2016 Cumbria Tourism Awards, Cartmel Racecourse,

The Lake District’s hospitality industry proves it has bounced back from last year’s devastating floods

One of the Lake District’s most historic boats joined one of the region’s most stunning hotels on the roll call of winners at this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards - an event which proved the region is still very much open for business.

The Gondola, the north’s oldest steam yacht, was named top visitor attraction while Askham Hall, near Penrith, picked up two prizes for wedding venue and guest accommodation.

The evening, at Cartmel Racecourse, was the region’s biggest celebration of the tourism industry and hundreds of guests from businesses around the county gathered to hear comedian Justin Moorhouse announce the winners.

This year, in addition to the awards, the Bernard Gooch Tourism Personality of the Year Award went to Nigel Wilkinson, managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises, for his outstanding contribution to the region.

Cumbria Tourism managing director Ian Stephens said: ‘Everybody involved in this industry should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.’

Many of the winners will go on to represent the county at the Visit England Awards for Excellence in 2017.

The 2016 winners

Large Hotel: Waterhead, Ambleside.

Small Hotel: The Leathes Head Country House Hotel, Borrowdale.

Guest Accommodation: Askham Hall, Askham.

Bed & Breakfast: Whitrigg House, Clifton.

Self-Catering Holiday: Waternook Lakeside Accommodation, Howtown. Commended: Mill House Cottages, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Holiday Park: Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate, Windermere.

Tourism Experience: Lakeland Segway, Cartmel. Highly commended: The Lakes Distillery, Bassenthwaite.

Tourism Event: Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy at Ullswater Yacht Club.

Visitor Attraction: Steam Yacht Gondola, Coniston. Highly commended: Lakeland Climbing Centre, Kendal.