The finalists have been announced for the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year award, sponsored by Norfolk and Suffolk Tourist Attractions (NSTA), at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023.

This award aims to acknowledge a small visitor attraction business in our region which is providing outstanding experiences for guests and excelling in all areas.

Here are this year's finalists.

 

The Comet: BugzUK in Lenwade, Norfolk showcases over 200 different species of invertebrateBugzUK in Lenwade, Norfolk showcases over 200 different species of invertebrate (Image: BugzUK)

BugzUK

BugzUK is a new ‘all-invertebrate zoo’ based in Lenwade, Norfolk. Originally built by founder Martin French to house his burgeoning collection of weird and wonderful minibeasts, it now showcases over 200 different species in three visitor centres.

Guests can see all manner of creatures, from a leaf-cutting ant colony to scorpions that glow under UV light, in addition to a butterfly and shell museum and more. They can also get up close and personal with some of the minibeasts at a handling session before visiting the gift shop, outside play area and butterfly-themed cafe on site.

The park took over two years to be built, with many delays and unexpected costs arising from the pandemic and Brexit. But, since it was finally able to open in May 2022, it has received many positive reviews and has its sights set on further expansion in the future.

The judges said that “this is a unique attraction” in our region and praised the variety of species for those enjoying the attraction to learn about and discover.

They were also very impressed with the food quality in the café, amounting to a “great overall experience” at BugzUK.

 

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Located near Much Hadham in Hertfordshire, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens (HMS&G) is the former home and workplace of sculptor Henry Moore and the headquarters of The Henry Moore Foundation, the largest artist-endowed grant-giving foundation in Europe.

The 70-acre site, where Henry Moore lived with his family for nearly half a century, offers a unique insight into the artist’s working practice and showcases his renowned monumental bronze sculptures in the landscape in which they were created.

Visitors can also visit the artist’s former home and see other examples of Henry Moore’s work, from carvings to plasters and drawings to tapestries, across six studios, plus there is an onsite café and gift shop.

HMS&G also presents annual exhibitions and is home to the Henry Moore Archive, the largest single-artist archives in the world.

The judges liked the “attention to detail” and overall offering at this attraction. In particular, the family activity packs, which they said are great for “keeping children engaged and interested in the park”.

They said that HMS&G “showcases amazing sculptures by Henry Moore where nature and art blend together seamlessly” and added that “overall, all staff are enthusiastic, professional and work hard to build a rapport with guests”.

 

The Comet: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve near King's Lynn offers guests the chance to see over 25 different ungulate speciesWatatunga Wildlife Reserve near King's Lynn offers guests the chance to see over 25 different ungulate species (Image: JBS Dog Photography)

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is a 170-acre site near King’s Lynn, Norfolk that is home to over 25 types of deer, antelope and rare birds.

The business opened in August 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and is managed and owned by the Pope family, who have been custodians on the wider estate for several generations.

Over 25 different ungulate species are allowed to roam free on the site, with visitors able to see them in their natural state via guided tours in self-drive buggies or trailers.

Watatunga is also home to fully accessible self-catering accommodation, and hosts private tours, experiences, school trips and a Forest school all year round.

The small team of staff is committed to sharing the stories of the species found at Watatunga and also collaborates with international zoos and safari parks to run breeding programmes for some of the world’s most endangered animals.

The judges were impressed with the fact that Watatunga “is dedicated to the conservation of our wildlife” and felt that the park was “extremely educational, whilst also interesting and fun”.

They also praised the team members at Watatunga, commenting that they “deliver an amazing experience and share their knowledge well”.

The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 will be announced at a black-tie event held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday, March 16.

To view the full East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 finalists supplement, please click here.