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The Cumbria Tourism award winners for 2010 have just been announced reminding us yet again that there are some really great places to visit and stay in the Lake District.

Here’s the low-down on who won what…along with the judge’s independent comments.

Taste of Cumbria Award: The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5015670

The Cottage in the Wood’s excellent use of local produce, really friendly customer service and stunning views all work together to create a fantastic taste experience which exceeds customer expectations.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: The Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
http://www.golakes.co.uk/accommodation/article-awards-coast-aqaurium.aspx

An excellent family attraction which represents very good value for money through its ‘all day pass’.  Educational and interesting for all ages, there are lots of displays, with interactive and informative interpretation. Talks, feeding time and demonstrations really help bring the attraction to life, and encourages visitors to get closer to the local sea life.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-on-Windermere
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=5018695&feature=2

The World of Beatrix Potter makes great use of every inch of the attraction to appeal to as broad a customer base as possible.  From the new Peter Rabbit garden to the shop, the staff live and breathe Beatrix Potter throughout as they deliver brilliant customer service and ensure a fun and memorable visit for all.

Sustainable Tourism Award: Elder Grove, Ambleside

http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5010016

Sustainability has become a way of life to the owners of Elder Grove.  The owners are committed to buying local produce, employing local tradesmen and sharing their passion and knowledge about green issues with other small accommodation providers and their guests.  They are true ambassadors for sustainable tourism.

Small Hotel of the Year: Overwater Hall, Keswick
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5050397

Overwater Hall is an imposing and enticing building in a beautiful garden setting.  The hotel has benefited from ongoing investment to create an individually furnished interior, which is perfectly in-keeping with the style of the building. Attentive and friendly owners and staff, offer many personal touches while the dining experience focuses on excellent quality, locally produced food.

Large Hotel of the Year: Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5010270

A £5 million investment has created an outstanding destination spa at Armathwaite Hall, which has been privately owned and family run for over 30 years.  The beautiful setting offers stunning views while the hotel itself offers charming and intriguing public areas and excellent quality bedrooms.  The recent appointment of a General Manager ensures attentive and friendly service and beautifully cooked and presented food.

Self Catering Holiday of the Year: Tottergill Farm Cottages, Brampton
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5021313

Tottergill Farm offers a peaceful and tranquil holiday with a genuine welcome, from friendly and considerate hosts.  The product and service is continually adapted and improved by pro-actively seeking customer feedback.  Impressive properties and well thought out personal touches ensure guests can create simple yet memorable holiday experiences.

Tourism Experience of the Year: Cumbrian Heavy Horses, Nr Millom
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=5086224

A ride with the Cumbrian Heavy Horses offers a wonderful and unique experience with exceptional levels of customer care.  The team’s passion and knowledge about their magnificent animals creates a truly memorable experience, while comfort and safety is prioritised throughout.

Access for All Tourism Award: The Beacon, Whitehaven
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=5021214

The Beacon actively welcomes all its visitors irrespective of age or ability and ensures that everyone can take part in, and enjoy, their exhibitions and other services.  They offer a superb standard of accessible information for guests with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, combined with outstanding levels of customer care where nothing is too much trouble.

Tourism Event of the Year: British Gas Great North Swim, Windermere
http://www.golakes.co.uk/adventure-capital/events-and-challenges.aspx

The fantastic growth in this event is matched by the organiser’s commitment to making significant improvements to the visitor experience, based on extensive customer feedback.  In 2009, 87% of the 6,000 attendees were visitors from outside the county bringing an estimated £1.5 million in tourism value to Cumbria.

Holiday Park of the Year: Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside AND Woodclose Park, Kirkby Lonsdale

Skelwith Fold

http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5013492

Located in a beautiful woodland setting which fully exploits its wildlife through woodland paths and trails, and a dedication to conservation and sustainability.  Well planned slate and wood buildings are completely in-keeping with their surroundings, and provide immaculately clean and warm facilities. Friendly, welcoming and helpful staff can be found throughout the park.

Woodclose Park

http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5054181

Offering excellent value for money in a beautiful spacious setting with a great balance of luxury statics, touring caravans, permanent wigwams and tents.  Terraced pitches offer privacy and have been well designed to make the most of the wonderful views.  Friendly and knowledgeable staff offer suggestions for places to eat and things to do in the Kirkby Lonsdale area.

Guest Accommodation of the Year: Number 43, Arnside
http://www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=5080340

A welcoming and relaxing ambience awaits guests at Number 43, along with little personal, but luxurious, touches to help them feel at home.  Superb attention to detail can be found in the stunning, high quality interior and in the excellent breakfast choice from a range of local suppliers.