Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018 winners revealed

More than 400 people attended Imperial Banqueting to learn which of 100 entrants would take home the 22 trophies from the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018.

You're all looking great #LTA18 pic.twitter.com/eZwVaH656K

— Emma Mayoh (@emmamayoh) November 7, 2018

This annual event, organised by Marketing Lancashire, recognises the contribution made by the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses, and names winners in 22 categories.

This year, more than 100 finalists competed for the prestigious titles and progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and interviews by panels of experts to arrive at last night’s much-anticipated awards ceremony.

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “A thriving Lancashire tourism sector contributes to the economy, to employment, to the culture, the quality of life and the prosperity of Lancashire.  The Lancashire Tourism Awards reminds us of the diversity the county has and how privileged we are to have such amazing experiences to offer visitors.”

The evening also saw the Lancashire Tourism Superstar – the only category decided through a public vote - awarded to tour guide Simon Entwistle. His Top Hat Tours see him traversing the length and breadth of Lancashire shouting loud about the county he is so proud of. He entertains visitors, tourists, VIPS and media representatives with his expert storytelling, sharing those tales that are a part of the fabric of Lancashire’s rich history and culture.

Blackpool-born star of West End, stage and TV Jodie Prenger was guest presenter, bringing her Lancastrian humour to the proceedings.

Full list of winners

Wedding Venue Award Holmes Mill, Clitheroe

New Business Award The Lawrence Hotel, Padiham

Taste Lancashire Restaurant Award Twelve Restaurant, Thornton

Taste Lancashire Pub/Inn Award The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley

Taste Lancashire Producer Award Batch Brew, Burnley

Holiday Village Award Ream Hills Holiday Park, Weeton

Self-Catering Holiday Award Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat, Slaidburn

Sustainable Tourism Award The Bee Centre, Preston

Lancashire Large Hotel Award The Wrightington Hotel & Health Club

Business Tourism Award Winter Gardens Blackpool

Lancashire Perfect Stay Award The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley

Small Visitor Attraction Award Thornton Hall Country Park

Large Visitor Attraction Award East Lancashire Railway

Retail Experience Award Fleetwood Market

Visitor Experience Award The Bee Centre, Preston

Cultural Venue/Organisation Award Blackburn Cathedral

Inclusive Tourism Award Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Dog Friendly Award Rossendale Holiday Cottages

Taste Lancashire Café/Tearoom Award The Dearden Tea Rooms, Haslingden

Tourism Superstar Award Simon Entwistle, Top Hat Tours

Small Event Award Chorley Live Large Event Award Festival of Making, Blackburn