England’s top tourism attractions have been recognized for their outstanding experiences, with VisitEngland announcing the winners of its prestigious Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2023-2024. A total of 72 attractions across the country received accolades, celebrating excellence in five distinct categories: ‘Welcome,’ ‘Quality Food and Drink,’ ‘Hidden Gem,’ ‘Best Told Story,’ and the coveted ‘Gold’ award for overall excellence.
The accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of English attractions, highlighting their commitment to providing exceptional visitor experiences. Each attraction received its award based on its performance in the annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment, which evaluates a range of factors, including customer service, accessibility, and sustainability.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes remarked, “These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by English attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to amazing food and drink, from great storytelling to outstanding customer service.” Stokes emphasized the vital role these attractions play in the nation’s tourism industry: “Our tourism businesses are the bedrock of our industry and it is wonderful to highlight and celebrate the fantastic service and experiences they give visitors, time-after-time.”
This year’s accolades marked their tenth anniversary, showcasing the continued success of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme. The scheme assists a diverse range of attractions, including historic estates, gardens, country parks, museums, galleries, churches, and cathedrals. Participating attractions benefit from expert guidance and support in enhancing their offerings, accessibility, and sustainability practices.
The 2023-2024 accolades were presented during a celebratory lunch at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, providing a fitting setting to honor the achievements of these exceptional attractions.
England’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, supporting over 200,000 businesses and employing approximately 2.6 million people. In 2023, domestic visitor spending generated £70.5 billion, further illustrating the importance of this vibrant sector. The Visitor Attraction Accolades serve as a valuable recognition of the efforts made by these attractions to elevate visitor experiences and contribute to the success of English tourism.