Nine bed & breakfasts have been voted the best in England and are to go through to the Excellence in England Tourism Awards 2004, in association with Enjoy England*. The winner of the Bed & Breakfast of the Year category will be announced at the national awards ceremony at Kensington Palace in London on 22 April 2004, on the eve of St George’s Day.
The finalists have all come through rigorous awards run by England’s nine regional tourist boards, where they battled it out against hundreds of other entries for a chance to win the Excellence in England Tourism Award accolade for Bed & Breakfast of the Year.
The winner will have shown commitment to providing excellent accommodation, services and customer care as well as strong environmental policies. They will also have invested in staff training and development and made provision for disabled guests in line with the new Disability Discrimination Act* coming fully into force in October this year.
The Bed & Breakfast of the Year national finalists are:
Hill Farm – Cumbria Tourist Board www.hillfarmcartmel.co.uk
Hill Farm Cartmel offers comfortable B&B accommodation within an historic 16th Century country house. Guests enjoy superb views of the grounds. The B&B offers home-cooked breakfasts with ingredients bought locally from Cartmel Valley. It is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. The owners consider their guests to be ‘friends’ rather than ‘visitors’ and offer excellent hospitality.
Field House – East of England Tourist Board www.fieldhousehindringham.co.uk
Field House offers luxury accommodation with lovely gardens and fine views of the Norfolk countryside. The bedrooms are equipped with videos, CD players and mini fridges. There is a garden annex for disabled guests and the owners have good links with the local community. (They also run a local post office). Food is sourced locally and the B&B offers quality cooking and genuine hospitality.
Browns’ The Old Orchard Cottage – Visit Heart of England www.brownssholbeck.co.uk
A pretty cottage set in landscaped gardens in countryside around Holbeck. A shining example of what a B&B is all about – friendly welcome, hearty breakfasts made from local produce and comfortable accommodation. The owners pay particular attention to customer care with hand written letters, cards and flowers for special occasions. There is also a chauffeur service to a local Egon Ronay restaurant for dinner, if required.
Windermere Hotel – Visit London www.windermere-hotel.co.uk
The Windermere Hotel is run in a very ‘hands-on’ way by its owners. They offer guests additional services such as room service, a small restaurant and the opportunity to organise sightseeing tours and attraction tickets. Made-to-order breakfasts are also available to cater for all diets and tastes.
Swarland Old Hall – Northumbria Tourist Board www.swarlandoldhall.com
Swarland Old Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian country house situated on 310 acres of farmland on the banks of the River Coquet. It has breathtaking views over the Northumberland countryside and offers excellent accommodation and traditional home-cooked English breakfasts. The B&B and the farm are run by the Proctor family who breed both commercial and pedigree livestock such as Texel sheep and Limousin cattle.
Jumbles Country Park – North West Tourist Board www.jumbles.info
Jumbles Country Park Guesthouse: Nestling on the banks of the Jumbles reservoir in the heart of a beautiful country park with an abundance of wildlife, this traditional stone farmhouse has stunning views at the waters edge. The guesthouse also has equestrian and angling facilities and its own boating jetty and slipway. Located just minutes from motorway and rail connections. Rooms are en-suite with satellite TV. Aga-baked breakfasts are served using local and homemade produce.
Brookfield House – South West Tourism www.brookfield-house.com
Brookfield House is an impressive Edwardian house set in beautifully maintained grounds with views over Dartmoor. The many original features are well preserved. Bedrooms have been newly refurbished and the standard of customer service is excellent. Local produce is highlighted on the breakfast menu, which ranges from the traditional to the more adventurous; and includes delicious homemade preserves which compliment a variety of home-baked breads.
Foxhills – Tourism South East www.foxhillshotel.co.uk
Foxhills provides luxurious Five Diamond Gold accommodation amidst beautiful gardens in Shanklin. The rooms are all ensuite and have been refurbished to a high standard. Attention to detail and customer service is excellent with guests welcomed at the door and offered tea and homemade chocolates. In the award-winning restaurant, all food is freshly cooked to order using local seasonal produce. To assist the guest to enjoy the beauty of the Island, comprehensive room packs contain maps for walking and cycling. The hotel also boasts a whirlpool spa and an in-house health and beauty salon
Shallowdale House – Yorkshire Tourist Board www.shallowdalehouse.co.uk
Shallowdale House stands on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, overlooking a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty through large picture windows. This architect designed 1960¹s house has an understated style and elegance which complements the tranquil setting. Owners Anton van der Horst and Phillip Gill love sharing it with their guests and provide a relaxing and restorative experience with their warm unfussy welcome, attentive service and excellent food.
