Latest news with #LargeVisitorAttractionoftheYear
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Visit West Midlands attraction crowned best tourist spot in UK
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley has been named the best tourist attraction in the UK, beating out the likes of Alton Towers, Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace A rising star has emerged from the West Midlands, recently crowned as the nation's top tourist attraction, outshining theme parks, castles and Royal residences. Every year, VisitEngland hosts its esteemed Awards for Excellence, honouring the crème de la crème of English tourism. One of the most sought-after awards is Large Visitor Attraction of the Year - and this year, the accolade has been awarded to an unexpected winner: The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. Spanning 29 acres, this open-air museum brings 250 years of industrial history in the region to life, offering a raw and immersive glimpse into the soot, steam and steel that shaped modern Britain. Visitors can amble along cobbled streets, pop into reconstructed pubs and shops, and engage with costumed characters from every era of the Black Country's colourful past. If you've ever pondered exactly where the Black Country is, it's the part of the West Midlands that fuelled the Industrial Revolution - all furnaces, foundries and famously robust accents. The museum recently finished a £30 million redevelopment, its most ambitious project since 1978. The updates extend the historical journey to include the 1940s through the 1960s, showcasing postwar culture, vintage technology, and evolving social attitudes, reports the Express. There's even a coal mine to explore - and what some argue to be the best fish and chips in the region. Peaky Blinders enthusiasts will instantly recognise this spot - it's a prime filming location for the hit series, inviting you to pop on a flat cap and embrace your inner Tommy Shelby. The attraction boasts an impressive 4.4-star rating on Tripadvisor, based on over 6,000 reviews. Lilith G shared: "Beautiful place. All the actors had so much information to offer. The guy in the hardware store even had a four candels/fork handles joke ready." Choxbird reported: "I spent a few hours here on a recent visit ... Its an excellent museum with lots to see as you walk round ... I even did the 30 min tour down the mine which was very informative .. There are old buses and trams to ride around on too ... A good day out." Meanwhile, Angela recalled: "We have had a fantastic day out. While the price has increased since the last time we visited it has definitely been worth it. So much has changed and been added." Merely a stone's throw from Birmingham, with the bonus of free returns during the day included in your entry fee, visitors commonly allocate about five hours to take in all that's up for grabs. Not just a journey through history, but also a treat for seafood lovers—Dudley's Black Country Living Museum is making waves in tourism.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best of the best: Attractions, accommodation providers and a pub win tourism awards
A MUSEUM, sculpture park attraction and a seafront bed and breakfast were among the winners at a showcase celebrating excellence in the local tourism industry. It came as winners of the 12th Dorset Tourism Awards were announced. The event was the conclusion of five months of independent judging as hospitality businesses of all kinds were recognised for their excellence in customer service, sustainability, digital communications and accessibility. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester is celebrating after securing two prestigious accolades - the International Tourism Award and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. Museum bosses say the attraction has gone from 'strength to strength' in the last couple of years and its expansive exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events continue to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond. One of this year's standout attractions is the 'Gladiators of Britain' exhibition, running until May 11. (Image: © Nick Williams)'We are thrilled to receive these awards, which are a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our incredible staff and volunteers,' said Claire Dixon, Executive Director at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. She added: 'We take immense pride in preserving and sharing Dorset's rich history and heritage, and it's wonderful to see our efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform.' Meanwhile, Sculpture by the Lakes at Pallington east of Dorchester won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and the Casual Dining Award. (Image: Photo by Ian Plested -IPVisuals)Owner Simon Gudgeon said: 'We couldn't have achieved this success without our dedicated colleagues who work tirelessly to make our destination an exceptional, memorable experience for every single visitor. 'We have continually tweaked and nurtured the Sculpture by the Lakes offering over the past 14 years to deliver something truly unique in Dorset." There were celebrations too at the Gresham on Weymouth Esplanade which won B&B and Guesthouse of the Year. The resort's Channel View Guesthouse clinched Silver. Louise Matthews of the Gresham said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won. (Image: Photo by Ian Plested -IPVisuals)"Four years ago (almost to the day) when we bought the Gresham we didn't imagine we'd ever achieve this amazing accolade. We've worked hard, had our fair share of trials and tribulations along the way but mostly we've had fun and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. "This wouldn't be possible without our amazing team and the wonderful guests who choose to stay with us - thank you one and all." (Image: Photo by Ian Plested -IPVisuals)The Acorn Inn at Evershot won Pub of the Year, an accolade it has previously won. Natalie Legg, who runs the pub with husband Rich, said: "We are thrilled to have won and the entire team is delighted. "Everyone is currently enjoying a well-deserved break during our seasonal closure, but we will look forward to celebrating together next week. "It is an amazing accomplishment which reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire team." Also at Evershot - and another previous winner - the Summer Lodge Hotel won Small Hotel of the Year. (Image: Photo by Ian Plested -IPVisuals) Jack Mackenzie from the hotel said: "It was wonderful to receive this fantastic recognition. "We have managed to win this award for two consecutive years, and it really is testament to the amazing work done by our fantastic team who all do so much to make our guests feel so special and well cared for. "It really is a privilege to be part of such a wonderful group and to welcome our guests into such a beautiful and unspoiled part of the world." Greenwood Grange at Bockhampton near Dorchester won Self Catering Accommodation of the Year and Katie Stamper from the holiday cottages business said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have won. (Image: Photo by Ian Plested -IPVisuals)"Our family has been in the Dorset leisure industry for over 30 years, spanning three generations, and we couldn't be more proud to have brought Greenwood Grange back into local family ownership. "A huge thank you to our incredible team - you're the heart and soul of what makes Greenwood Grange so special. Here's to creating many more unforgettable holidays in beautiful Dorset." Other local winners included Monkton Wyld Holiday Park (Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year) while Jenny Ashley from the business was the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award. Furthermore, Dorset Forest Garden Glamping near Beaminster won Glamping Business of the Year and Durdle Door Holiday Park was Holiday Park of the Year). Guests at the awards ceremony, held at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on Friday night, were inspired by a presentation from Portland-based Olympic stars Etienne Stott and Laura Baldwin, who shared their tips on the importance of winning and environmental protection. A total of 61 winner trophies were presented including a Winner of Winners award to Careys Secret Garden - a wild, walled Victorian garden near Wareham which has undergone extensive restoration - and a special Outstanding Contribution award to Professor Peter Jones for his work in skills development and accessibility. Many of the Gold winners in the Dorset Awards will also be nominated to represent Dorset in the national VisitEngland awards later in the year. The full list of winners can be seen below (alphabetical order) ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Bournemouth University Business School Gold - Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth Silver - Brownsea Island – National Trust, Poole Bronze - Studland Bay, National Trust, Studland B&B AND GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Goadsby Gold - The Gresham Guest House, Weymouth Silver - Channel View Guesthouse, Weymouth BUSINESS EVENTS VENUE OF THE YEAR sponsored by sponsored by Saffery Gold - Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth Silver - Lighthouse, Poole Bronze - Merley House Events, Wimborne Commended - Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester CAFÉ/TEAROOM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Clipper Gold - Compton Acres Café Tearooms, Poole Silver - The Upwey Wishing Well Tearoom and Water Gardens, Weymouth Bronze - Garden Gate Tea Room, Wareham CAMPING & CARAVANNING PARK OF THE YEAR sponsored by Holidaymaker App Gold - Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, near Bridport Silver - Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park, St Leonards Coppet Hill Partners, Bridport Bronze - South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Lytchett Minster CASUAL DINING AWARD sponsored by Dorset Food & Drink Gold - Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington Silver - Poco Pizza, Lyme Regis DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Polygon Pets Gold - Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park, St Leonards Silver - Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington Commended - Lulworth Castle & Park ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Voltshare Gold - Careys Secret Garden, Wareham Silver - West Dorset Leisure Holidays Highlands End, near Bridport Commended - Sandford Holiday Park Parkdean Resorts, Holton Heath EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Les Enfants Terribles Gold - Osprey Cruises - Birds of Poole Harbour Silver - Hidden Dorset Half Day - Sea Kayak Dorset, Portland Bronze - Alpaca Trekking Experience – Longthorns Farm, near Bovington Yoga Retreats, Mellulah Yoga Retreats, Evershot GLAMPING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Anytime Booking Gold - Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, near Beaminster Silver - Loose Reins Dorset, Blandford Forum Longthorns Farm, near Bovington HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR sponsored by Tozers Gold - Durdle Door Holiday Park INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Dorset LEP Gold - Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR sponsored by Gold - Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Christchurch Silver - Moonfleet Manor Hotel, near Weymouth Commended - Holiday Inn, Bournemouth RNLI College, Poole LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Resort Dorset Gold - Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester Silver - Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, near Poole Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Ashley Heath Bronze - Brownsea Island – National Trust, Poole Commended - Nothe Fort (operated by Weymouth Civic Society), Weymouth Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Bournemouth OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DORSET TOURISM sponsored by NFU Mutual, Bournemouth Professor Peter Jones PUB OF THE YEAR sponsored by Black Cow Vodka Gold - The Acorn Inn, Evershot Silver- The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR sponsored by Winederful Gold - The Jetty, Christchurch Silver - St Tropez Lounge, Poole Upper Deck Restaurant, Christchurch Bronze - Al Molo, Dorchester SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Quality in Tourism Gold - Greenwood Grange, near Dorchester Silver - Manor Farm Barns Dorset, Melbury Abbas Bronze - No. 2 Coastguards Cottage, Wareham SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR sponsored by Hospitality Assured Gold - Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot SMALL VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR sponsored by AGI Gold - Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington Silver - Careys Secret Garden, Wareham Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Bronze - Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe Commended - West Bay Discovery Centre TOURISM EVENT / FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR sponsored by Tomorrows Travel Gold - Arts by the Sea 2023, Bournemouth Bournemouth Writing Festival 2024, Bournemouth Silver - Inside Out Dorset 2023, Dorchester Bronze - Swanage Regatta & Carnival 2024, Swanage Commended - Rang Barse: Colours over Corfe Castle 2024 UNSUNG HERO AWARD sponsored by VisitDorset Gold - Jenny Ashley, Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, near Bridport Silver - Charlie Brazier, Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, near Poole WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR sponsored by The Little House Dorset Gold - Abbots Court, Blandford Forum Silver - Lulworth Castle & Park Bronze - Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe Commended - Merley House Events, Wimborne WINNER OF WINNERS sponsored by Dorset LEP Careys Secret Garden, Wareham
