Mike Harper, managing director Newsquest South East, congratulates the winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023.
The East of England Tourism Awards is one of the stand-out events in the business calendar. And this year’s event was no exception.
Held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday, March 16, the awards offered the tourism sector the chance for a well-deserved night off - and the vital opportunity to highlight some of the incredible work being done here in the East.
The contribution to our regional economy must never be underplayed:
- The annual visitor economy of the region is around £10 billion
- Each year more than 140 million day-trippers enjoy attractions in the East and there are 10 million staying visits
- And it employs around 240,000 people
Our fantastic ceremony was attended by the industry’s leading lights, and all of our finalists and winners deserve the plaudits – particularly our local businesses, which are featured below, along with a full list of the winners.
The event is held in association with Visit East of England, and in partnership with Visit England Awards for Excellence, and the finalists of each category will go through to these national awards for judging. Fingers crossed, East Anglia will be well represented at these awards, held later in the year.
A massive thank you to our headline sponsor Hoseasons and all of our category sponsors - the awards could not go ahead without them.
Also thank you to our drinks partner Larking Gowen and, of course, the outstanding Milsoms Kesgrave Hall Hotel.
It was wonderful to hear from Paul Evans, vice president of property and portfolio at Hoseasons, before the guests tucked into a delightful three-course meal.
And they didn’t go away empty-handed thanks to the super Adnams goodie bags.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who donated to The Burnt Chef Project, in partnership with Bread Hospitality, which raises awareness and offers support on mental health issues for those working in the sector.
Thank you all for a brilliant night and good luck with the summer season - I am sure there will be even more to celebrate in 2024.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter took the gold award in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
This unique attraction in Watford, Hertfordshire offers fans the opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of the most successful film series of all time.
Located at the studios where all eight Harry Potter films were produced, WBSTL has welcomed over 16 million visitors since opening in March 2012.
The attraction showcases the British talent and artistry that went into creating the Wizarding World – letting visitors step onto authentic sets, discover the magic behind special effects and explore the hidden secrets of the film series.
The judges described WBSTL as “a powerhouse of an experience for all the family” and an “explosive assault on the senses throughout, so much so that a sensory room has now been incorporated into the tour so that weary guests can take a break halfway through.”
They also said the attention to detail throughout is “phenomenal”, adding that “every minute detail of every film has been incorporated into the tour such that even an enthusiast could find answers to any question they may want answering”.
Local finalists
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Bronze: Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Located near Much Hadham in Hertfordshire, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens is the former home and workplace of the sculptor. The 70-acre site offers a unique insight into his working practice and showcases his renowned monumental bronze sculptures.
- Large Hotel of the Year
Bronze: Tewinbury Farm Hotel
Originally a dairy farm, Tewinbury Farm Hotel is a 700-acre luxury countryside retreat in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
The 4-AA star hotel includes a children’s play area, cocktail bar, cookery school and the Farm Yard, a live music and street food venue.
The full list of winners
- B&B and Guest House of the Year
Winner: Dairy Barns – Hickling, Norfolk
- Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Sponsored by Next Phase Leisure and Sunseeker Holiday Homes
Winner: Clippesby Hall Holiday Park – Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Winner: Retreat East – Coddenham, Suffolk
- Experience of the Year
Sponsored by insight6
Winner: PrimEVIL – Lenwade, Norfolk
- Large Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants
Winner: Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate – Hatfield Heath, Essex
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsored by Howes Percival
Winner: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter – Watford, Hertfordshire
- New Tourism Business of the Year
Sponsored by Swiss Camplings
Winner: Thorington Theatre – Saxmundham, Suffolk
- Pub of the Year
Sponsored by Everard Cole
Winner: The Lion Brasserie – East Bergholt, Suffolk
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Winner: RSPB Minsmere – Saxmundham, Suffolk
- Small Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by John Doe Carpets & Furniture
Winner: The Crown and Castle – Orford, Suffolk
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsored by Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions
Winner: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve – King’s Lynn, Norfolk
- Taste of East of England Award
Sponsored by Adnams
Winner: The Unruly Pig – Bromeswell, Suffolk
- Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Sponsored by cottages.com
Winner: The Suffolk Escape – Hintlesham, Suffolk
- Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
Sponsored by Hoseasons
Winner: Philip Turner, The Chestnut Group – located across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire
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