Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards shortlist announced
This year’s Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards shortlist has been announced!
And we couldn’t be prouder of every single business that has made it through to the finals – including a host of our Destination Lincolnshire partners, many of whom we know from the masterclass we hosted online to support your award applications.
The independent board of judges had an incredibly tough job on their hands this year, with double the number of entries than the previous awards (back in 2020). It was a mammoth task, but the board has selected some wonderful countywide businesses to celebrate on the night – no matter who ends up being each category winner.
Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive of Destination Lincolnshire, said: “A huge, heartfelt congratulations to all the amazing businesses that have made the shortlist of this year’s Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards.
“Finally seeing who has been selected by the independent board of judges really hits home just how phenomenal our visitor offering is and how connected it is to the national picture. It’s great to see some familiar faces in there, as well as some businesses that have never before applied to the awards too.
“This year’s judges really had their work cut out for them too, with double the number of entries in comparison to the last Tourism Awards held in 2020. It really goes to show how much passion, dedication and resilience lies in our visitor economy businesses – working on the frontline of post-pandemic recovery and absolutely smashing it, despite the tough times that continue to present themselves.
“The heroic strength that our community of businesses has within the county is something that deserves to proudly be celebrated – and will be - at the October awards ceremony. The next round of judging through mystery shoppers, really will provide all shortlisted businesses priceless feedback - whether they are announced as winners on the night or not. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
We do need to take a minute to say congratulations of those on this year’s shortlist. The competition was steep with double the number of entries when compared to 2020’s awards – making the shortlist really is something you should celebrate and be proud of.
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
- Sponsored by Visit Lincolnshire
- Ebb & Flo Living
- International Bomber Command Centre
- Skegness Aquarium
- The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company Limited
- Uncle Henry's
Mystery shopping criteria - Pre-booked announced day visit
Experience of the Year
- Sponsored by LNER
- Ebb & Flo Living
- Go Ape Normanby Hall
- Rand Farm Park
- Skegness Aquarium Dive and Snorkelling Centre
- The Collection Museum
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
Hotel of the Year
- Sponsored by Destination Lincolnshire
- The Petwood Hotel
- The Quayside Hotel & Bar
- William Cecil
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced and overnight visit (including lunch or evening meal; and breakfast where feasible) but with the option for a pre-booked announced day visit if necessary (but still including lunch or evening meal; and breakfast where feasible)
New Tourism Business Award
- Sponsored by Lincoln College
- Lincolnshire Coastal Cottages
- Play Avenue
- Treetop Hideaways
- Virtually Golf
- Walcot Hall Staycations
Mystery shopping criteria - Pre-booked announced day visit
Pub of the Year
- Sponsored by Heart of Lincs
- Iron Horse Ranch House
- The Cross Keys Stow
- The Pig & Whistle at Healing Manor Hotel
- The Six Bells
- The Strait and Narrow
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
Resilience and Innovation Award
- Sponsored by Visit Lincolnshire
- Healing Manor Hotel
- Hemswell Antique Centres
- Laceby Manor
- Skegness Aquarium
- Uncle Henry's Farm Shop
Mystery shopping criteria - Additional local judging rounds
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Sponsored by East Lindsey District Council
- Grange Farm Park
- Home Farm Park
- Lincoln Holiday Retreat
- The Grange - East Barkwith
- The Old Granary
Mystery shopping criteria - Pre-booked announced day visit
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
- Sponsored by Destination Lincolnshire
- Bainland Lodge Retreats
- Grange Farm Park
- Hanworth Country Park
- Holivans Caravan Park
- Laceby Manor
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced and overnight visit, but with the option for an announced-on-arrival day visit or pre-booked announced day visit.
B&B and Guest House of the Year
- Sponsored by insight6
- Allington Manor
- Bridleway Bed and Breakfast
- Clarke’s Farm
- The Grange - East Barkwith
- The Old Kings Head
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced and overnight visit (including breakfast), but with the option for a pre-booked announced day visit if necessary
Taste of England (Taste Lincolnshire)
- Sponsored by Destination Lincolnshire
- by Darren Rogan
- International Bomber Command Centre - Hub Café
- The Cross Keys Inn
- The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company
- The Pig & Whistle at Healing Manor Hotel
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
Small Visitor Attraction
- Sponsored by Lincoln College
- Bransby Horses
- Play Avenue
- Uncle Henry's Farm Shop
- We'll Meet Again WW2 Homefront Museum
- Wolds Wildlife Park
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
Large Visitor Attraction
- Sponsored by Destination Lincolnshire
- International Bomber Command Centre
- Lincoln Castle
- Normanby Hall Country Park & Golf Club
- Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary
- Woodside Wildlife Park
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
Customer Service Excellence Award
- Sponsored by Lincoln College
- Lincoln Castle
- Rand Farm Park
- Skegness Aquarium
- The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company
- Walcott Hall
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
Marketing Campaign
- Sponsored by LNER
- Lincoln Holiday Retreat
- Play Avenue
- Teen Spirit
- The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company
Mystery shopping criteria - Additional local judging rounds
Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Sponsored by Duncan & Toplis
- Lincoln Free Walking Tour
- New Theatre Royal Lincoln
- NTKO Art Gallery
- St Botolph's Church
- Trinity Arts Centre
Mystery shopping criteria - Unannounced day visit
A big round of applause for spending the time creating an application that caught the eye of the independent board of judges! We know they are a labour of love, but we also know the value in being nominated to go through to the final - it's only here that you get to be in with the chance of going through to the national stage at the VisitEngland Awards 2023.
So, what happens next?
If you’re going to attend the awards ceremony on Friday October 21st – and the whole DL team sincerely hopes you will do so that we can raise a glass to you, with you – you can book your tickets today right here.
Hosted by Lincs FM presenter John Marshall, this year’s awards ceremony will be taking pace at Lincoln’s Engine Shed, with a reception from 6.30pm, and the ceremony itself starting at 7pm. The all-important dress code is black tie, with a seasonal menu on the evening being crafted by the award-winning team at Salted Orange. Please send all dietary requirements to events@stonebowmedia.co.uk by October 7th.
Other than the anticipation of a fun and exciting evening, we know you’ll want to know what’s next in regard to judging. Well, following round one of independent judging, we now move on to the mystery shopper phase – which will be carried out across all categories except Marketing Campaign of the Year and Resilience and innovation Award. These two will be judged during an additional local judging round. Round three, the final stage before the winners are decided, takes place at the Judging Breakfast on September 28th attended by the Award creators, hosts, and sponsors.
The mystery shopping element will now begin and continue to take place over the next six weeks. To find out exactly what the mystery shoppers criteria your category will be judged through click here.
Lead photo credit: VisitEngland SimonHadleyPhotography