Five tourism businesses from the East of England have been announced as finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.
The shortlisted businesses, which were all either winners or finalists at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023, will find out if they have been crowned the best in the country at a celebration event on June 7.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, is up for Small Attraction of the Year. It is home to over 25 types of deer, antelope and rare birds, which are allowed to roam free on the 170-acre site, with visitors able to see them in their natural state via guided tours in self-drive trailers or buggies.
"We're blown away by the recognition – this is an incredible achievement for our team who have worked so hard, and we are really excited to be finalists," said Ed Pope, founder of Watatunga.
Thorington Theatre has made the shortlist for New Tourism Business of the Year. Located on a regenerative organic nut farm near Saxmundham, Suffolk, the open-air, 350-seat wooden amphitheatre was designed to have the smallest possible carbon footprint.
“Being a finalist fills one with gratitude and fulfilment,” said owner Lindy O’Hare. “It proves our hard work in creating this venue for actors, singers and poets as well as our audiences has been worthwhile. May we go from strength to strength in growing this magical space for East Anglia and all her visitors.”
The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Suffolk, is up for the Taste of England Award in recognition of its ‘Britalian’ food – fresh, seasonal British food with an Italian influence.
Brendan Padfield, owner of the Unruly Pig, said: “What an honour to be not only a national finalist, but to also know we have won either the bronze, silver or gold award in our category. We’re hoping for gold, of course, but in truth it is enough just to be a national finalist in these prestigious awards. Great for Team Unruly. Great for our wonderful county of Suffolk.
“Accolades like this don’t happen by accident but only through the sheer hard work, loyalty and dedication of an exceptional Unruly team. I am so lucky to work with such talented people.”
The other East of England finalists are Piglets Boutique B&B in Essex for B&B and Guest House of the Year, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Hertfordshire for Large Attraction of the Year.
The East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 took place in March at Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich. The awards are organised by LOCALiQ in association with the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times, and supported by headline sponsor Hoseasons alongside category sponsors.
Working in partnership with Visit Norfolk, Visit Suffolk, Visit Herts, Visit Essex, Visit Cambridge and Visit East of England, the winners and finalists from the East of England Tourism Awards were put forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence to be considered for national recognition.
Victoria Blake, director of commercial events and projects at LOCALiQ, said: “We are delighted that five businesses involved as winners or finalists in the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 have been selected as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.
“For the tourism sector in the East to be recognised in this way is testament to how incredibly dedicated and hard working they are – and is certainly reason to visit the East from further afield.”
For more information on the East of England Tourism Awards visit tourismawards.co.uk and for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence visit visitbritain.org/business-advice/visitengland-awards-excellence
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