2024 Land, Leisure, and Tourism Visitor Award Winners
See below the 36 award winners for this year!
farm diversification, attractions, experiences, hospitality, holiday parks, sustainable businesses and more!
Farm Diversification of the Year (sponsored by NFU Mutual)
Recognising a farm business that no longer just operates behind a closed gate. You might be operating within agri-tourism, food and drink production, leisure, retail and/or events to name but a few. Adding value to your core business will be at the heart of your diversification to help support the longevity and success of the farm in the future.
Gold winner – The Silly Sheep Fibre Company Gold Winner
Based in Punds in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, The Silly Sheep Fibre Company tells a great story, with them maximising their resources and showcasing a strong community spirit. It mentions exciting expansion plans and creative ideas for future offerings, making it very appealing and inviting for visitors. All of the judges commented on how they would love to visit! A well-deserved winner for the Farm Diversification of the Year.
Silver winner – Cholsey Grange Farm
Cholsey Grange Farm in Buckinghamshire clearly emphasises environmental sustainability, wildlife, and community focus. However, it could have placed greater emphasis on deer management and venison production. The mentoring of other rural businesses is particularly commendable, and the judges applaud your ongoing commitment to British Farming.
Holiday Park of the Year
Gold winner – Padstow Holiday Village
Padstow Holiday Village in Cornwall show excellent commitment to environmental practices, having achieved the incredibly rigorous benchmark of B Corp status and a multitude of local, regional and national awards relating to employment philosophy, quality of service and environmental impact. Congratulations.
Silver winner – Angrove Country Park
Angrove Country Park in Middlesborough stands as a strong example of excellence in the holiday park sector. Its blend of quality facilities, exceptional service, and dedication to sustainability and community engagement make it a remarkable destination.
Bronze winner – Brackenborough Lakes Resort
Brackenborough Lakes Resort in Lincolnshire exemplifies the qualities of a successful holiday park. With its stunning location, quality accommodations, and strong focus on guest satisfaction and sustainability, it is a destination that appeals to a wide audience.
New Tourism Business Award
Gold winner – The Red Cabin
The Red Cabin in Kent exemplifies excellence in innovation, sustainability, and customer service. Its unique approach and dedication to providing a top-notch experience make it a standout destination in the tourism landscape. We look forward to witnessing its continued success and growth in the future. Congratulations
Silver winner – The Darling Woods of May
The Darling Woods of May in York celebrates the remarkable transformation of neglected woodland into a thriving eco-tourism venture. In just over a year of trading, the owners have created a thriving rural enterprise with their pop-up campsite and alpaca experiences, despite numerous challenges like severe weather and financial constraints.
Bronze winner – Haywood Farm Caravan & Camping Park
Haywood Farm Caravan & Camping Park near Ross-on-Wye have an impressive blend of high-quality services and community-focused offerings. In just three years, this family-run business has transformed into a top-tier destination, boasting award-winning facilities such as modern showers, a games room, and ample outdoor activities.
Unsung Hero Award
Recognises an individual working for a tourism business who excels in their role and deserves to be applauded for their work and commitment to the industry. The nominee is unlikely to be a business owner or senior manager and could work in any area of the business. They can be new to the industry or have worked in tourism for some time.
Gold winner -
Darrel Warren, from 4-Kingdoms Adventure Farm Park in Headley
A heartwarming story, that highlights Darrel's journey in overcoming mental health challenges, showcasing him as an exceptional employee. Darrell is a well-deserved winner for the Unsung Hero, recognising how he excels in his role and goes above and beyond for the visitor experience, evidenced in the countless positive reviews he receives from happy customers.
Silver winner – Paul Green, from Bonners Lodge in Consett
The judges absolutely loved Paul's story, particularly his volunteering, which really stood out. His passion for the business and dedication to helping customers were evident. Paul came in a close second, the judges would have liked to have seen supporting evidence for customer feedback.
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Gold winner – Orchard Trust
Orchard Trust have a number of care homes and supported living homes in the Forest of Dean, supporting people across Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire areas. They have built all areas of their business to be suitable for people with all different disabilities. A well-deserved Gold winner.
Experience of the Year
Gold winner – Hertfordshire Zoo
Hertfordshire Zoo believe in creating memories to last a lifetime. Their exclusive feed a big cat experience and the UKs largest dinosaur experience provides customers with a fun filled day out. Congratulations on being named Experience of the Year.
Sustainable Tourism Award
Gold winner – Lovat Parks
Lovat Parks based in Padstow are the first holiday park operator to become B Corp certified. In 2023 Lovat parks made significant strides in waste reduction across all sites, achieving a 71% decrease in waste sent to landfill compared to previous years. Congratulations.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold winner – Hull Adventure
Hull Adventure is a multi-activity centre suitable for family days out and corporate team building events. This year they gained funding to offer activity sessions for over 350 vulnerable people in Hull for just £1. Congratulations.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold winner - Lappa Valley Railway Company Limited
Lappa Valley Railway Company Limited, the only attraction in Cornwall, transporting families on an exciting nostalgic train ride into a secret world of family adventures. Families can enjoy boat rides, soft play and a recently opened accessible adventure golf course. Congratulations.
Food Outlet of the Year
Gold winner: The View at Ivy Cottage
The View at Ivy Cottage in Swansea, a café bar in a unique location on the cliffs above the beach. Whose events and traditional Welsh food are loved in the local area. Congratulations on the win.
Camping &/or Glamping Site of the Year Year (sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages)
Gold winner – Treetop Hideaways
Treetop Hideaways in Woodhall Spa has set the benchmark for camping and glamping businesses in the UK with its ground-breaking approach to accessibility, which we believe is up there with the best in the industry. The judges felt they truly delivered the brief of exceptional experiences. Congratulations
Silver winner and special recognition- Castlerigg Hall
Castlerigg Hall Campsite in Keswick stands out not only for its beautiful setting and quality facilities but also for its meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship and community well-being. This commitment to eco-friendly practices and community involvement makes it a worthy recipient of special recognition in the Land Leisure & Tourism Awards.
Hospitality Team of the Year
Gold winner – The View Café Bar
The View Café Bar in Swansea showcases commendable community values, positioning the establishment as a hub for diverse activities. The focus on team bonding and inclusivity is also praised by the judges, particularly the initiative for non-Welsh speakers to learn the language.
Silver winner – Diggerland Durham
The Diggerland Durham team have a passionate team who throw themselves into their working lives with gusto. It is clear that the team is passionate and fully dedicated to their work, which is commendable and doesn't go unnoticed.
Bronze winner – Plas Menai – The National Outdoor Centre in Caernarfon
The judges loved to see the Plas Menai team's involvement with emergency services training and their flexibility, teaching a variety of activities when needed. Their ability to work all year round, whilst staying positive through all weather conditions is admirable.
