Four Cumbrian attractions have been rated among the best in England.
National tourist board VisitEngland has announced its Attraction Accolade winners and among the 12 named in the North West are Whitehaven’s Beacon Museum, Whinlatter Forest, the Dock Museum in Barrow and the Lakes Distillery in Setmurthy. Across England, 97 venues were given an accolade.
Introduced in 2014, the accolades are available to venues which take part in VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, and celebrates those which go the extra mile.
The attractions were judged independently following on-site assessments and the marking criteria includes quality, accessibility, and sustainability on offer to visitors.
VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “It’s so exciting to see our brilliant attractions providing outstanding experiences for visitors and to recognise and showcase the variety and quality across the country.
“England has unmissable visitor attractions and experiences that deliver world-class customer service. They also provide the warmest of welcomes and unforgettable storytelling that connects the whole experience, including retail and food and drink offers that exceed expectations.”
Nigel Mills, The Lakes Distillery CEO and co-founder, said: “We are delighted to have received a Gold award for the fifth consecutive year. It is a testament to our team’s passion, commitment, and hard work at the distillery. We’re incredibly proud of what they have and continue to achieve, and will continue striving to improve so that we can offer our guests the best possible experience, whenever they visit.”
John Irving, premises manager at The Dock Museum, said: “We are over the moon to have received the Hidden Gem award from VisitEngland.
“Everyone here is passionate about sharing Barrow’s incredible story and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors through the doors of the museum in the year ahead.”
Judges awarded it 91 per cent – its highest ever score.
The VisitEngland inspection report described The Dock Museum as ‘an excellent local asset’ with ‘a fascinating collection and a vibrant and interesting temporary exhibition programme’.
It added that museum staff were friendly and helpful to visitors and their enthusiasm for the museum and local area shone through
