CUMBRIA is blazing a trail in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, with seven finalists set to represent the county in this year’s awards.

The national awards recognise the highest standards of quality and customer service in the tourism industry across England.

All of Cumbria’s shortlisted businesses won their respective categories at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2022 and will represent the county at a VIP awards ceremony at Warner Bros Studio in London on Wednesday, June 7.

The finalists representing Cumbria will be:

- Muncaster Castle, Gardens, and Hawk & Owl Centre: Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

- Cedar Manor, Windermere: B&B and Guest House of the Year

- The Quiet Site, Ullswater: Camping, Glamping, and Holiday Park of the Year

- Bassenthwaite Lake Station: New Tourism Business of the Year

- Shed 1 Gin Distillery, Ulverston: Experience of the Year

- Askham Hall: Small Hotel of the Year

- Michael Wilson, Official Guide to the Kent Estuary: Unsung Hero Award

Speaking on behalf of the Michelin-starred Askham Hall, front of house manager Nico Chièze said: "It’s fantastic to be one of the final three fighting it out for VisitEngland’s prestigious Small Hotel of the Year award.

"It really is a tribute to the hard work of the team who dedicate themselves to maintaining consistently high standards and offering the best possible guest experiences day in, day out."

Managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh said: "We are absolutely delighted that Cumbria has received an exceptional seven nominations at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

"This is an amazing result for our county and underlines the sheer quality and diversity of Cumbria's tourism offering."

"Our world-class tourism businesses consistently provide outstanding experiences for visitors to our beautiful county. We wish them the best of luck and will be eagerly cheering them on when the results are revealed later this summer.”