Winners Revealed: Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2020

Shining stars of the local tourism industry were announced at the prestigious Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards last night (5 March).

Designed to recognise and reward excellence in the area’s valuable £2.3 billion visitor economy, the awards brought together 31 finalists in 11 categories for a glittering ceremony at Buxton’s Grade II* listed Devonshire Dome.

Some of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s finest hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, pubs, visitor attractions and experiences were amongst those recognised at the awards evening, which was organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund.

Demonstrating the quality and diversity of the area’s tourism offer, awards were hotly contested and nominees progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by panels of experts to arrive at last night’s much anticipated awards ceremony.

The evening was enhanced by a sparkling drinks reception which included tastings from White Peak Distillery, the area’s first full-scale craft distillery, and a three-course meal prepared by students from the University of Derby’s Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism.

Host James Berresford, former CEO of VisitEngland, congratulated finalists as Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners were announced, shining a spotlight on the best of the area’s visitor economy.

Gold award winners were each presented with a hand-crafted plaque sponsored by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery.

In a further boost, Gold winners will now represent the Peak District and Derbyshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence on Tuesday 16 June in Hull.

Brendan Moffett, of sponsors the University of Derby, said: “We’re delighted to host this wonderful celebration of the area’s tourism industry at the prestigious Devonshire Dome in Buxton.”

“The University of Derby is keen to use our location at the heart of the Peak District to continue to support the growth of our excellent tourism businesses and develop the next generation of talent to meet future challenges, ensuring the industry can remain strong and competitive.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “It is our privilege to celebrate some of the talented businesses who offer that extra special service and experience for some of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s 42 million visitors each year.”

“All of our finalists are shining examples of quality, excellence and innovation. It is this emphasis on quality that keeps us firmly on the map as a world-class visitor destination. Congratulations to all our worthy winners and finalists!”

The Winners:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

• GOLD: Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
• Silver: Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
• Bronze: Hope Cross Cottage at Vicarage Farm, Wheston

B&B and Guest House of the Year

• GOLD: Underleigh House, Hope
• Silver: Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

• GOLD: Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
• Silver: Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
• Bronze: Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

• GOLD: Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
• Silver: The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley

Experience of the Year

• GOLD: Pure Outdoor Ltd
• Silver: Acclimbatize Ltd
• Bronze: Live for the Hills Ltd

Hotel of the Year

• GOLD: The Peacock at Rowsley
• Silver: CASA Hotel, Chesterfield
• Bronze: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Chesterfield

New Tourism Business Award

• GOLD: White Peak Distillery, Ambergate
• Silver: myGuidedWalks Ltd
• Bronze: Tagg Lane Dairy Ltd, Monyash

Pub of the Year

• GOLD: The Prince of Wales Village Pub & Restaurant, Baslow
• Silver: The Devonshire Arms, Beeley
• Bronze: The Royal Oak, Hurdlow

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

• GOLD: Ashford Mill, Ashford-in-the-Water
• Silver: Peak District Holidays Ltd, Matlock Bath
• Bronze: Peak Venues – Redhurst Barn, Wetton

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire

• GOLD: Fischer’s Baslow Hall
• Silver: The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
• Bronze: The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Visitor Attraction of the Year

• GOLD: Chatsworth
• Silver: Matlock Farm Park
• Bronze: Haddon Hall