Here is what our winners and sponsors have to say:

“It’s been fantastic to be part of the Beautiful South Awards this year and we are thrilled that our Autumn Show & Horse Trials was awarded Bronze in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category. We were honoured to be amongst such an impressive list of finalists, and inviting volunteers to accept the award on our behalf at the ceremony was a wonderful way to say thank you to them for all their hard work.” Gilly, South of England Agricultural Society

"Oakley Hall Hotel is honoured to be named Wedding Venue of the Year by the Beautiful South Awards. This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to crafting unforgettable wedding experiences. We are grateful to our talented team, our wonderful couples, and our valued partners for their continued support."  Jenny, Oakley Hall Hotel & Restaurant

“We are absolutely delighted to have won in The Beautiful South’s Restaurant of the Year category for a third year in a row. This achievement is a true testament to the dedication and talent of our Royal kitchen team, led by Head Chef Jacob Gough, and our exceptional front of house staff.  Our team create unforgettable dining experiences daily. It’s an honour for The Royal Hotel to represent the Isle of Wight at such prestigious awards, showcasing our Island as a destination for food lovers.” Mohamed Bathich, The Royal Hotel 

“Entering the award was a great way of looking carefully at how we operate and thinking about what we could do better – and winning it was a fantastic experience and a great tribute to our hard-working team.” Malcolm, The Battle of Britain Memorial

"Back in the difficult year of 2020 when we had only just moved and set up the one of our guests recommended we should enter some awards and the Beautiful South Awards seemed to be ideal: the clearly structured application process allowed us to identify both our strengths as well as areas where we could improve even on a very tight budget. We were amazed to get through to the regional final; to receive gold was incredible and now to be in the national finals is beyond anything we expected when we first entered. We work hard all year to make sure that our guests enjoy their stay, ensuring that all the details are just right and constantly trying to improve - to have an experienced and independent panel tell us that we have done well is an incredible boost" Jane, Bosham Boathouse

We are delighted to be finalists in the VisitEngland Awards who have recognised our efforts to create a visitor experience that not only sustainable but brings people closer to nature so they can champion our environment and help preserve our precious wild spaces. We are honoured to have made the shortlist.” Sally, Kent Wildlife Trust

"Our first time entering the award and we were thrilled to be finalists in the Business Events Venue of the Year category. The team had an amazing night at the awards ceremony, with some excellent company. It was great to see so many Kent based businesses as finalists in a variety of categories. We were very honoured to be awarded the Bronze award on the night and it was so special to share this with the entire team who put their hard work and dedication into our venue." Eilie, Kent Events Centre

'Entering our Santa Specials for Event of the Year in 2023 was not only an opportunity to recognise a tradition that has brought pleasure to families for decades and promote them to a new generation of visitors, but a way to celebrate the tremendous effort of our staff and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make them happen year in, year out. To be shortlisted was an honour but to win a Bronze Award is a wonderful way to mark the start of our 50th birthday year in 2024'  Heather, Kent & East Sussex Railway

‘It’s a huge honour to be a finalist in the Beautiful South Awards, but to go on and win the Gold Award for the best Tourism Event or Festival of the Year in the South East is a fantastic achievement.  Receiving a Beautiful South Award celebrates and recognises the dedication to all the volunteers that make the Walking Festival what it is today. At the awards ceremony, it was great to share the experience with a volunteer as a thank you for his contribution to the festival. With so many categories to choose from, I would urge any business to take part in this fantastic awards programme.” Amy, Isle of Wight Walking Festival

"Winning the Bronze Award this year and being recognised for the third time in three years, has totally inspired and motivated our whole team to push on and look at how we can continue to improve our operation into 2024 and beyond. Taking part in these awards provides the opportunity for you, your business and of course your team to be recognised for all their hard work and effort and I would strongly recommend taking part." Nigel, Wellington Country Park

"The choice to apply for The Beautiful South Awards' Wedding Venue of the Year was inspired by the recommendation of Thanet District Council's Tourism Manager. It offered an opportunity to celebrate our achievements since launching in July '22, express gratitude to our supportive suppliers and community, and seek valuable feedback from industry experts. This application reaffirmed our commitment to continuous improvement and our unwavering dedication to crafting unforgettable bespoke moments for our beloved couples." Sam, Chapel House Estate

"Being a part of this Award is such an accolade to Kent, our Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts, our brilliant team and amazing customers who come and stay time and again.  Having met so many inspirational and entrepreneurial businesses through this event and winning a Silver Award has only further encouraged us to carry on improving our business model and look at new and improved ways to bring more excitement to our stays.  Brilliant night run so professionally, we would highly recommend everyone to enter as it shines such great light on tourism and our sector of Excellence."  Kristina, Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

"Such exciting news, I just can’t believe it. I never expected to be a national finalist and it is really touching to be recognised in this way. Everyone at the Mill is super excited and we are looking forward to attending the awards ceremony!” Marie, Whitchurch Silk Mill

"To be among such an impressive shortlist of visitor attractions is testament to the hard work and dedication of our fabulous team. Simply to be a finalist is wonderful recognition for everyone here at ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’” Heather Carter, Blenheim Palace.

"Being able to spend time with so many other wonderful people, forming new friendships, in a relaxed environment, was gold, thank you." Andy McNulty, CEO, Touch Stay

“We are absolutely thrilled to have received this award from an organisation which represents so many of the UK’s leading tourism businesses, It has been an extremely challenging past few years and to be recognised in this way by our peers is a huge boost for the entire team.” Heather Carter, operations director at Blenheim Palace.

“I am truly delighted to be receiving Gold status for Mill Rythe Coastal Village. To be recognised by TBS in this industry award has blown us all away. This would not be possible without everyone who has been part of our journey, from the design team right through to the team that now operate and work on this very special location.” – Toby Dawson, General Manager at Mill Rythe Coastal Village.

“It was fantastic to be under consideration along with so many other amazing hospitality providers in the South of England, and to be recognised by the judges is an accolade the team are all justifiably proud of.” – Jon King, General Manager at Sandy Balls Holiday Village.

'The Beautiful South Awards are great on so many levels! A fantastic way to recognise excellence in the region of course, and to celebrate it with an equally excellent event. But also to help inspire other businesses and to foster further collaboration between everyone involved. Great work from everyone involved!' Ross, Beyonk

‘It is fantastic that our work in improving our sustainability and efforts to operate in a responsible and ethical manner have been recognised. We are committed to continuing to make improvements and see positive change in all of these areas and in everything that Chichester Festival Theatre does. With over 300 eligible regional winners in 15 categories competing for the highest accolade in English tourism, we are honoured to be recognised among a raft of outstanding organisations across the country.’ Georgina Rae, Head of Planning and Projects at Chichester Festival Theatre

"We planned the perfect dog friendly cottage for our own gang of Golden Retrievers opening in July 20. We are delighted that the Judges and our many guests that bring their four-legged friends on their holiday share our vision of the perfect luxury facilities for them and their dogs " Alan Cartwright, Haviland Cottage

"I am delighted and appreciative that our Hotel‎ has won this Award: A real boost for our Staff and reassuring for our Guests. A very motivating accolade as we end the ghastly pandemic period and anticipate a brighter future " ‎Peter de Savary beachcroft-hotel.co.uk

"Winning this award is a great validation of our efforts and of those of our staff. And it’s a good recognition of them to show that all their efforts are worthwhile, that we’re doing the right things and ticking those ‘green’ boxes". Andrew Graham, Wallops Wood Cottages 

“It is always a thrill to win an award and is so good for the whole team, but in a year like this it has meant even more. It would have been so easy to just postpone them but I think awards like this, that are properly and thoroughly judged and not just a voting popularity contest are really precious”.  Chris Burton ecochiccottages.com

Cllr Steve Pitt, Deputy Leader of Portsmouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Economic Development said, "Everyone at the D-Day Story is delighted to win this award. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of our visitor experience. This award recognises the fantastic customer service that the front of house team gives to visitors from all backgrounds and the extra mile they go to make everyone feel welcome."

“We are so delighted to win two awards – it really is going to give our team a huge morale boost which is much needed right now as we wait out the next couple of months”.  Anna Prior britishairwaysi360.com

"We are very proud to have received a silver award in the pub category and it was a great lift for myself and the team during these hard times. It was a shame we couldn't all attend a glitzy awards ceremony but the online event was very well organised and great fun. We will definitely be entering again next year".  Gordon Stott thepurefoyarms.co.uk

“I would like to formally thank all your team for continuing with the awards this year despite all the difficulties caused by Covid. I think this year, of all years, it is so important to fly the flag for UK hospitality, especially here in the south where so many jobs & communities depend on tourism”.  Simon Green & Michaela Rozborilova stubcroft.com

“A MASSIVE thank you for such a fun day yesterday!  We are so thrilled with our Awards - I now have one of each (we were lucky enough to get a Silver last year at The Grand!).  Truly it has been a real boost after such a tricky 12 months and I just hope that we can now all get on a do what we do best in the industry. A heartfelt thanks to you all for making yesterday a proper highlight of a bit of a damp squib of a year!” Katrina Rowton-Lee  wainhill.co.uk

“We were thrilled to receive this award and it has been a much appreciated boost to the team during this dreary time”.  Kim Baker gunwharf-quays.com

"We are very proud to have received the Gold Award for self catering accommodation of the year particularly as we designed and built this lodge from scratch to take full advantage of its peaceful and tranquil location". Caroline Barry shortstayhomes.co.uk

"This award really belongs to the whole team at Action Watersports because they are responsible for the experience that’s created for our customers. From the welcome, coaching, briefing, service and safety they offer, it’s always done with energy, commitment, positivity and a smile - that’s why we believe our customers come back time after time. We all can’t wait to open again and welcome back both old friends and new customers to experience the fun and exhilaration of everything that’s on offer on the lake". Simon Raine actionwatersports.co.uk

“Praise to Beautiful South Awards for persevering with the organisation, and presentation of, the awards despite the prevailing lockdown conditions. Well done. Thanks to Mary Flinn of The Brickworks Museum for the nomination which I accept as representative of all the volunteers at The Brickworks not just myself.  Stay safe, stay strong."  Richard Newman thebrickworksmuseum.org

 

The 2019 winners said:

"Receiving the Bronze Award for Self Catering Accommodation of The Year was a wonderful celebration of the teams' hard work, dedication and enthusiasm - a real boost for The Mill House as well!  Entering the awards and receiving judges’ feedback is a great opportunity to really look at your business through fresh eyes and to focus on building on the award success.  The prestigious awards ceremony was also a unique occasion at which to meet other like minded tourism businesses in the South East." www.holidays2remember.co.uk

“The awards and feedback have been a great help to us in reviewing and improving our services to customers, raising our profile in the media and giving customers the confidence to book." www.stubcroft.com

"…. WOW WOW WOW ….what a night ???? And to come away with three fabulous awards, well what can I say, thank you so much.  The team are absolutely delighted and overwhelmed and humbled that we have been recognised for all the hard work, dedication and passion that goes in each day to everything we do." www.hevercastle.co.uk

“We are delighted to have been recognised for our customer service by Tourism South East. Delivering exceptional customer service is so important to us and as a team we work hard to achieve this. Even better, it’s wonderful to have seen attractions in Portsmouth do so well at these awards, recognising how welcoming our city is to tourists and local people alike.” www.gunwharf-quays.com

"I’m hugely proud of the work we’ve done and to be recognised by the Beautiful South Awards for Accessible and Inclusive tourism demonstrates how far we have come on our ongoing journey." www.winchestersciencecentre.org

“We had heard about the Beautiful South Awards and what a prestigious accolade it was to win so we took the plunge and entered the ‘Experience of the Year’ category. We were absolutely delighted to win a silver award and it has been a huge boost for the team and the Brewery as a whole." www.ringwoodbrewery.co.uk

“The Beautiful South Awards are always a prestigious event to attend and over the past ten years we have been lucky enough to win Gold for Best Small Attraction, four times! Finding out you’re a finalist is really exciting but being part of the celebrations and accepting an award is a massive achievement. It’s a wonderful tribute to your teams hard work, passion and dedication. A wonderful evening of celebrations and a great way to gauge just how good your business is. Team monkey were absolutely delighted to receive Gold for Best Small Attraction and we were thrilled to be Highly Commended in the Ethical, Sustainable and responsible category. Entering these awards regularly helps us maintain our high standards enabling us to be up there with the best.” www.monkeyhaven.org

"We are all thrilled at the hotel, it’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved. We look forward to building on this success." www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk

"We are delighted to receive the Silver Customer Service Superstar Award in this year’s Beautiful South Awards. Our Box Office team do so much to welcome groups and schools to the Theatre and this acknowledges their commitment to excellent service. It’s a real honour to be recognised for the amazing work that happens behind the scenes here at Chichester Festival Theatre." www.cft.org.uk

“This is the first time we have entered The Beautiful South Awards so were thrilled and delighted to receive our Beautiful Silver Award. We are very proud of our small B&B so to have been chosen as a finalist was a huge privilege and a real boost for the business too!” The Courtyard at Wainhill, www.wainhill.co.uk

“We have been working extremely hard over the past year to grow our appeal to international visitors and this award reflects really well on all the hard work undertaken by all the team. To have also won gold as a wedding venue, in what is an extremely competitive and discerning market, was particularly pleasing and again speaks volumes for the commitment, enthusiasm and attention to detail of the team.” said Blenheim Palace’s Head of Operations, Emily Hirons www.blenheimpalace.com

"Receiving an award from Tourism South East is a great achievement which reflects to customers our care, attention and diligence in providing them with a first class memorable stay. It reinforces the quality of our cottages and facilities and was very much worthwhile entering. Thank you!" Heath Farm Cottages, www.heathfarm.com

Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won two gold awards and one bronze at the Beautiful South Awards – the top industry awards for the tourism industry. To be named best Large Visitor Attraction and best Wedding Venue in the South East is a huge honour and is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff across all the departments.” www.hevercastle.co.uk