A Norfolk wildlife reserve home to endangered animals has been named the best small visitor attraction at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, near King's Lynn, won the Gold award in the category at a ceremony on Wednesday night at Harry Potter Studios in Watford.  

The win at the VisitEngland Awards follows its victory in the small attraction category at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 held earlier this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Encounter endangered deer, antelope and birds at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Picture: AW PR/Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Encounter endangered deer, antelope and birds at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Picture: AW PR/Watatunga Wildlife Reserve (Image: AW PR/Watatunga Wildlife Reserve)

It was opened in August 2020 by couple Ed Pope and Anna Hamilton across 170 acres, with the area previously used for farming.

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Animals roam free in the reserve and the team is dedicated to conserving endangered deer, antelope and birds.

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Eastern Daily Press: A buggy tour at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Picture: AW PR/Watatunga Wildlife ReserveA buggy tour at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Picture: AW PR/Watatunga Wildlife Reserve (Image: AW PR/Watatunga Wildlife Reserve)

Visitors can learn about the animals on safaris with either electric buggy or trailer tours, with wheelchair-friendly transport available, and there are lodges for overnight stays too.  

Mrs Hamilton said: "We are feeling blown away and on cloud nine to win the VisitEngland Award. 

"It is a testament to our incredibly passionate and hardworking team and many of our TripAdvisor reviews mention staff members by name."