Malvern Success at Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards

The county’s annual Tourism Awards took place at Ombersley Court on Friday 15 March 2024 which was a fantastic success for tourism and hospitality businesses from across The Malverns, winning seven out of fourteen awards.

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award & Winner of Winners Astley Vineyard

Lush Severn Valley Vineyard, Astley Vineyard, has been producing English boutique wine since 1971. This year it was awarded both the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award and was crowned over-all winner of the night taking home the coveted Winner of Winners award. This family run vineyard welcomes you to get up close to the vines, learn about the onsite wine production and have a taste. In the spring and summer season they host vineyard tours as well as wine walks. Their sustainability credentials are second to none as they protect their vineyard as not only a place for wine making but also a natural sanctuary. The estate is managed organically and they promote biodiversity with a multitude of projects such as providing extra habitats for owls and planting wildflower meadows. Read more about how Astley maintains its green credentials by following the link below.

New Tourism Business of the Year: Natures EDGE Cabin

Perched in a secluded spot at the northern end of the Malvern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty is Natures Edge Cabin. This tranquil getaway is complete with hot tub, sauna, large decking area, sumptuous king – size bed and three transparent Geodomes where you can experience private yoga classes, holistic spa treatments and dining under the stars. It’s no wonder the judges were wowed by this property as it really is like your own private spa in a gorgeous woodland location and it even has it’s own outdoor cinema.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Morgan Experience

See how this piece of classic British engineering is still hand crafted with a tour of their Malvern Link factory. Get up close to the action as you are taken right onto the factory floor where highly trained engineers expertly piece together this fine engine. Knowledgeable factory tour guides are adept at explaining technicalities in plain language making the tours suitable for even car novices . There is also an onsite museum, café run by local bakers FAUN, and the opportunity to book drives in the cars themselves round the gorgeous countryside of The Malverns.

Taste of Worcestershire: Cottage in the Wood Hotel – Malvern

This boutique hotel, set high on the slopes of the Malvern Hills, offers panoramic views, award winning fine dining and newly renovated luxe bedrooms. With footpaths leading you through bluebell woods and onto the Malvern Hills on its doorstep there’s no better place to stay for the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. In their 1919 restaurant Chef Rob Mason is a great believer in seasonality and gets the most from top quality produce by pickling and fermenting herbs and vegetables for use in dishes throughout the year. On the menu vegetables are treated with appreciation; with a celebration of local asparagus on the nine dish tasting menu.

Business Events Venue of the Year: Stanbrook Abbey Hotel

With its superbly renovated restaurant and conference rooms this converted abbey is an impressive location to conduct business. The Abbey offers 13 flexible meeting rooms and space for up to 400 attendees as well as a games room, wine cellar and snooker room – all decorated to a high standard with wood panelling, classical art and plush upholstery. Also offering AA Rosette awarded food and rooms with original stained glass windows it’s no wonder the judging panel took a shine to Stanbrook.

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Treeopia – Teme Valley

Last years winners of the Visit England Gold Award are still at the top of their game. These luxury treehouses are a credit to artisanal craftmanship and no expense has been spared; from their location in secluded countryside with woodland, waterfalls and lakes to hand building the treehouses themselves over 9 years. Green credentials are taken seriously at Treeopia where close attention has been paid to make all areas as low impact as possible – including solar powered lighting and robust recycling practices.