Beamish is delighted to have been awarded a Best Told Story Accolade by VisitEngland.
We were one of just 17 attractions nationally to be included in the latest announcement and among just five to receive the Best Told Story honour.
It follows the Gold Accolade we received from VisitEngland, the national tourist board, last autumn.
Rhiannon Hiles, Beamish’s Deputy Director, said: “We are so delighted to have been awarded the VisitEngland Best Told Story Accolade.
“At Beamish we place our visitors at the centre of everything we do and we aim to reach a diverse audience through the stories we tell across the museum, of the social, industrial and rural history of the communities across the region using immersive engagement techniques.
“The accolade means so much to Beamish, for our staff, volunteers and most importantly our visitors and we are very proud to have been awarded this.”
The Best Told Story Accolade recognises attractions that excel in telling their story, in a way that’s suitable for all visitors, offering a “thoroughly entertaining experience”. The Gold Accolade is for attractions that “go the extra mile” for their visitors and provide excellence across all services.
Two rounds of accolades are announced each year and are for attractions that are part of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme.
James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said: “We know that England has a fantastic range of standout product which generates high levels of satisfaction for visitors. These attractions have succeeded in receiving an accolade either for their warm welcome, unique storytelling or high-quality food and drink; ensuring an all-round quality experience for visitors.
“Our accolades reflect the wide variety of attractions on offer in England and provide the perfect reason to visit and explore the country.”
Beamish welcomed a record-breaking 655,936 visitors in 2014/15 and visitor numbers have doubled over the past six years.
We were named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards 2014.