The Results Are In: 2018’s UK Heritage Awards

This prestigious ceremony in London crowned the winners of the UK Heritage Awards on Tuesday 6 March.

The awards recognise the best places to stay, finest historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites in the UK.

Winners of the UK Heritage Awards 2018

A celebration at Goldsmith’s Hall on the 6 March celebrated the best heritage experiences and places to stay in the UK. The competition is arranged by Visit Heritage, the UK’s leading heritage, tourism and destination marketing company, who also publish Signpost, an independent hotel guide.

Thirteen categories had winners including nine UK Heritage Awards and four hotel awards. Leading the panel of judges was Norman Hudson OBE, joined by Ken Robinson CBE, author and TV presenter Lucinda Lambton, architectural writer and author Jeremy Musson, Director of Visit Heritage Paul Bridle and more.

Here’s our pick of the best winners…

Family Day Out

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Alnwick Castle, otherwise known as the filming location for Hogwarts, promises a fun filled day of family entertainment. From Broomstick Training to Knight School, budding wizards, knights and princesses will be lost for choice of activities at the famous Northumberland castle. Dress up in medieval finery, play an interactive game of Dragon Quest or attend a history and film tour during your visit at the historical hotel.

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Great Places to Eat

Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

The Castle contains 5 restaurants, all of which use fresh, local produce. Their afternoon tea features creations by Head Pastry Chef, Vanessa Wade. Other places to eat inside the Castle include The Courtyard cafe, where the beef is reared in a farm just 8 minutes down the road, The Boathouse Cafe, which offers striking views across the water, as well as the self-service Fitzroy restaurant and The Coffee Shop, where you can try locally baked cakes and tarts.

Shopping Experience

The Queen’s Gallery, London

This sophisticated shop is full of bespoke items drawn from the Royal Collection, as well as several items of appeal to youngsters. The place to be if you want to see exquisite works of art.

Best Event/Exhibition

The International Autojumble at Beaulieu, Hampshire

The biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic, The International Autojumble houses over 2,000 stands each year, selling vintage and classic motoring parts, accessories, literature, tools and automobilia.

Best Wedding Venue

Myres Castle, Fife

There’s no better place to say ‘I do’ than in a secluded, majestic Scottish castle. Nestled within the Kingdom of Fife, the rustic castle is almost always booked out, with one date remaining for April 2018.

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Hidden Gem

The Charterhouse, London

Since 1348, The Charterhouse has served as a monastery, a private mansion of the Howard family’s, a boys school and an almshouse, which it remains today. Until recently, it wasn’t open to the public, but now it offers a free museum for guests to learn about the the Tudor mansions’ fascinating history, as well as have a guided tour.

Great Places to Stay

Plantation House Hotel, South Hams

The privately run boutique restaurant sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its rooms hold a AA 5 Gold Star award and a 2 AA Rosettes. The listed Georgian Rectory has a combination of superb food, attentive service and comforting interiors.

Gourmet Delight

Gilpin Hotel and Lake House

Showcasing the best of Cumbrian Cuisine, the Gilpin Hotel and Lake house have local produce at the heart of both of their restaurants. HRiSHi holds a Michelin star and three AA Rosettes, serving modern British Cuisine with a twist. Gilpin Spice serves tapas-style dishes inspired by the spice trail from places such as Malaysia and the Philippines. Each bedroom contains its own hot tub on its terrace to offer the ultimate luxury staycation.

To find out more about the UK Heritage awards, click here.

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