West Dorset businesses have come out on top at the South West Tourism Awards, shinning a light on the what our area has to offer.

The awards received more than 476 entries from the region, including Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bath and Bristol.

Dorset Museum won bronze in Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and FORM - The Sculpture Exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes received bronze for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays (WDLH) had two of its parks win awards - Highlands End won gold and Golden Cap won silver in Holiday Park of the Year.

West Bay Discovery Centre also received gold in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Business category, with Dorset Forest Glamping winning bronze in the same category.

Monkton Wyld Holiday Park received bronze for Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year while Jurassic Coast Guides was also awarded bronze for Experience of the Year. The Acorn Inn won silver in the Pub of the Year category.

Robin Barker, director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the awards, said: "Tourism is known as 'the happiness industry' and the night showed everyone why, with friends, colleagues and competitors all reunited to join in the celebrations after two years of being kept apart.

"Congratulations to everyone who has continued to excel and innovate despite the countless hurdles."

Co-director Nell Barrington added: "I am so thrilled that we are all able to come together at Sandy Park for our first South West awards ceremony in two years.

"After such a terrible time for tourism, hospitality and indeed everyone it is great to be able to share the successes of all these amazing businesses in person. Congratulations to them all."

For a full list of winners, visit southwesttourismawards.org.uk

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