The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 were announced at a glittering ceremony at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall earlier this year. Here we speak to two of the winners.
Small Visitor Attraction
Sponsored by Norfolk + Suffolk Tourist attractions
Winner: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve has had two wins in two years at the East of England Tourism Awards. This year’s win follows the attraction receiving New Tourism Business of the Year at the 2021-2022 ceremony.
On winning the award for Small Visitor Attraction this year, Edward Pope, founder of Watatunga, said: “We were completely amazed really, we weren’t expecting it. We were just blown away that we were recognised to such a high standard. We’re really, really proud of our team.
“It’s only our third year of operating, so this really recognises the work the team has put it in. Particularly this year when things are difficult for tourism.”
Ed and his wife Anna Hamilton founded Watatunga in 2020. The west Norfolk reserve, near King's Lynn, is set in over 170 acres of woodland, grassland, wetland and lakes. It is home to 20 types of deer and antelope as well as rare species of birds.
Visitors can spot the free-roaming animals on a guided tour in an electric buggy or safari trailer.
“This season the weather has been against us,” said Anna. “But we had a really good April all things considered, and we are optimistic about the rest of the season.”
Looking ahead to the rest of this year, Watatunga will be welcoming corporate clients by offering unique team away days.
After time on the reserve for team building, groups can enjoy a lakeside barbecue with food made by a local chef.
Watatunga will also be hosting photography experiences this year. During the experience visitors have three hours at the reserve, with or without a tutor, to capture wildlife on camera.
“You can get incredibly close to antelope,” said Anna.
Watatunga offers accommodation at Stable Cottage or Major’s Lodge for eight people and has just opened a four-person property, the Gate Lodge.
The reserve takes accessibility seriously, and received a bronze award in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category at the 2022-2023 Tourism Awards.
“We were incredibly proud to feature in that category considering our size,” said Anna. “The reserve is as inclusive as possible.”
Small Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by John Doe Carpets and Furniture
Winner: The Crown and Castle
In the historic village of Orford in Suffolk, with Orford Castle at its centre, you’ll find the gem that is The Crown and Castle.
Just a stone’s throw from the octagonal tower of the castle, this restaurant with rooms is the perfect place to get away from it all.
The restaurant showcases locally sourced produce, from sourdough bread from Pump Street Bakery, and Hill House Farm asparagus to Sutton Hoo chicken and smoked fish from Pinney’s, just a short walk away.
John Morell, general manager of The Crown and Castle, which is part of The Hotel Folk group, said using local ingredients is massively important to his team, led by head chef Jake Lawrence.
“We wouldn’t be here without keeping it as local as possible,” said John.
The bedrooms reflect the immediate vicinity too – seven of the 21 rooms have recently been refurbished and are named after historic local landmarks.
The Lighthouse room, for example, is named after Orford’s famous former lighthouse which if it was standing today, you would have been able to see from the vast windows in the room. The décor reflects the name too, including bold red radiators and comfy chairs to admire the view.
Following the Tourism Awards win, John said: “When they announced it, we were so thrilled.”
“It’s a great sense of pride for the team,” he added, “especially with what’s happened over the last three or four years and all of the ups and downs of that.”
He went on to praise his loyal team, some of whom have been working at The Crown and Castle for over a decade.
“We have people who have been here for 16 or more years, their dedication is amazing” he said.
This continuity in staff helps the team build a relationship with customers.
John said: “Everything about hospitality is based on friendliness and it’s great to see that camaraderie between our team and the guests. It’s what puts us up there with the best.”
The East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 will launch for entries in July.
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