Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
This award goes to small visitor attractions that go the extra mile in ensuring you have a great time when you visit.
Winner
78 Derngate: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House & Galleries
82 Derngate Northampton
Completed in the 1820s, 78 Derngate enjoyed an unremarkable history until 1916 when it was re-modelled by the famous Scottish architect, designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
What not to miss: The adjoining building, 82 Derngate, has been transformed into a stunning combination of Regency grandeur, housing the glamorous new restaurant, galleries, atrium, shop and reception. www.78derngate.org.uk
National finalists
Goodrich Castle
Herefordshire
Goodrich Castle dates back to the 11th century and stands majestically on a wooded hill overlooking the River Wye in the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat.
What not to miss: The visitor centre features a small exhibition which explores life at the castle from its origins until its dramatic fall in 1646, and includes Civil War artefacts found at the site. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Quaker Tapestry Exhibition Centre
Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria
Often compared with the Bayeux Tapestry, this modern, internationally created exhibition reveals a myriad of stories.
What not to miss: Sample the delights of the Award winning vegetarian Tapestry Tearooms. www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk
Regional winners
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Wisbech
WWT is committed to the protection of wetlands and all that depend on them for survival. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy guided walks providing closer views of numerous bird species.
What not to miss: Look out for Avocet, Lapwing, Snipe, Common Tern and Little Ringed Plover with their chicks during spring. www.wwt.org.uk
Killhope
The North Of England Lead Mining Museum, Cowshill, Upper Weardale, County Durham
More than 20 years after it opened its doors to the public, Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, is still educating visitors about the region’s mining history and heritage.
What not to miss: It also collaborates with the North Pennines Peatscapes Project and will soon start offering visitors the chance to offset their carbon emissions by making a donation to the project.
Corinium Museum
Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Corinium Museum is renowned for its archaeological displays. Visitors have the chance to trace the story of the Cotswolds from prehistoric times to the late 19th century via compelling hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and objects.
What not to miss: In addition to trails and children’s activities during the school holidays, there are free admission days to mark Heritage Open Days and special events to coincide with key calendar dates. www.cotswold.gov.uk/go/museum
Royal Marines Museum
Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth
The Royal Marines Museum, situated on the seafront at Southsea, Portsmouth, celebrates the famous fighting spirit and long history of the Royal Marines.
What not to miss: Proving especially popular are the Commando Fit events and delightful re-enactments by the Fort Cumberland Guard. www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk
Wentworth Castle Gardens & Stainborough Park
Lowe Lane, Stainborough, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Wentworth Castle Gardens & Stainborough Park is and ambitious restoration project, which has successfully saved and developed a superb Grade 1 listed estate near Barnsley, creating a popular year-round visitor attraction.
What not to miss: Highlights of any visit include enjoying the National Plant Collections and climbing up the tower of a restored gothic castle. www.wentworthcastle.org
