Trailblazing businesses from across Cumbria’s vibrant visitor economy gathered at Kendal’s Castle Green hotel last night, Tuesday 2 July, to hear the results of the highly-anticipated Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024.
It’s a landmark year for the awards, which coincide with Cumbria Tourism’s 50th anniversary and give the county’s world-class tourism operators the chance to share their stand-out success stories and generate positive publicity for their businesses.
Hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria’s Mike Zeller and sponsored by Electricity North West, the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024 saw 16 main awards presented to a diverse range of high-achieving businesses, including:
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024 winners are:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Sponsored by Cumberland Council
- Kendal Calling
- The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness (highly commended)
- Outdoor Mobility (highly commended)
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Sponsored by Dodd & Co
- Sunnyside Guest House, Keswick
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
Sponsored by Burnetts
- Skelwith Fold, Ambleside
Experience of the Year
Sponsored by H&H Reeds
- Mountain Goat Tours
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
Sponsored by Westmorland & Furness Council
- The Quiet Site, Ullswater
Large Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Christie & Co
- North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith
Pub of the Year
Sponsored by Napthens
- George & Dragon Clifton
New Tourism Business Award
Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley
- Force Cafe and Terrace, Ambleside
Small Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Colliers
- Queens Head, Troutbeck
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Sponsored by The Cumberland
- Netherby Hall, Carlisle
Taste of Cumbria – Casual Dining Award
Sponsored by The White Horse Inn, King's Meaburn
- The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere
Taste of Cumbria – Fine Dining Award
Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore
- 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
Sponsored by the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Levens Hall, near Kendal
Wedding Venue of the Year
Sponsored by H&H Insurance Brokers
- 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. This 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: Cumbria’s £1billion food and drink sector and all the exceptional people behind it.
Maria Whitehead MBE, co-founder of the internationally successful and award winning artisan Cumbrian company, 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.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “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.
“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.
Cumbria Tourism is grateful to its sponsors for making the competition possible. They include headline sponsor Electricity North West, along with all of the individual category sponsors. The event is also supported by Lawson Design, EWGA Wines and Mr & Mrs Jones Events.
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