For the second year running, Go To Places were proud hosts of both the Kent and Herts Tourism Awards, presenting an opportunity for all local businesses to gain recognition across both counties.
The Awards scheme was established to motivate local tourism businesses to execute captivating experiences, exceptional customer service and an overall outstanding visitor experience.
The judging process begins with an initial round of desk judging with an independent panel, in which a shortlist is formed. It then falls into the hands of the mystery shopping judges to choose the winners by meeting clear judging criteria defined by VisitEngland.
Winners then automatically go through to the national awards without having to re-submit their application.
To apply, visit your county’s tourism business web pages Visit Kent Tourism Awards and Visit Herts Tourism Awards
The Finalists for the 2018 Go To Places Tourism Awards were:
Kent Tourism Awards finalists 2018
Rest Your Head Award
(Small Accommodation Provider of the Year)
- Hever Castle and Gardens
- Leeds Castle
- Woolpack Inn, Warehorne
Big Sleep Award, sponsored by Sleeping Giant Media
(Large Accommodation Provider of the Year)
- Ashford International Hotel
- Hotel du Vin
- Hempstead House
Big Day Out Award, sponsored by Brachers
(Large Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Hever Castle and Gardens
- Wingham Wildlife Park
- Turner Contemporary
Hidden Gem Award, sponsored by Southeastern
(Small Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Chapel Down Winery
- Copper Rivet Distillery
- Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour
Raising the Bar Award
(Tourism Pub of the Year)
- The Dog at Wingham
- The Ravengate Arms
- The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie
Lasting Impression Award, sponsored by Pillory Barn
(Ultimate Tourism Experience of the Year)
- Dreamland Margate
- City Sound Project, Canterbury
- Canterbury Medieval Pageant, Canterbury BID
Taste and Tell Award, sponsored by Quinn Estates
(Taste of Kent of the Year)
- The Parade Room at One Pound Lane
- The Dog at Wingham
- Macknade Fine Foods
Herts Tourism Awards finalists 2018
Rest Your Head Award
(Small Accommodation Provider of the Year)
- Camping and Caravanning Club
- Number One Port Hill Limited
- Bethnal and Bec
Lasting Impression Award
(Ultimate Experience of the Year)
- Imagine Watford Festival
- Broadway Cinema & Theatre
- Festival of Ideas, Rothamsted Research
Taste and Tell Award
(Family Friendly Business of the Year)
- Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
- Brewery Tearooms
- Tewin Bury Farm
Big Sleep Award
(Large Accommodation Provider of the Year)
- The Grove
- Tewin Bury Farm
- Holiday Inn London Elstree
Big Day Out Award
(Large Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
- Paradise Wildlife Park
- Knebworth House
Hidden Gem Award sponsored by the University of Hertfordshire
(Small Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Shepreth Wildlife Park
- Henry Moore Studios and Gardens
- British Schools Museum
Raising the Bar Award
(Tourism Pub of the Year)
- Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
- Alford Arms, Frithsden
- The Bricklayers Arms