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Top in Lancashire! Success for Pendle businesses at the Lancashire Tourism Awards

Published: Thursday, 14th November 2019

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park team pictured at the Lancashire Tourism Awards

Compere Daniel Whiston on left with the Thornton Hall Country Park team at the Lancashire Tourism Awards in Blackpool

Two Pendle tourism businesses have come out top in the county at this month’s annual Lancashire Tourism Awards which were held at the ice rink at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena.

Fence Gate Lodge won the Lancashire Perfect Stay award. 

The luxury 24 bedroom lodge is a great new place to stay opposite the historic Fence Gate Inn.

The Inn has been with the same company serving Pendle and visitors for nearly 40 years, with more details on www.fencegate.co.uk

The award is a huge coup for the hotel which has only been open for two years.

Kevin Berkins, owner of Fence Gate Lodge said: “When the opportunity arose to purchase a building which had been derelict for over four years, we knew it would be the final piece of the jigsaw.

“It has enabled us to complete our full service offering for guests at our sister venue, the Fence Gate Inn across the road.”

Fence Gate Lodge will now go forward to represent Lancashire at the Visit England Awards for Excellence at the 30th anniversary of the prestigious national tourism awards in spring 2020.

And Thornton Hall Country Park won the Small Visitor Event of the Year for its fantastic Christmas Adventure. 

The judges said this was a much-loved event that has made improvements to accessibility, enhanced its links with schools and the community as well as offering great quality and value for money.

Families can join Thornton Hall Country Park for a unique two hour Christmas Adventure this December too.

Jo Ogle from Thornton Hall Country Park said:

“There are enchanted characters to meet on your journey, take a ride on the Santa Express to find the deer and meet the man in red in his magical grotto!”
For more information and to book tickets visit www.christmasadventures.co.uk

The Alma Inn in Laneshaw Bridge near Colne was a finalist in the Dog Friendly Business of the Year category and was shortlisted for a Lancashire Perfect Stay award.

Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire said: “The Lancashire Tourism Awards are about recognising the quality and talent that we have in our tourism industry.”

Pendle Council’s Tourism Officer Mike Williams said:
“We’re proud Pendle tourism businesses have been recognised for being among the best in Lancashire. 

“There were over 230 entrants in total across the awards, so this is a big achievement,” he said.

“If you have friends or relatives visiting for Christmas or New Year we have quality places to stay, great places to eat and a wide range of wonderful things to do in Pendle,” said Mike.
“Simply go to www.visitpendle.com to find out more!”

Mike Williams added:
“Tourism is important to Pendle and our stunning area has so much to offer, with many inspiring businesses which make a visit or stay a very memorable experience as these awards show.

“Over 2.7 million day and overnight visitors bring over £119 million into Pendle’s economy each year,” he stated.

“We are working on our Visit Pendle guide for 2020.

“To be part of this quality publication and on our website www.visitpendle.com get in touch with me by emailing michael.williams@pendle.gov.uk or call me on 01282 661963.

“I urge tourism businesses, attractions, restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars to join us in our annual guide so they can make the most of our excellent local and visitor economy.”

More information on The Alma Inn is on their website www.thealmainn.com