Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023 Winners | Experiences & Producers

From handmade produce to exhilerating experiences, Cumbria is home to a fantastic variety of makers and attractions which offer the chance to discover our region a little better, and make the most of your visit. Here, we take a look at our Cumbria Tourism Award winners in these categories.

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The Infinity Bridge at Honister

Experience of the Year | Sponsored by Cumberland Council

As well as being the last working slate mine in England, Honister Slate Mine is also a thrill seeker's dream, with adventure activities aplenty. One of these is the Infinity Bridge: so named because you're often unable to see the other end! Located at a whopping 2,000 feet high, it is the longest high wire bridge in Britain and offers brave visitors an experience they're sure to remember. For anyone brave enough, the views as you cross the bridge are stunning.

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Walby Farm Park

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year | Sponsored by H&H Reeds

With plenty of activities to enjoy both indoors and out, Walby Farm Park offers something for all ages to enjoy! Set on a working farm, there are lots of different animals to see, with interactive sessions including pony grooming, goat racing and milking demonstrations. Indoors, you'll find Cumbria's largest indoor adventure play area; there's also an undercover 'Roman fort' for kids to explore. Keep an eye out for events like pumpkin picking and Santa's grotto. 

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Wordsworth Grasmere

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year | Sponsored by Dodd & Co

 

Image: G Gardner / Wordsworth Grasmere

Discover the life and works of William Wordsworth at Wordsworth Grasmere. Visitors can explore his former home of Dove Cottage, which he shared with his wife, children, and sister Dorothy Wordsworth; before taking a stroll around the garden, orchard and woodland which inspired the poet. Just steps away stands the modern Wordsworth Grasmere: a museum housing original manuscripts, interactive displays, and plenty more. 

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The Dock Museum

Highly Commended | Small Visitor Attraction of the Year | Sponsored by Dodd & Co

Located in the coastal town of Barrow in Furness, The Dock Museum is a free, family friendly museum which offers an insight into the Furness area's rich history and heritage, from as early as the Vikings.

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Cumbria Crystal

 Makers and Producers Award | Sponsored by Aqua Pura  

Cumbria Crystal was founded in 1976 with the goal of producing exceptional, handmade full lead crystal tableware. Today, they continue to do just that, with pieces made by hand from their Ulverston based factory. They've even even produced cyrstal for TV and movie productions including Downton Abbey and James Bond! Visitors are welcome to see pieces being made from their free factory viewing platform; workshops are also available.