As domestic breaks remain attractive in the current economic climate, VisitEngland has announced the finalists in this year’s National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence - which showcase excellent value-for-money experiences. EET is delighted that two of this year’s national finalists are from the East of England. 

Organised by VisitEngland, these annual tourism ‘Oscars’ are sponsored by The Caravan Club, and recognise the crème de la crème of domestic tourism. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in the Corn Exchange at the Brighton Dome on Friday 23 April, in celebration of St. George’s Day.

The Bildeston Crown in Suffolk has been selected as one of three finalists in the Taste of England category, and is up against Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop in Kendal and Green’s Restaurant in Whitby. The Bildeston Crown is a Grade II* listed former coaching inn which was restored in 2003 to create a stylish hotel. Food is an integral part of The Bildeston Crown experience, and Chef Chris Lee has developed an excellent reputation for his innovative style. Quality produce is sourced locally whenever possible and much of it comes from the owners' own farm when in season. The eclectic menu at The Bildeston Crown caters for every taste. www.thebildestoncrown.co.uk

BeWILDerwood (nr. Wroxham) in Norfolk is one of four finalists in the Large Visitor Attraction category, taking on Blists Hill Victorian Town in Telford, IWM North in Manchester and RHS Garden Wisley. BeWILDerwood, which has been open since 2007, is a tree house adventure park for children and families. Small children - and big kids! - can run around in woods in a very safe environment, enjoying tree houses, boat rides, slides and zip wires. www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Once again, the awards showcase the rising quality and broad range of award-winning tourism businesses in England, as well as recognising outstanding service throughout the industry. All the finalists have demonstrated excellence against strict criteria, such as service and customer care, and were selected from over 100 regional winners submitted by England’s nine regional tourism partners, by a judging panel chaired by VisitEngland Chairman Lady Penelope Cobham and which included travel journalists Alison Rice and Sally Shalam. 

Also on the judging panel was Brian Richardson, Executive Secretary of The Caravan Club, who said: ‘Once again, The Caravan Club is delighted to support these prestigious awards which recognise excellence across the whole spectrum of English tourism. Each year we are faced with an ever tougher challenge as standards continue to improve. We feel that the results reflect the very best that
England has to offer’.

Lady Cobham said: ‘Our tourism awards really showcase the wealth of high quality and affordable holiday experiences on offer in England today. The judges were impressed with the huge, continued investment made by tourism businesses in spite of the recession - the finalists demonstrate how successful that commitment to quality has been’.

EET's Chairman, Derek Langslow, commented: ‘These awards recognise the truly excellent standards achieved in England’s tourism industry. All national finalists are subjected to rigorous examination and we are delighted to have two this year - we wish them
every success’.

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Further information: Jane Cryer, East of England Tourism, +44 (0)1284 727495.