The finalists have been announced for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award, sponsored by Howes Percival, at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023.
This award recognises large visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of their business.
Here are the finalists for this year's award.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
This unique attraction in Watford, Hertfordshire offers Harry Potter and film fans the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and experience the magic that created one of the most successful film series of all time.
Visitors to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter (WBSTL) can step onto authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the hidden secrets of the Harry Potter film series.
Located at the studios where all eight films were produced, WBSTL showcases the British talent and artistry that went into the making of the Wizarding World – letting visitors relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the films to life.
WBSTL has welcomed over 16 million visitors since opening in March 2012 – and has continually invested in expanding and developing its programme of annual features to encourage repeat visits.
The judges commended the “attention to detail” in all areas of the studios, adding that staff “go over and above to ensure guests feel welcome and that they are having a great day”.
They also noted that the attraction engages and entertains people of all ages, from all countries and backgrounds.
BeWILDerwood
BeWILDerwood is a 20-acre adventure park located in Hoveton, Norfolk, based on the setting of children’s book ‘A Boggle at BeWILDerwood’, written by local author Tom Blofeld.
Children can follow in the footsteps of the book’s lead character Swampy – and while on their adventure, they may encounter other characters including Boggles, Twiggles or a vegetarian Crocklebog.
First opened in May 2007, BeWILDerwood is filled with zip lines, slides, mazes and lots of climbing through treehouses, as well as an array of special events throughout the year.
It also offers curious crafts, storytelling shows and facepainting, which are all included within the price of a ticket.
Since opening, BeWILDerwood has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors – from children and parents to grandparents, aunts and uncles.
The judges described it as a “fantastic outdoor venue for everyone to enjoy nature”, praising its “wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable team members who make a special effort to engage with children”.
They were also impressed with the “brilliant free additional activities” included in the ticket price.
ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure
Located in Lenwade, Norfolk, ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure is the largest dinosaur-themed adventure park in the UK, attracting on average 275,000 visitors each year.
Martin Goymour acquired the park in 2006 and is working with his son and park director, Adam, to turn ROARR! into a national destination and add value to East Anglia’s visitor economy.
In the last 16 years, the family has transformed the offering at ROARR! and invested in the infrastructure for the future of the park, developing it into an award-winning multi-weather adventure park with over 25 different attractions, including animatronic dinosaurs in natural settings.
Under their ownership, the park has invested millions in new attractions and significant enhancements – such as new eating outlets, Dippy’s Splash Zone, and most recently, Valley of the Dinosaurs and Dippy’s Exploration Adventure.
The judges said ROARR! is a great attraction with targeted activities to educate, inform and provide fun in the process.
They also liked how interactive the attraction is, while praising its customer service.
The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 will be announced at a black-tie event held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall Hotel, Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday, March 16.
To view the full East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 finalists supplement, please click here.
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