Local businesses shine in Devon Tourism Awards

It took top prize in the Holiday Park of the Year category at the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16.

Lympstone Manor also won a Gold award, for Small Hotel of the Year. 

Raceworld in Woodbury Salterton won two Silvers: Business Events Venue of the Year, and Experience of the Year for Indoor Karting.

In the Pub of the Year category, the Nightjar Inn in Aylesbeare won the Bronze award.

There were several other awards for East Devon businesses. Seaton Tramway took Gold for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism and for Experience of the Year with its Story Tram for children.

It also won two Silvers: for Large Attraction of the Year, and for Event of the Year with its Polar Express tram ride.

Lower Keats Glamping in Axminster also did well, winning Bronzes in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism category, and for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism. It also took Bronze for Glamping Business of the Year.

The Pig at Combe won a Silver for Small Hotel of the Year, and Rockbeare Manor took Gold for Wedding Venue of the Year.

The Kitchen in Sidmouth took Silver in Cafe/Tearoom of the Year, and The Donkey Sanctuary book Bronze in Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Congratulating all this year's winners, awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism said: “What an extraordinary industry and county this is! Whatever is thrown at this sector there is a dynamic core that bypasses the hurdles and continues to innovate and invest – and what’s also great is that entries into the awards are up – especially in the New Tourism Business, Ethical Responsible and Sustainable, and Accessible and Inclusive Tourism categories – all of them so central to a thriving region.”

Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will now be fast-tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March and possibly into the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.