Latest news with #VisitEngland
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Telegraph
This museum has been named England's best
A cynic might suggest that, far from being a brief moment in the calendar, 'awards season' never ends. If it is not the film industry doling out statuettes, then it is time for sporting tributes, art accolades, or the shiny gongs that draw pop stars to black-tie events. So it should be no surprise that the travel world has been wearing its fanciest outfits in the last few days – via the Visit England Awards for Excellence. As the name suggests, this yearly ceremony beams a light onto this country's big achievers in the tourism sector. The winners' list offered hat-tips to everything from major sites like the Royal Crescent in Bath and the National Space Centre in Leicester to self-catering cottages in Cornwall, country pubs in Derbyshire and Devon – and the Ad Gefrin distillery in Northumberland. Yet tucked among these many plaudits was a triumph that some might argue was overdue. The winner in the 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year' category was the Black Country Living Museum (BCLM); an institution that can hardly be described as 'new' – but which has long done splendid work as a treasure trove of British heritage. It arrived on the map in 1978, but its remit looks back even further, into the mists of the 19th century. Technically, the Black Country Living Museum covers a 300-year chunk of history, but its focus is mainly on the window of time between 1850 and 1950, when the Industrial Revolution had prompted a period of almost unprecedented productivity, sweat and toil in this corner of the West Midlands. There is no precise geographical definition of 'the Black Country', but its boundaries are generally deemed to encompass Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton (while stopping just short of Birmingham). Academic opinion varies on whether its moniker refers to the rich coal seam that was mined in the area, or the high levels of soot that haunted its air (and with it, its residents' faces) in the 19th century – but the connection to heavy industry is implicit. The museum in Dudley digs into the epoch almost as effectively as colliers' pickaxes once clawed at the prized materials buried in the ground. Unlike many of Britain's industrial landmarks, which have been refurbished to a 'higher' purpose – the one-time Bankside and Battersea Power Stations in London, reinvented as Tate Modern and a retail and restaurant complex, respectively; the former Baltic Flour Mill in Gateshead, now repurposed as a contemporary art gallery – the BCLM revels in the dirt underneath its fingernails. An impressive 26 acres in scope, it makes use of a site which incorporates many of the essential elements of Britain's industrial era – a railway goods yard, coal pits, lime kilns, a section of the Dudley Canal. Although many of the buildings have been transposed to the site, they have been brought in – and in many cases, spared from demolition – from the surrounding area. Thus there is an 1860s brass foundry from Walsall, an 1880s nail forge from Halesowen, and a 1920s rolling mill from Oldbury. All of them contribute to a pleasing clamour and clang. Visitors can watch links being fired at a chainmaker's smithy, or take a narrowboat ride into the (somewhat claustrophobic) confines of the Dudley Tunnel. And there are stores which remember a more innocent everyday commerce: a turn-of-the-century sweet shop, a Victorian pharmacy, a gentlemen's outfitters preserved as it would have looked in 1935. There are trams and trolleybuses too, and a collection of cars – from makers as lost to view as Sunbeam, Clyno, AJS and Star – that drove these streets in the 1910s and 1920s. If all this sounds like a dreary vision from a particularly rainy school trip, then, as a relatively biased witness – I grew up in the area – I can happily vouch for the BCLM as an entirely welcome alternative to a day in a 1980s classroom. It seems to have retained its charm in the 21st century too. When I took my primary-school-aged son to visit it a few summers ago, he spent most of a sunny afternoon learning to hoop-roll down one of the site's steeper cobbled lanes. Simple pleasures and all that. There is one element of newness to a museum whose whole ethos is its avowed refusal to keep up with the times – the recent £30million redevelopment that has stretched its reference points into the living memory of the 1960s, with all the music, burgeoning technology and rapidly changing fashions that such time-travel entails. This 'update' is one of the reasons for the BCLM's success at the Visit England Awards – although would-be day-trippers can be assured that the museum remains defiantly stuck in the past.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'I could not be happier' - Cumbrian castle employee wins Unsung Hero award
An employee at Muncaster Castle has been recognised with an Unsung Hero award. Hannah Clapp won the award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finals. Her hard work and behind-the-scenes contributions at the castle were celebrated at the ceremony in Brighton. Hannah Clapp with her Unsung Hero award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finals (Image: Supplied) This national achievement follows Ms Clapp's previous success at the 2024 Cumbria Tourism Awards, where she won the regional Unsung Hero title. She was then able to secure a place in the VisitEngland finals. Ms Clapp, head of experiences at Muncaster Castle, said: "I am absolutely delighted that all the hard work we put in at Muncaster has been recognised at a national level in the tourism Oscars. "I could not be happier. "It is such an exciting time to be at Muncaster and a huge thank you to everyone for their support." The team at Muncaster Castle said they are proud of Hannah's achievement. A spokesperson for the Cumbrian castle said: "Her recognition at this level is a testament not only to her personal commitment but also to the passion and hard work of everyone working to share Muncaster Magic with the world."
Time Out
05-06-2025
- Time Out
This is officially the best hotel in England
You don't always need to get on a plane to have a luxurious break. There's plenty of brilliant places to stay right here in the UK. In fact, one hotel in particular is so good that it has just been named the best across the whole of England. VisitEngland, the country's official tourism board, are experts when it comes to where to go and what to do. Putting their all-seeing, all-knowing influence to good use, each year they conduct the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which celebrate 'those who have gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional travel experiences'. There are a few categories, but one of the big ones is 'Large Hotel of the Year', and not just because of the size of the property. There are thousands of high-quality hotels in England, but only one can be awarded the gold. According to VisitEngland's criteria, the winner must be a 'full-service hotel' and be 'providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business'. This year, that honour goes to… the Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Warwickshire! Mallory Court was described by the judges as providing 'a serene base' which is 'set within 10 acres of landscaped gardens'. When you look out your window and are met with rolling Warwickshire hills, it's hard to disagree. The spa comes complete with gorgeous views of the grounds, access to a pool, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. There's even a well-maintained garden you can walk through to clear your mind. VisitEngland also commended the hotel's 'strong commitment to sustainability, incorporating homegrown produce and eco-conscious practices along with its high-end touches'. If you do fancy leaving the grounds (although we can't see why you would), its proximity to nearby towns Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon is also a plus. Other accommodation categories included 'Small Hotel of the Year', which was won by the Summer Lodge Hotel in Dorset, 'B&B and Guesthouse of the Year', claimed by Sunnyside Guest House, Merseyside, and 'Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year', named as the Treworgey Cottages in Cornwall. Both the cottages and the Lodge Hotel are both quite rural, so clearly escaping to the countryside is firmly in. You can learn more about the rest of the Awards for Excellence, such as what 'cow cuddling' is and where you can get involved, on VisitEngland's website here. Planning your 2025 staycations If you're currently on the hunt for a perfect 2025 getaway, here's our favourite family friendly holiday digs. But you deserve to have fun too – here's some tree houses you can rent out for something a little different. We've also got guides to the country's cosiest cabins, and the coolest castles you can stay overnight in.
Metro
05-06-2025
- Metro
England's top tourist experience is ‘perfect' — animal lovers want to live there
From historical castles and monuments, to brand-new food tours, shows and museums, England has so much to offer visitors who come in their droves. And it's not just those flying in from abroad who explore the likes of Cornwall's beaches or the Liverpool's nightlife – it seems we love being tourists at home, with Brits taking 906 million day trips and 90 million overnight trips in England last year. So, if you're looking for some staycation inspo, look no further: Visit England have announced the winners of their Awards for Excellence, which recognise the best tourism businesses across the country. And when it came to the best experience that the country has to offer, it was an unexpected visit to a farm that claimed the top spot. Head north to Yorkshire, and book yourself onto Dumble Farm's Cow Cuddling & Highland Cow Experience. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Nestled in Arram, near to Beverley in East Yorkshire, Dumble is a working farm with a focus on conservation and sustainability. At the heart of their work is caring for their 65 plus strong herd of Highland cows. As well as educating visitors about this endangered species, Dumble Farm say spending time with the cows has a calming effect and a positive impact on general well-being. And that's where cuddling comes in. Visitors on the three and a half hour tour get up close and personal with the 'affectionate and gentle' animals. There's a meeting with the adorable young cows, which guests can groom and get to know. Then it's onto the cuddle cows who are 'nearly always lying down' meaning visitors can lie back and relax with the animals. Then there's a safari around the farm, during which there's an opportunity to feed Highland cows from a trailer, before heading back for tea and cakes. The £95 price tag goes towards supporting the farm's conservation work. More Trending And, tourists have certainly not been disappointed after booking onto the tour, calling it the 'best day ever'. 'I would live here if I could,' wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer who did the tour in April. While another said: 'Don't think about it, do it'. And a third called it 'moo-sively impressive'. If you want to book onto the tour, you'll need to plan ahead. Tickets are snapped up fast, with a release dropping a month in advance. Cow cuddling stops for the summer though, so you'll have to wait until autumn before you can have start snuggling. Metro's Lifestyle Reporter, Courtney Pochin, tried cow cuddling at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood. As well as dairy cows, Hopefield is home to donkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, Shetland ponies, cats, rabbits, alpacas, reindeer, a boa constrictor, parrots, and a fox. There are also several exotic animals such as tanukis and skunks. 'As I entered the field, two Friesian cows, Jude and Devon ambled over. I know it sounds silly, but as most of the viral cow cuddling videos I'd seen online had featured much smaller calves, when these two gentle giants plodded over, my jaw dropped. 'There was no way I was ever going to be able to get my arms around them for a proper cuddle, although a taller (and braver) person might have been able to do so. 'Despite their somewhat intimidating size, however, Jude and Devon were just like big dogs. They licked my hand, allowed me to scratch their necks and backs, and were playful when it came to getting treats. 'A fun fact I discovered about cows is that they drool rather a lot, so feeding them by hand gets pretty messy. I just about managed to escape without getting slobber in my hair (my clothes weren't quite as fortunate). 'While suffice to say it wasn't quite the therapeutic experience TikTok had sold me on, there's no denying that it was a great activity for my general wellbeing. It was something different, it was fun, and I felt like Jude and I had become pals by the end. I left with a big smile on my face.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest reveal 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Grand Wiltshire home of former Prime Minister gets top award
A former Prime Minister's home has been been recognised as one of the top visitor attractions in the country. Arundells, the former home of Conservative leader Sir Edward Heath, has been awarded VisitEngland's Quality Assured Visitor Attraction status. The historic house, located in Cathedral Close, Salisbury, was given an overall quality score of 86 per cent following its first inspection by VisitEngland. The house was described as "unexpectedly captivating" with a "refreshingly personal and authentic" atmosphere and "immersive charm." Read more: Why Thames Water was hit with record breaking fine by Ofwat The volunteers were also praised for their warmth and knowledge. The report also highlighted the well-maintained gardens, preserved interiors, and the unique opportunity to step into the private world of one of Britain's former Prime Ministers. Luke Futcher, events and marketing manager at Arundells, said: "We are delighted to receive this national recognition from VisitEngland. "It reflects the care and commitment of our staff and volunteers, and the distinctive, high-quality experience we strive to offer every visitor." This recognition adds to a successful year for Arundells. Earlier in 2025, the house achieved Arts Council England Accredited Museum status, and in the spring, it won the Visitor Experience Award at the Salisbury Business Excellence Awards. Arundells was originally a medieval canonry, with the first recorded occupant being Henry of Blunston, Archdeacon of Dorset, who lived there from 1291 until his death in 1316. The house has seen many occupants over the centuries, including Leonard Bilson, who was pilloried and imprisoned for acts of sorcery and magic in 1571, and Sir Richard Mompesson, who undertook major restoration works in 1609. The name "Arundells" comes from James Everard Arundell, son of the 6th Lord Arundell, who married John Wyndham's daughter, Ann. The Arundells were a distinguished Roman Catholic family. Read more: Building 700 homes at old golf course 'best option' for the area Arundells hosted the Godolphin Girls School (and later a boys boarding school) between 1839 and 1844. During the Second World War, the house was used by the Red Cross as a centre for their library service and as a wool depot. The property fell into disrepair and demolition was considered following a long period of neglect. Extensive refurbishment works were undertaken by Mr and Mrs Robert Hawkings in 1964. Sir Edward Heath, who lived at Arundells from 1985 until his death in 2005, bequeathed the house to the Charitable Foundation set up in his name. He wanted as many people as possible to "share the beauty of Arundells" and enjoy his diverse and personal collection of artwork, photographs, sailing memorabilia and political cartoons.
