Vincent Boni, managing director of Newsquest Eastern Counties, congratulates the winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023.

The East of England Tourism Awards is one of the stand-out events in the business calendar. And this year’s event was no exception.

Held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday, March 16, the awards offered the tourism sector the chance for a well-deserved night off - and the vital opportunity to highlight some of the incredible work being done here in the East.

The contribution to our regional economy must never be underplayed:

  • The annual visitor economy of the region is around £10 billion
  • Each year more than 140 million day-trippers enjoy attractions in the East and there are 10 million staying visits
  • And it employs around 240,000 people

Great British Life: Vincent Boni, managing director of Newsquest Eastern CountiesVincent Boni, managing director of Newsquest Eastern Counties (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)

Our fantastic ceremony was attended by the industry’s leading lights, and all of our finalists and winners deserve the plaudits.

The winners are listed below, but you can find out more about them and our finalists in the dedicated supplement on Saturday, March 25.

The event is held in association with Visit East of England, and in partnership with Visit England Awards for Excellence, and the finalists of each category will go through to these national awards for judging. Fingers crossed, East Anglia will be well represented at these awards, held later in the year.

Great British Life: The East of England Tourism Awards was held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich The East of England Tourism Awards was held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)

A massive thank you to our headline sponsor Hoseasons and all of our category sponsors - the awards could not go ahead without them.

Also thank you to our drinks partner Larking Gowen and, of course, the outstanding Milsoms Kesgrave Hall Hotel.

It was wonderful to hear from Paul Evans, vice president of property and portfolio at Hoseasons, before the guests tucked into a delightful three-course meal.

And they didn’t go away empty-handed thanks to the super Adnams goodie bags.

Great British Life: The event included a silent auction to raise money for The Burnt Chef ProjectThe event included a silent auction to raise money for The Burnt Chef Project (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who donated to The Burnt Chef Project, in partnership with Bread Hospitality, which raises awareness and offers support on mental health issues for those working in the sector.

Thank you all for a brilliant night and good luck with the summer season - I am sure there will be even more to celebrate in 2024.

Great British Life: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter took the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter took the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)

THE WINNERS

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year

Winner: Dairy Barns – Hickling, Norfolk

  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Sponsored by Next Phase Leisure and Sunseeker Holiday Homes

Winner: Clippesby Hall Holiday Park – Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

Winner: Retreat East – Coddenham, Suffolk

  • Experience of the Year

Sponsored by insight6

Winner: PrimEVIL – Lenwade, Norfolk

  • Large Hotel of the Year

Sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants

Winner: Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate – Hatfield Heath, Essex

  • Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Sponsored by Howes Percival

Winner: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter – Watford, Hertfordshire

  • New Tourism Business of the Year

Sponsored by Swiss Camplings

Winner: Thorington Theatre – Saxmundham, Suffolk

  • Pub of the Year

Sponsored by Everard Cole

Winner: The Lion Brasserie – East Bergholt, Suffolk

  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Winner: RSPB Minsmere – Saxmundham, Suffolk

  • Small Hotel of the Year

Sponsored by John Doe Carpets & Furniture

Winner: The Crown and Castle – Orford, Suffolk

  • Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Sponsored by Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions

Winner: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve – King’s Lynn, Norfolk

  • Taste of East of England Award

Sponsored by Adnams

Winner: The Unruly Pig – Bromeswell, Suffolk

  • Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

Sponsored by cottages.com

Winner: The Suffolk Escape – Hintlesham, Suffolk

  • Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Sponsored by Hoseasons

Winner: Philip Turner, The Chestnut Group – located across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire

Great British Life: Philip Turner from The Chestnut Group accepting the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism awardPhilip Turner from The Chestnut Group accepting the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)