Winners revealed at Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2020

Designed to recognise and reward excellence in the area’s valuable £2.3 billion visitor economy, the Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards brought together 31 finalists in 11 categories for a glittering ceremony at Buxton’s Devonshire Dome.

Some of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s finest hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, pubs, visitor attractions and experiences were among those recognised at the awards evening, which was organised by Marketing Peak District and 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 the 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, June 16, in Hull.

Brendan Moffett, of sponsors the University of Derby, said: “We were 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.”

Many of the awards were scooped up by tourism businesses in the Peak District close to Buxton.

The gold award for ‘B&B and Guest House of the Year’ went to Underleigh House, Hope, while silver went to Grendon Bed and Breakfast in Buxton.

The bronze award for ‘Taste of the Peak District’ went to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in Bakewell, while the gold award for ‘Self-catering Accomodation of the Year’ was presented to Ashford Mill, Ashford-in-the-Water.

Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “All of our finalists are shining examples of quality, excellence and innovation. Congratulations to all our worthy winners.”