THE Oscars of Cumbria’s tourism industry made an eagerly-awaited comeback on Wednesday, with the very best of the county’s vibrant visitor economy coming together to celebrate a host of trailblazing winners.

Hosted by former BBC reporter Dave Guest and sponsored by United Utilities, the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2022 at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel saw 16 main awards presented to a diverse range of high-achieving businesses from around the county.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism Gill Haigh said: "The breadth and depth of our sector is immense. They have displayed adaptability, innovation and sheer grit during one of the most challenging periods our sector has ever experienced.

"It is only fitting that the majority will now go on to represent Cumbria nationally at next year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence."

To round off the night there was a special surprise presentation of the Bernard Gooch Award for ‘Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the Year’, won by Jim Walker. Most recently appointed as President of Cumbria Tourism, he has also served as the Chief Executive of the Lake District Estates Group and Head of Cultural and Tourism Services at South Lakeland District Council. Jim is also currently Chairman of Eden Tourism Network.

The full list of winners is as follows: 

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Anyone Can, Newby Bridge

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award: Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre

Large Hotel of the Year: Linthwaite House, Windermere

Small Hotel of the Year: Askham Hall

B&B and Guest House of the Year: Cedar Manor, Windermere

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Dufton Barn Holidays

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: The Quiet Site, Ullswater

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Carlisle

Experience of the Year: Shed 1 Gin, Ulverston

Pub of the Year: The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale

Taste of Cumbria Award: The Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite

Makers and Producers Award: Pure Lakes Skincare, Staveley

Wedding Venue of the Year: Askham Hall & Bank Barn

New Tourism Business Award: Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award: Michael Wilson, The Guide over Sands Trust

All the Cumbria Tourism Award winners were presented with an award handcrafted by Jo Vincent Glass and a boxed bottle of Prosecco courtesy of EWGA Wines.