Dartmoor and surrounding communities celebrate big wins at Devon Tourism Awards

Tourism and hospitality businesses across Dartmoor and its neighbouring towns and villages were among the standout winners at the Devon Tourism Awards held on 27 November, as Sandy Park hosted a record-breaking ceremony with 79 trophies presented.

The awards followed four months of rigorous judging, including 91 visits by independent assessors across a diverse field of pubs, cafés, accommodation providers, attractions, wedding and business venues, and activity organisers. Special cross-sector awards also recognised accessibility, inclusivity, regenerative tourism, new enterprises, international tourism, dog-friendly businesses and unsung heroes.

Guests heard from Charlie Radclyffe of Disability Together on the importance of accessible tourism, while Maggie Irving, the only woman in the world with a PhD in clowning, explored the role of comedy in customer service. An online charity auction raised £1,735 for Disability Together.

A series of Dartmoor-area businesses took home top honours, celebrating everything from outstanding hotels and pubs to remarkable outdoor attractions and hospitality experiences.

Dartmoor and surrounding area winners

Tavistock celebrated a major win as One Drake Road and Apartments secured Gold in the B&B and Guesthouse of the Year category.

Nearby Harford Bridge Holiday Park in Tavistock earned Silver in Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year, while The Chagford Inn (Chagford) achieved Bronze for Pub of the Year.

The Dartmoor town of Chagford also shone in accommodation categories: Gidleigh Park won Gold for Small Hotel of the Year, and Mill End Hotel took Silver in the same category. Mill End also secured Silver in Dog Friendly Business of the Year, reflecting the region’s strong appeal to pet-loving travellers.

Ashburton was represented with multiple honours: River Dart Country Park claimed Gold for the Regenerative Tourism Award, Gold for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, and a Bronze in Camping & Caravanning.

In Totnes, Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen achieved Silver for Café/Tearoom of the Year, marking another success for businesses around the Dartmoor fringes.

Other winners from nearby communities included:

• Holne Park House, Ashburton – Silver, Business Events Venue of the Year

• Scribbleton, Winkleigh – Silver, New Tourism Business and Silver, Small Visitor Attraction

The prestigious Winner of Winners award went to Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa (Holsworthy), which also secured Gold for Holiday Park of the Year.

Mark Worden, Director of headline sponsors MiHi Digital, said: “Every year the standard rises, and this year’s finalists show exactly why millions of people choose Devon. Their hard work, passion and creativity are what make the county such a special place to visit. Congratulations to everyone that has taken home an award; you’re already showcasing the very best of Devon and making it happening in a challenging marketplace.”

Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism added: “Tonight was one of the highlights of the year for me and my team. Witnessing the delight of the winners, whether Bronze, Silver or Gold, and the impact success has on their mood and motivation is impossible to describe. In an era when business is tough for many, it is great to be bringing something positive to all concerned.”

Many of the Gold winners will now go on to represent Devon at the national VisitEngland Awards next year.

A full list of winners is available at www.devontourismawards.org.uk, with event photography downloadable via Keynote Photography.