In yet another seesaw year for tourism, a number of businesses in Purbeck have reached the finals of the Dorset Tourism Awards for 2021 / 22.
Those nominated will find out if they are winners at an awards event on Thursday 10th February 2022.
Plenty of outdoor seating with a sea view at The Pig on the Beach Hotel in Studland
“Hard work and dedication”
Among the finalists is the popular Pig on the Beach hotel in Studland. Its hotel director, Tara Crabb said:
“We’re delighted to be nominated for best small hotel. Our team is always striving to give our guests the best experience possible and this nomination is testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Burnbake near Corfe Castle is nominated for its dog friendliness
“We are proud and delighted“
Up for dog friendly business of the year is Burnbake Forest Lodges and Campsite near Corfe Castle who posted:
“We are proud and delighted to have been chosen as finalists for Dorset Tourism Awards’ dog-friendly business of the year. Looking forward to the awards ceremony in February already!”
Other local contenders include Carey’s Secret Garden near Wareham which is a finalist in the new tourism business category and Spring Cottage in Wareham which is up for an award in the self catering accommodation of the year category.
Newly opened for 2021, Carey’s Secret Garden is a contender in the new tourism business category
Chosen for their excellence, innovation and resilience
This is the ninth year of the competition and the winners will be chosen for their excellence, innovation and resilience. They’ll learn whether they have won Gold, Silver, Bronze or a Special award at the online awards event. A further eight have already received Commended status.
While this year there won’t be a big ceremony due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, the organisers hope to have a proper get together later in the year.
Deborah Heather from the awards’ main sponsor, Quality in Tourism said:
“The 2021 / 22 awards in Dorset filled me with happiness and hope, the achievements and positivity of the operators was truly inspiring. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for this year and wish them all the best for 2022.”
Organising the awards is Robin Barker from Services for Tourism. He added:
“Despite everything that has been thrown at them, the awards once again demonstrate the quality, innovation and resilience of leading tourism businesses. Many congratulations to you all.”
One of the comfy bedrooms at The Pig on the Beach Hotel in Studland
Full list of nominations for Dorset tourism awards 2021 / 22
Accessible and inclusive tourism award
Sponsored by Bournemouth University
- Finalists to be announced at the awards event
Apprenticeship special award
Sponsored by NFU Mutual Wessex
- Finalists to be announced at the awards event
B and B and guesthouse of the year
Sponsored by Goadsby
Finalists
- St John’s Guest House, Weymouth
- Channel View Guesthouse, Weymouth
Business events and wedding venue of the year
Sponsored by Furleigh Estate
Finalists
- Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
Cafe / tearoom of the year
Sponsored by Clipper
Finalists
- Ebike Café @ Deheers, Weymouth
- Picnic Park Deli, Bournemouth
- Tangerine Café and Gallery, Beaminster
Commended
- Pause Cat Café, Bournemouth
Camping and caravanning park of the year
Sponsored by Anytime Booking
Finalists
- Higher Moor Farm Campsite, Weymouth
- Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth
- South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Dorchester
Casual dining and restaurant award
Sponsored by Furleigh Estate
Finalists
- Nicetta, Weymouth
- Shalims Indian Restaurant, Weymouth
- The Station Kitchen, Bridport
Dog friendly business of the year
Sponsored by Pear Marketing
Finalists
- Burnbake Campsite and Forest Lodges, Corfe Castle
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
Commended
- Polygon Pets Ltd, Poole
Ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism award
Sponsored by Bournemouth Water
Finalists
- Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster
- West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport
Commended
- Naked Coffee, Bournemouth
Experience of the year (active or learning)
Sponsored by Saffery Champness
Finalists
- All Hallows’ Farmhouse Cookery School, Wimborne St Giles
- Jurassic Coast Guides, Milborne St Andrew
- Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth
Glamping business of the year
Finalists
- At Goathill Farm, Sherborne
- Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster
- The Yurt at Hollands Farmhouse, Dorchester
Holiday park of the year
Sponsored by Tozers
Finalists
- Golden Cap Holiday Park, Chideock
- Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport
- Waterside Holiday Park and Spa, Weymouth
Commended
- Durdle Door Holiday Park, Lulworth
Large hotel of the year sponsored by Hotel Perfect
Finalists
- Holiday Inn Bournemouth
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
- RNLI College, Poole
Commended
- Moonfleet Manor Hotel, Weymouth
Large visitor attraction of the year
Sponsored by Love To Visit
Finalists
- Dorset Museum, Dorchester
- Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Ashley Forest
Commended
- Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch
New tourism business award
Sponsored by Visit Dorset
Finalists
- At Goathill Farm, Sherborne
- Carey’s Secret Garden, Wareham
- The King’s Arms, Dorchester
Commended
- Apex Expeditions, Poundbury
Outstanding contribution to Dorset tourism
Sponsored by Darren Northeast PR
- To be announced at the Awards Event
Pub of the year
Sponsored by Dorset Food and Drink
Finalists
- The Acorn Inn, Evershot
- The Cross Keys, Sherborne
- The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury
Resilience and innovation award
Sponsored by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism
Finalists
- Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington
- Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth
- Weymouth Bay RIB Charter, Weymouth
Self catering accommodation of the year
Sponsored by Touch Stay
Finalists
- Frog by the Sea, Chideock
- Greenwood Grange Holidays, Dorchester
- Spring Cottage, Wareham
Small hotel of the year
Sponsored by Clockwork Marketing
Finalists
- The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne
- The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury
- The Pig on the Beach, Studland
Small visitor attraction of the year
Sponsored by Resort Dorset
Finalists
- Nothe Fort, Weymouth
- Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington
- West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport
Commended
- Bridport Museum Trust, Bridport
Tourism event / festival of the year
Sponsored by Dorset Magazine
Finalists
- To be announced at the awards event
Unsung hero
Sponsored by Sculpture by the Lakes
Finalists
- Christine Hughes, Moors Valley Country Park
- Mick Callaghan, Bournemouth Electric Club, Bournemouth
Visitor information service of the year
Sponsored by Yellow Buses
Finalists
- To be announced at the awards event
Winner of winners
Sponsored by Dorset LEP
- To be announced at the awards event
Further information
More about the Dorset Tourism Awards is on its website
