Derbyshire Tourism Awards

Success for Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and Matlock Farm Park at Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023

North Derbyshire businesses Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and Matlock Farm Park are all celebrating, after picking up ‘gold’ accolades at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023.

The awards culminated in a glittering awards ceremony attended by 180 people at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March.

Some of the area’s finest visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers were amongst those recognised at the awards, designed to showcase excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, this year’s awards celebrated the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s valuable contribution to the local economy.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023 were hotly contested and finalists progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts.

Finalists, guests and partners enjoyed a drinks reception sponsored by Global Brands followed by a three-course formal dinner in the stunning surroundings of Casa Hotel’s Barcelona Suite.

Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt, Chair of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, opened proceedings saying: “I am delighted to be here to celebrate with you all and to help the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire team champion the very best of the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses.

“I have learnt through my involvement with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire that we each have our own businesses, our own challenges and our own opportunities for growth but when we work together, we can, and we do achieve so much more.”

Host Andy Miller compered the event as Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners were revealed. Gold winners were each presented with hand-crafted awards, designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners each received a certificate identifying them as one of the finest tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will now progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of all that’s great about the tourism industry locally, and recognise its vital importance to the economy as well as the hard work, talent and dedication of those who work in this important sector.

“The quality and diversity of our tourism offer is immense and, in light of the many difficulties faced by the industry over the past three years, we should be tremendously proud of not only our award-winners, but of all our finalists. They have shown adaptability, innovation, and commitment to delivering world-class experiences to visitors day in, day out and help make the Peak District and Derbyshire such a fantastic place to live, work and visit. Congratulations everyone!”

Full list of finalists and winners at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • GOLD: Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Silver: Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • Bronze: LEVEL Centre, Rowsley

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • GOLD: Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Silver: Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • GOLD: Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington
  • Silver: Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Bronze: Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • GOLD: Pure Outdoor
  • Silver: myGuidedWalks
  • Bronze: Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock

Experience of the Year

  • GOLD: myGuidedWalks
  • Silver: Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Bronze: Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • GOLD: Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne
  • Silver: Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Bronze: The Maynard, Grindleford

New Tourism Business Award

  • GOLD: Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Silver: Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Bronze: The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • GOLD: The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • Silver: The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage
  • Bronze: The George, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • GOLD: Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Silver: Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • GOLD: The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Silver: Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale
  • Bronze: Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • GOLD: Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Silver: The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Bronze: The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell

Team of the Year

  • GOLD: The Maynard Team
  • Silver: Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Bronze: Hattersley Wines

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • GOLD: Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Silver: Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Bronze: Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • GOLD: Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Silver: Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor
  • Bronze: Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • GOLD: Matlock Farm Park
  • Silver: Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Bronze: Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Gold winners at the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

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Shortlist revealed for 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the 2023 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a fantastic celebration of the passionate, hardworking and distinctive businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism offer to visitors and investors from across the country, but they also highlight the rewarding careers available in the industry and serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy.

“Reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and we look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2023.”

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Casa Hotels Group, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards at Casa Hotel for the second year in a row. The tourism awards are a great way to celebrate success across the area’s unique hospitality and tourism sector, and we’re thrilled to have been nominated for three awards this year alongside many other top-class businesses.

“Global Brands is also pleased to be sponsoring the reception drinks for this prestigious occasion and we look forward to celebrating with finalists on Thursday 2nd March 2023!”


Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2023 Shortlist


Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
  • Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor

Experience of the Year

  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne

New Tourism Business Award

  • Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne
  • The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

Team of the Year

  • Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Hattersley Wines
  • The Maynard Team

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat
  • Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDTourismAwards.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Casa Hotel support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Shortlist announced for Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022

The shortlist for the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022 has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism sector.

Chesterfield Champions Casa Hotel, The Chatsworth-owned Devonshire Arms pub and Matlock Farm Park have made the shortlist, amongst some of the best businesses across the county.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District & Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District & Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on Thursday 3 March 2022.

Organised for the second year by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, the 2022 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst also highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

In regognition of the challenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for 2022: the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ and the ‘Resilience and Innovation Award’.

Two new local awards – ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Tourism Young Achiever’ – have also been added to recognise the thousands of jobs supported by tourism across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After such a challenging year for everyone in the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards present a great opportunity to celebrate the hardworking businesses and individuals who continually raise the bar of the area’s tourism offer.

“These awards are a celebration of quality and excellence within the visitor economy and never has our sector been more deserving of recognition. We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most inspirational tourism businesses in the area and look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

“The tourism sector has been one of the last areas to return to normal operation from Covid-19 and it’s great to see so many local businesses, individuals and attractions return with a bang and working hard to attract visitors into our beautiful county.

“These awards are a great way to recognise their fantastic efforts and congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted.”

Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2022 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Sandybrook, Ashbourne
  • Boutique Camping at Scaldersitch Farm, Sheen
  • Beech Croft Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Taddington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Experience of the Year

  • Drive Dad’s Car, Great British Car Journey
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Hotel of the Year

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rafters at Riverside House, Ashford-in-the-Water
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

New Tourism Business Award

  • Country Luxe Derbyshire
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon

Pub of the Year

  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow
  • The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley
  • The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Stainsborough Hall, near Wirksworth
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
  • Oaker Farm Holidays, Hope

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Awards

  • The George, Alstonefield
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Bluebell Dairy Ltd, Spondon
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • White Peak Distillery, Ambergate
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Jack Boam, Tagg Lane Dairy
  • Luke Henshaw, Great British Car Journey
  • George Finlay, Matlock Farm Park

Team of the Year Award

  • Pinelodge Holidays Ltd
  • Rafters at Riverside House
  • The Welcome Team Ltd

Unsung Hero Award

  • Rob Hattersley, Longbow Bars & Restaurants
  • John Whelan, Rafters at Riverside House

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

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