The UK’s only ice cream-themed family attraction has been named as a winner in the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23.
The awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement by local businesses and individuals working in Cheshire’s visitor economy.
At a ceremony at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium on 23rd March, the winners in 17 categories were unveiled in front of around 250 tourism and hospitality sector guests.
Winners included The Ice Cream Farm which scooped the Resilience and Innovation Award with judges noting the Tattenhall attraction had managed to “keep the show on the road” in the face of the pandemic and “had come out stronger”.
Chester Zoo got its paws onto another award, named Best Tourism Marketing Project of the Year, for its The World in a Day activity which allowed visitors to learn more about its global conservation projects.
The Unsung Hero Award went to Mark Gough at Mottram Hall Hotel who was described by colleagues as “the rock of our housekeeping department” and The Swan at Tarporley was named Pub of The Year with a judge concluding its friendly staff made people feel “like individuals rather than just another customer”.
And in a move kept under wraps until the night, the whole town of Warrington was given a Special Recognition Award for its contribution and commitment to inclusion with examples cited by judges ranging from The Foodbank Weekends at Gulliver’s World to Warrington Disability Partnership’s annual Disability Awareness Day ‘DAD’ at Walton Hall Park.
Warrington Wolves’ participation in the Physical Disability Rugby League, the diverse work of LiveWire which includes award-winning dementia-friendly buildings and services, a menopause awareness programme and walking football; and The Run Through Foundation’s Warrington Running Festival were among other examples cited. Some of winners will go on to represent Cheshire in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023
Trevor Brocklebank, Chair of Marketing Cheshire and Deputy Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership said: “We know the visitor economy contributes greatly to the region’s prosperity and tonight was all about shining a light on the individuals and organisations that continue to make Cheshire and Warrington a fantastic place to live and visit.
“With the night being hosted in Warrington it was also fitting the town received a special recognition award for its unflinching commitment to promoting inclusivity in its innovative initiatives and events programmes.”
Full list of winners below
Visitor Attraction of the Year: BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Best Tourism Marketing Project of the Year: The World in a Day – Chester Zoo
Unsung Hero Award: Mark Gough – Mottram Hall Hotel
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: Blakemere Holiday Park
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Yew Tree Farm Holidays
Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year: Combermere Abbey
Experience of the Year: Tours Around Chester
Pub of the Year: The Swan at Tarporley
Taste of Cheshire Award: The Hollies Farm Shop
New Tourism Business Award: Calico Campers
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Storyhouse
Resilience and Innovation Award: The Ice Cream Farm
Wedding Venue of the Year: Styal Lodge
Large Hotel of the Year: Carden Park
Business Events Venue of the Year: Tatton Park
Team of the Year: Front of House Team: Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa
Special Recognition Award: Warrington for its contribution and commitment to inclusion
