The Oscars of Cumbria’s tourism industry have made their an eagerly-awaited comeback, with the very best of the county’s vibrant visitor economy coming together to celebrate a host of trailblazing winners.
Hosted by former BBC reporter Dave Guest, the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2022 at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel saw 16 awards presented to high-achieving businesses from around the county.
Many of this year’s winners will now also go on to represent the county nationally at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.
Managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “Wow! It has been a privilege to bring tourism businesses together for the first time in three years to celebrate the industry’s achievements – and pay tribute to their hard work and dedication in delivering world-class experiences to visitors day in, day out.
“The breadth and depth of our sector is immense and it’s fantastic to see businesses from all corners of the county among this year’s winners. They have displayed adaptability, innovation and sheer grit during one of the most challenging periods our sector has ever experienced. It is only fitting that the majority will now go on to represent Cumbria nationally at next year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
“We should be tremendously proud of not only our award-winners, but of all of the finalists. Tourism is a lynchpin of the Cumbrian economy and all our tourism operators play a vital role in making our county an incredible place for us all to live, work and visit.”
Winners
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
- Anyone Can, Newby Bridge
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
- Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre
Large Hotel of the Year
- WINNER: Linthwaite House, Windermere
- HIGHLY COMMENDED: Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa, Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick
Small Hotel of the Year
- WINNER: Askham Hall
- HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere
B&B and Guest House of the Year
- Cedar Manor, Windermere
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Dufton Barn Holidays
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
- The Quiet Site, Ullswater
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Carlisle
Experience of the Year
- Shed 1 Gin, Ulverston
Pub of the Year
- The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale
Taste of Cumbria Award
- The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter
Makers and Producers Award
- Pure Lakes Skincare, Staveley
Wedding Venue of the Year
- Askham Hall & Bank Barn
New Tourism Business Award
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station
The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award
- Michael Wilson, The Guide over Sands Trust
To round off the night there was a special surprise presentation of the Bernard Gooch Award for Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the Year. It is the highest award collectively given by the industry for an individual’s lifelong services to tourism.
This year’s recipient, Jim Walker, has been an enthusiastic champion of the county’s tourism industry in a career spanning more than 40 years. Most recently appointed as president of Cumbria Tourism, he has a breadth of senior management experience in a range of public and private sector roles, such as the chief executive of the Lake District Estates Group and head of cultural and tourism services at South Lakeland District Council. Jim is also currently chairman of Eden Tourism Network.
