Why guests love to stay at an award-winning Norfolk venue

B&B and guest house of the year 

Winner: Dairy Barns

A tourism award is as much a delight for guests as it is the hardworking team, says Hannah Deane, who runs the multi award-winning Dairy Barns with husband Ian.

Hannah and Ian Deane of Dairy Barns were delighted to win (Image: Dairy Barns)

They were thrilled to win the B&B and Guest House of the Year award, and overwhelmed by the fabulous support from their guests after announcing the win to their mailing list.

“I could not believe the amount of replies we had from people delighted for us and saying well done and well deserved. We had lots of cards from people saying we work hard and it was nice to see it recognised,” said Hannah.

One of the bedrooms at Dairy Barns, Hickling, in Norfolk (Image: Kieron Tovell Photography)

Dairy Barns offers nine rooms, including three very individual ‘Extra Special’ rooms in beautiful converted cattle barns on the family’s working farm at Hickling in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. It also has two holiday cottages and hosts occasional weddings in the stunning main red brick barn, with parties taking over all of the accommodation for a truly special occasion.

It’s loved for its exceptionally comfortable rooms, breakfasts that highlight the best local produce, and thoughtful team that aims to make every guest’s stay as perfect as possible.

Breakfasts on offer at Dairy Barns, Hickling, include waffles with mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs and ham (Image: Kieron Tovell Photography)

The award is proudly displayed in the entrance hall and guests – and the team – love it.
“I think an award helps guests to feel they have made a good choice staying here,” said Hannah, adding that they have many guests who return again and again, while also introducing new people to the delights of Dairy Barns.

Dairy Barns opens its doors wide all year round and is keen to share news of the wildlife and beautiful nature walks nearby (Image: Kieron Tovell Photography)

Looking ahead, the team is working to increase awareness of the area as a fabulous walking and nature spot and expand the number of visitors who come to enjoy the beaches, the waterways and the abundance of wildlife and beautiful views.

“We want more people to know about us for bird watching and nature watching, particularly in the winter. It’s about going to see the seals and the birds, going to a pub with a roaring fire, and explaining how much is on offer here,” she said. 

For more information visit dairybarns.co.uk

The beautiful surroundings and hard working team at Clippesby Hall helped it scoop a top award (Image: christaylorphotography.co.uk)

Camping, glamping and holiday park of the year

Sponsored by Next Phase Leisure/Sunseeker Holiday Homes

Winner: Clippesby Hall Holiday Park

Offering holidaymakers the chance to get away from it all, while keeping all their modern comforts and mod cons, has long been a winning recipe for this long-established holiday park.

And scooping the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year award was a great way to recognise the park’s significant achievements.

Particularly popular with families from East Anglia and London, who appreciate the ease of arriving in the beautiful Norfolk countryside within an easy two hours, it’s loved by Norfolk people too – with some guests literally only travelling a couple of miles to camp at Clippesby Hall, between Acle and Martham. 

Manager Lee Lindsay-Clarke says Clippesby Hall is always working to increase guests' comfort (Image: Clippesby Hall) Manager Lee Lindsay-Clarke said they were delighted with the award and it is proudly displayed in the reception building: “It was a great one to get. It was so exciting to be part of it.” 

Well known for its eco credentials and family appeal, the Clippesby team is continually looking to improve and develop the facilities for camping and touring and self-catering guests, and for the daily visitors to the Basecamp bar/restaurant. 

Once the busy summer season is over, the plan is to upgrade a number of grass pitches, currently with no electric hook-up, to fully serviced all-weather pitches that will increase the year-round pitch availability.  

olidaymakers are increasingly wanting to camp in the countryside but also plug in lights and fridges and charge gadgets, explained Lee, adding that they also wanted to increase the glamping units and add to the children’s play equipment.

There is a variety of accommodation plus a wide choice of pitches at Clippesby Hall (Image: christaylorphoto.co.uk)

He said holidaymakers range from solo campers bringing a small tent and tucking away in a favourite green tunnel of trees in the Dell, to the very large former Man Utd tour bus, which attracted lots of attention on site.

“It was quite something to be able to offer a pitch for something that size,” said Lee, adding that people can choose where they would like to be on the site and return guests often have favourite pitches.

“Some people like to explore the local area, but we have a lot of families who just want to relax on site, use the play equipment and spend time here,” he said.

For more information visit clippesbyhall.com

There is plenty to do and enjoy on the site (Image: christaylorphotography.co.uk)
The East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 will launch for entries in July. For details, keep an eye on tourismawards.co.uk