Staff at Hever Castle are celebrating after scooping bronze at the Beautiful South awards; making it the “best Castle in the south east.”
The historic attraction received a bronze award in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
Fishers Adventure Farm in West Sussex gained silver and the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth was awarded gold.
As well as Hever Castle being named as best castle in the south east, Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire, British Airways i360 in Brighton and Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire were highly commended.
Seventy four businesses received trophies at the black tie event at The Grand Hotel in Brighton on Wednesday 5 December.
Run by Tourism South East in partnership with Services for Tourism Ltd, the awards recognise achievement in the tourism industry over the last 18 months.
This year the prestigious evening was compered by TV and radio presenter Mark Jones.
As well as a detailed awards application those putting themselves forward in each category underwent a mystery shopper visit plus a judging panel in order to be named as a finalist.
This year Hever Castle & Gardens was named best castle in the south east, last year’s Beautiful South awards saw Hever Castle’s bed and breakfast win gold in the Boutique Accommodation of the Year category.
Sarah Cole Marketing & Communications Manager said: “It is the first time Hever Castle & Gardens has entered the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the Beautiful South awards so to receive bronze is a huge achievement.
“To be named as one of the top three tourist destinations in the south east is testament to the hard work of all the teams in striving to provide the best experience for our visitors.”
Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of Tourism South East, said: “Achieving excellence isn’t easy – it takes vision, years of commitment and a lot of hard work from talented people. All of the finalists have got these qualities in abundance.
“They can be proud of what they have achieved and the example they are setting for others. I was blown away last night by the sheer quality of tourism businesses we have got in the South East and how their numbers are increasing every year. Many of the winners are truly world class.”
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.