Two Cumbrian tourism businesses have won prizes at a nationwide awards ceremony hosted by TV presenter Alex Polizzi.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held on June 5, saw Michelin-starred Allium at Askham Hall scoop the Gold Award in the ‘Taste of England’ category.

Overseen by head chef Richard Swale, the restaurant specialises in locally sourced produce and was shortlisted after winning the ‘Taste of Cumbria’ in the 2023 Cumbria Tourism Awards.
 
The Yan at Broadrayne was also among those recognised, taking the Bronze Award in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism category.
   
The bistro is based in a 17th-century converted sheep farm in Grasmere, also taking the regional crown at last year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards. 
     
There were more mentions for Cumbria as journalist Ben Aitken secured the Travel Content Award for a Guardian article he wrote about an accessible Miles without Stiles route up Orrest Head.
 
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “Yet again, Cumbria has performed strongly in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which champion the very best quality, innovation and best practice across England.
 
“Winning any award at this level is an exceptional achievement and reflects the sheer quality and diversity of Cumbria’s tourism offering.

"Well done to The Yan for their Bronze award, and huge congratulations to Allium at Askham Hall who were honoured with a Gold Award against fierce national competition.

Everyone involved should be very proud.”
 
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024 will take place at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal on Tuesday, July 2.