Tourism Awards: Small Visitor Attraction award finalists revealed

This award looks to highlight the hard work of local small attractions that are providing outstanding guest experiences and demonstrating excellence in all areas.

The Bug Parc is an invertebrate zoo in Lenwade, Norfolk (Image: Martin French)

The Bug Parc  

The Bug Parc is a unique tourist attraction in Lenwade, near Norwich, Norfolk. 
This invertebrate zoo, which opened in May 2022, showcases the weird and wonderful animals that inhabit our world. Millipedes, spiders, crabs, praying mantis and so much more are on view in minibeast habitats.  

There’s so much to do for younger Parc-goers, with a large outside fun play area incorporating a jumping pillow, undercover sandpit, play park and pedal cars. Visitors can complete their day at the on-site cafe and gift shop. 

The Bug Parc aims to attract local people from Norfolk and the surrounding counties, especially in school holidays. Though the typical visitor profile is a family of adults with children, The Bug Parc appeals to all ages. 

The judges commented that The Bug Park is “an enthralling adventure through the world of insects that educates and fascinates”. 

They said the Chrysalis café was “a great place to spend time, the quality of the food was excellent and the portion sizes generous”.  

The judges also said putting all that together with “the friendly, enthusiastic and helpful staff” and you get an attraction that comes “highly recommended”.

Hasty's Adventure Farm in Clacton-on-Sea allows families to get up close and meet its friendly animals (Image: Catherine Parker)

Hasty’s Adventure Farm

Hasty’s Adventure Farm, in Clacton-on-Sea, is a true gem on the Essex Sunshine Coast. 
The attraction, which opened in 2016, has acres of fun for families to enjoy.  

There is plenty of space to play, including in the innovative undercover wooden adventure zone, which sits under the largest canopy in the East of England. The animal barn and contact zone allow families the chance to get up close to, meet and feed the friendly animals. 

Hasty’s is an established destination for educational trips, regularly welcoming schools, groups and care homes. The farm prides itself on amazing customer service, which is evident from its reviews. 

The judges said Hasty’s is “a fantastic place to spend a family day out” with “a myriad of interactive experiences, from animal encounters to thrilling activities such as pedal go karts and grass sledges”. They were particularly impressed by the huge undercover wooden adventure zone.  

The judges added that “the staff’s dedication to creating a welcoming, relaxed and friendly environment added a special touch” to their experience that they would have no hesitation in recommending. 

The Suffolk Punch Trust  

The Suffolk Punch Trust in Hollesley, Suffolk, is a visitor attraction and educational and environmental charity dedicated to breeding and preserving the critically endangered Suffolk Punch horse. The trust has been running as a charity since 2002. 

In 2010, Princess Anne opened the visitor centre in Hollesley, which is set in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

It is the perfect place to meet magnificent Suffolk Punch horses and to find out how they helped to develop farming and shape the landscape of East Anglia. Visitors can explore the working stud farm on foot or on a tractor-trailer ride and see working horse demonstrations daily. 

There’s also a heritage garden, museum, implement barn, stables, pets’ paddock, play areas and gift shop as well as a café which serves homemade food. 

The judges had a “blissful day” at the “unassuming” Suffolk Punch Trust, where everything was delivered by staff and volunteers “with a clear passion for horses and the Trust”. 

They added: “There was a real ‘wow’ factor of being able to observe and interact with the horses in such a calm and tranquil setting.”

The winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year will be announced at the East of England Tourism Awards ceremony at Snape Maltings, Suffolk on Thursday, February 15. For more information, or to purchase tickets for the event, please visit tourismawards.co.uk

To see the finalists in all categories, click ​here.