After one of the most challenging years for tourism, four local businesses will find out whether they have won bronze, silver or gold in the finals of the 2020/21 Dorset Tourism Awards.
The ceremony on Wednesday 4th February 2021 will take place online this year due to coronavirus restrictions.
“Nice to receive good news during this lockdown”
The Italian restaurant, Peppina in Institute Road in Swanage, is a finalist in the ‘Casual Dining’ category.
Peppina posted on Facebook:
“Great news (and very unexpected)! It’s nice to receive good news during this lockdown and this one definitely made our day! We are finalists in the Casual Dining Award category for the Dorset Tourism Awards 2020/21!”
“A tough year for businesses”
Also up for an award is outdoor company, Fore/Adventure that runs activities from its base at Studland.
On social media the company posted:
“It’s the Dorset Tourism Awards and we’re finalists for ‘Experience of the Year’ for our kayaking adventures in studland. After a tough year for businesses, we’re looking forward to celebrating all that Dorset has to offer! Wish us luck.”
“Significant contribution… to Dorset tourism”
Swanage Coastal Park is a finalist in The ‘Touring Camping and Caravanning and Holiday Park of the Year’ category, while nearby Burnbake Forest Lodges and Campsite has reached the finals in the ‘Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’ category.
Burnbake posted on social media:
“We are thrilled to be a finalist in the 2020/21 Dorset Tourism Awards ‘Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’ category. It’s a real testament to every single member of the team, to the fantastic place that Burnbake is, and to the significant contribution it makes to Dorset tourism.”
“Demonstrating resilience and fortitude”
Chair of the judging panel, Professor Peter Jones said:
“Dorset tourism, like tourism the world over, is demonstrating resilience and fortitude in coping with the impact and implications of Covid-19 in some amazing ways.
“This year’s entries into the Dorset Tourism Awards are no exception. Entrants demonstrated creativity and innovation, passion for the industry, and enthusiasm in providing a great experience for their customers in the most difficult of circumstances.”
Full list of finalists in alphabetical order
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award sponsored by Yellow Buses
- Ellwood Cottages, Blandford Forum
- HolidayInDorset, Birchcroft, Ferndown
- West Bay Discovery Centre. West Bay
- West Bay Play Area. Bridport Town Council
B and B and Guesthouse of the Year sponsored by Goadsby
- Dorset House, Lyme Regis
- Mory House Bed & Breakfast, Southbourne
- St John’s Guest House, Weymouth
Business Events and Wedding Venue of the Year sponsored by Saffery Champness
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
- Upton Country Park, Poole
Cafe/Tearoom of the Year sponsored by Clipper
- Pause Cat Café, Bournemouth
- Picnic Park Deli, Bournemouth
- Seasons Kitchen and Coffee Barn, Ringwood
Casual Dining Award sponsored by Dorset Food & Drink
- Fish ‘n’ Fritz, Weymouth
- Oriel on the Quay, Poole
- Peppina, Swanage
Dog Friendly Business of the Year sponsored by Forthglade
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
- Upton Country Park, Poole
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by Bournemouth Water
- Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport
- Farmstead Glamping, Sturminster Newton
- Pause Cat Café, Bournemouth
- Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington
Experience of the Year (Active or Learning) sponsored by Dorset Tourism Association
- Fore/Adventure, Studland
- Jurassic Coast Guides, Milborne St Andrew
- Shore Campers, Bournemouth
Glamping Business of the Year sponsored by Tozers
- Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster
- Farmstead Glamping, Sturminster Newton
Hotel of the Year sponsored by Saffery Champness
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
- RNLI College, Poole
- The Bull Hotel, Bridport
- The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne
International Visitor Experience of the Year sponsored by Dorset LEP
Winner to be announced on awards day
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Pear Communications
- Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, Bournemouth
- The Tank Museum, Bovington
New Tourism Business Award sponsored by Visit Dorset
- Hammoon Manor – Luxury Retreat ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’
- Shore Campers, Bournemouth
- The Cross Keys, Sherborne
Pub of the Year
- The Cross Keys, Sherborne
- The Half Moon, Melplash
- The Milton Arms, Blandford Forum
Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Dorset Food and Drink
- Al Molo, Weymouth
- Moose Kitchen, Charminster
- Zim Braai Ltd, Poole
Self-catering Accommodation of the Year sponsored by Quality in Tourism
- Burnbake Forest Lodges & Campsite, Corfe Castle
- Dove House and Swallows, Dorchester
- Hammoon Manor – Luxury Retreat ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Resort Dorset
- English Oak Vineyard, Poole
- Nothe Fort, Weymouth
- Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington
Touring Camping and Caravanning and Holiday Park of the Year sponsored by Tozers
- Durdle Door Holiday Park, Lulworth
- South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Poole
- Swanage Coastal Park, Swanage
Tourism Event / Festival of the Year
- Dorset Festivals Consortium
- Sculpture by the Lakes – Dorset Arts Festival 2020, Pallington
- White Star Running – Run Jurassic 2019, Bridport
Tourism Innovation Award sponsored by Worldpay
- Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington
- The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne
Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Clockwork Marketing
- Heather Brown, Dorset Foodie Feed
- Kellie Court, Tangerine Café & Gallery, Beaminster
- Yessica Falcon, Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre, Bournemouth
Visitor Information Service of the Year sponsored by Yellow Buses
- Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport
- Shaftesbury Tourist Information Centre, Shaftesbury
Winner of Winners sponsored by Dorset LEP, dorsetlep.co.uk
To be announced on awards day
