsored by Tesco
Winner - Elder Grove, Ambleside
Sustainability has become a way of life to the owners of Elder Grove. The owners are committed to buying local produce, employing local tradesmen and sharing their passion and knowledge about green issues with other small accommodation providers and their guests. They are true ambassadors for sustainable tourism.
Small Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Colliers Robert Barry
Winner - Overwater Hall, Keswick
Overwater Hall is an imposing and enticing building in a beautiful garden setting. The hotel has benefited from ongoing investment to create an individually furnished interior, which is perfectly in keeping with the style of the building. Attentive and friendly owners and staff, offer many personal touches while the dining experience focuses on excellent quality, locally produced food.
The Lady Inglewood Award for Training & Development
Winner - Roundthorn Country House, Penrith
The success of the Roundthorn and its people go hand in hand, and in a difficult year, it is the people that have made the real difference. A lot of time and effort has been invested in sourcing the right kind of staff training to suit both the individuals and the wider business needs. An awareness of individual staff motivations and opportunities for internal progression, have resulted in exemplary staff retention levels and an excellent approach to work life balance.
Tourism Experience of the Year
Sponsored by Virgin Trains
Winner - Cumbrian Heavy Horses, Nr Millom
A ride with the Cumbrian Heavy Horses offers a wonderful and unique experience with exceptional levels of customer care. The team's passion and knowledge about their magnificent animals creates a truly memorable experience, while comfort and safety is prioritised throughout.
Holiday Park of the Year
Sponsored by Colliers CRE
Joint Winners - Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside
Skelwith Fold is in a beautiful woodland setting which fully exploits its wildlife through woodland paths and trails, and a dedication to conservation and sustainability. Well planned slate and wood buildings are completely in-keeping with their surroundings, and provide immaculately clean and warm facilities. Friendly, welcoming and helpful staff can be found throughout the park.
Tourism Event of the Year
Sponsored by Carrier Direct Marketing
Winner - British Gas Great North Swim, Windermere
The fantastic growth in this event is matched by the organiser's commitment to making significant improvements to the visitor experience, based on extensive customer feedback. In 2009, 87% of the 6,000 attendees were visitors from outside the county bringing an estimated £1.5 million in tourism value to Cumbria.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsored by Business Link Northwest
Winner - The Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
An excellent family attraction which represents very good value for money through its ‘all day pass'. Educational and interesting for all ages, there are lots of displays, with interactive and informative interpretation. Talks, feeding time and demonstrations really help bring the attraction to life, and encourages visitors to get closer to the local sea life.
Highly Commended - Trotters World of Animals, Keswick
Business Tourism Award
Sponsored by Armstrong Watson
Winner - North Lakes Hotel, Penrith
The North Lakes Hotel offers an exceptional standard in business tourism with impressive public areas and leisure facilities, combined with flexible and attractively styled meeting rooms. Knowledgeable and professional staff ensure that events run effortlessly, and offer the meeting organiser complete reassurance.
The Sheila Hensman Award for Outstanding Customer Service
Winner - Alan Gillon, Learning and Access Officer, The Beacon, Whitehaven
Alan has an instinctive grasp of customer service which has made a big difference to The Beacon, helping them to increase their visitor numbers and attract a more diverse customer base. Whether working with children or professors, Alan draws people in, identifies their needs and then ensures he exceeds their every expectation. He is a natural ambassador for customer service.
Large Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by NatWest Commercial Banking, Lancaster & Cumbria
Winner - Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa
A £5 million investment has created an outstanding destination spa at Armathwaite Hall, which has been privately owned and family run for over 30 years. The beautiful setting offers stunning views while the hotel itself offers charming and intriguing public areas and excellent quality bedrooms. The recent appointment of a General Manager ensures attentive and friendly service and beautifully cooked and presented food.
Self Catering Holiday of the Year
Sponsored by Artavia Advertising
Winner - Tottergill Farm Cottages, Brampton
Tottergill Farm offers a peaceful and tranquil holiday with a genuine welcome, from friendly and considerate hosts. The product and service is continually adapted and improved by proactively seeking customer feedback. Impressive properties and well thought out personal touches ensure guests can create simple yet memorable holiday experiences.
Access for All Tourism Award
Sponsored by Lake District National Park
Winner - The Beacon, Whitehaven
The Beacon actively welcomes all its visitors irrespective of age or ability and ensures that everyone can take part in, and enjoy, their exhibitions and other services. They offer a superb standard of accessible information for guests with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, combined with outstanding levels of customer care where nothing is too much trouble.
Holiday Park of the Year
Sponsored by Colliers CRE
Joint Winners - Woodclose Park, Kirkby Lonsdale
Woodclose Park offers excellent value for money in a beautiful spacious setting with a great balance of luxury statics, touring caravans, permanent wigwams and tents. Terraced pitches offer privacy and have been well designed to make the most of the wonderful views. Friendly and knowledgeable staff offer suggestions for places to eat and things to do in the Kirkby Lonsdale area.
Guest Accommodation of the Year
Sponsored by Cumberland Business
Winner - Number 43, Arnside
A welcoming and relaxing ambience awaits guests at Number 43, along with little personal, but luxurious, touches to help them feel at home. Superb attention to detail can be found in the stunning, high quality interior and in the excellent breakfast choice from a range of local suppliers.
