UK Heritage Awards 2019

The winners of the UK Heritage Awards 2019 were announced on Monday 25^th March at a prestigious ceremony held at Grocers’ Hall in London.

The standard of entries was high this year, particularly in the Hidden Gem category where the judges chose joint winners as they felt both properties were deserving of recognition.

The event was a real celebration of the UK Heritage industry and a great time was had by all who attended.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who entered this year, and huge congratulations to all our winners and commended properties! You can see the full list of winners below.

The judging panel this year was made up of:

Paul Bridle (Chairman) – CEO of Excellence Squared Group Ltd

Norman Hudson OBE – Chairman, Country Houses Foundation and consultant to the heritage sector

Annie Reilly – Director of Heritage Open Days 

Jeremy Musson – Architectural Historian and consultant

William Sitwell – Independent Heritage property owner of Weston Hall, food writer, critic and broadcaster

Gary Swarbrooke – Director of Visit Heritage Ltd

UK Heritage Awards Winners 2019

Best Family Day Out

Winner – Hever Castle

Hever Castle & Gardens makes for the perfect day out in Kent, with 700 years of history contained in the double-moated castle – once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. There’s plenty to do for everyone; explore the splendid rooms inside, and the 125 acres of grounds and gardens outside. Children will love the playground, as well as the challenge of finding their way through the Water Maze and the 100-year-old Yew Maze. There’s also a fascinating collection of Miniature Model Houses, a boating Lake and a warm welcome in the shops and restaurants.

Great Place to Eat

Winner – The Alnwick Garden

The Alnwick Garden is one of the world’s most ambitious new gardens: The Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot is now a truly 21st century experience full of imagination, inspiration and fun. The Garden is a wonderful combination of spaces, themes, quirkiness and play. There are more than 4,000 plant varieties to discover, thousands of seasonal blooms and stunning water sculptures. Eating at The Alnwick Garden is a wonderful experience, with the Treehouse Restaurant, complete with wobbly rope bridges, wooden walkways and twinkling lights – and a superb mix of Northumberland fare from locally sourced ingredients. 

Highly Commended – Askham Hall

Set in the beautiful Lake District, Askham Hall is a secluded, luxurious place to visit and relax. Askham Hall is best known for its 3AA Rosette Restaurant, where the menu is dictated by the cycle of life in the gardens and fields; the restaurant works with the seasons and grows, sources and preserves the produce from its gardens, surrounding farms and woodland. There are beautiful gardens too, with views of the River Lowther, and animals to meet, before or after a meal.

Wonderful Place to Stay

Winner – Thirlestane Castle

Thirlestane is a magnificent 16^th Century Castle set in a quiet meadow landscape in the Scottish Borders; this is one of the finest castles in Scotland and is now a simply stunning place to stay with a fairy-tale façade. There are eight en-suite bedrooms in five apartments, so this is intimate, private and unforgettable. All are furnished with a beautifully eclectic mix of contemporary furniture and original items from the castle collections including dramatic portraits and tactile soft furnishings. The castle can be let on a self-catered basis or groups can choose to be catered for in the castle’s Victorian Kitchen or in one of the State Rooms.

Most Improved Heritage Development

Winner – St Giles’ House

St Giles is a family house with a long and rich history spanning over 400 years, inspiring generations of people who have had influence on the world around them. Following the Second World War, St.Giles House fell into a period of disrepair and appeared on the English Heritage “Buildings at Risk” register.  In 2010, a project to bring the house back to life began. What started as a simple plan to move the family back into the house developed into a full restoration project that is still ongoing. The house is now open by arrangement and runs events to share the vibrancy of the house.

Hidden Gem

Joint Winner - 78 Derngate

78 Derngate House is the only house in England to have been designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh; this small terraced house is home to a wonderful history and a radical transformation at the hands of Mackintosh in 1916-17. Along with extensions and remodeling, it is the stunning interior design at 78 Derngate that is Mackintosh’s real contribution to the house. After many years, the building was sensitively restored according to Mackintosh scheme in 2002-3, while 80 – next door – was remodeled to create a visitor centre and exhibition space, opening the house to visitors.

Joint Winner - Harvington Hall

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Worcestershire, Harvington Hall is a beautiful moated manor house with the largest surviving series of priest hides in the country and a rare collection of original Elizabethan wall paintings. Originally built in the 1300s and developed magnificently in the late 1500s, Harvington Hall brings to life the fascinating history of the survival of Roman Catholic families and clergymen during the Reformation of the late sixteenth century. Visitors will discover the Hall’s many ingenious secret priest hides, many of which were designed by Saint Nicholas Owen, and marvel at the outstanding and rare wall paintings of the late 1500s.

Best Festival, Event or Exhibtion

Winner – Castle Howard for 12 Days of Christmas

Castle Howard is one of Britain’s finest stately homes – a truly magnificent historic house in the heart of North Yorkshire. There is much to explore, including the 18^th century house and 1,000 acres of rolling parkland. Castle Howard was the winner of the Best Event, Exhibition or Festival for it’s spectacular ‘12 Days of Christmas’.

Christmas 2018 at Castle Howard was a festive event like no other. With the theme ‘12 Days of Christmas’, the objective was to provide a truly magical visitor experience and encourage more people than ever to visit this historic house. The project was meticulously planned in early 2018 with staff coming together from across the organisation to create a fully cohesive and immersive experience.

The Castle Howard Christmas event highlighted historical traditions, celebrating the twelve day Christmas holiday. The theme was expertly interwoven with the Howard family history bringing to life stories such as the 12 children of Lady Georgiana, 6th Countess of Carlisle.

The House was professionally decorated by theatre designers Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Bretta Gerecke, with each room reflecting an element of the classic song as well as a 26ft tall Christmas tree. Enchanted evenings and a grotto meant that over 2000 children were able to meet Father Christmas while festive afternoon teas offered gourmet dining with a roaring fire. Exceptional organisation and a highly professional team meant that all of this plus live music, magic shows and the Christmas market were all executed to the highest standards.

Contribution to Heritage

Winner – Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s new 10-year plan sets out 10 ambitious goals for the evolution of the Palace and estate in the next decade. This includes a £40 million restoration plan, a plan to acquire key items lost from the collection in the past, the establishment of an endowment fund for the Palace, and tripling Blenheim’s contribution to the local economy.

Individual Contribution to Heritage

Winner – Dr Christopher Ridgway (Castle Howard)

Chris Ridgway has been at Castle Howard since 1984; today he continues to be as passionate about Castle Howard's unique story and rich archive today as he was over 30 years ago. Chris has published works on Castle Howard’s collections, architecture, landscape and history and told Castle Howard’s story through lectures both nationally and internationally.

The Judges wanted to recognise the work Christopher as the Chair of the Yorkshire Country House Partnership. The Partnership has a core of twelve major country houses across the region and associations with others in relation to specific projects. Spanning more than six centuries in origin and an impressive range of architectural styles, the houses are united by both their geography and their historical roles at the heart of rural society.

The Partnership exists to promote a deeper understanding of the shared histories of the houses through scholarly research with significant public outcomes. It also provides a practical support network for house curators and an arena for interdisciplinary collaboration with the wider academic community and across the heritage sector, which has resulted many coordinated exhibitions for visitors to enjoy in Yorkshire.

Best Wedding Venue

Winner – Adlington Hall

One of the most beautiful country homes in England, Adlington Hall reflects both the history of English architecture and the 700-year story of a single family, the Leghs. As a wedding venue, Adlington Hall is a totally unique place to get married. There are two beautiful indoor venues - the magnificent Great Hall and welcoming Hunting Lodge - and two breath-taking outdoor areas – the historic walled courtyard or the English Rose Garden - to choose from to take your vows, before a drinks reception in the gardens, a beautiful marquee in the grounds, or a reception to remember in the Hunting Lodge. A dedicated team of wedding coordinators ensures that everything runs totally smoothly – through the planning, and on the day itself.

Corporate Experience

Winner – Broughton Hall

Broughton Hall dates back to 1597 and has belonged to the Tempest Baronet family for 900 years. It is one of the most exquisite event venues in the UK and one of the only exclusive hire historic houses in Yorkshire. The historic home at the heart of the estate creates a uniquely memorable impression for any corporate brand. Associating with a house of such legacy offers the perfect backdrop for product launches, celebrations, training or corporate retreats. The recent addition of The Land Rover Experience to the estate gives an added extra for teambuilding and incentives.

Outstanding Customer Experience

Winner – Adlington Hall

One of the most beautiful country homes in England, Adlington Hall reflects both the history of English architecture and the 700-year story of a single family, the Leghs. The winner of Outstanding Customer Experience is based on not only the judge’s experiences with the venue but also from outstanding client feedback. Adlington Hall came out on top across all areas including: organization, food and service.

Must Visit

Winner - Blenheim Palace

Blenheim is arguably Britain’s greatest palace; the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to over 300 years of history. There is so much to discover here, from Palace State Rooms and a Winston Churchill exhibition inside, to Formal Gardens, Pleasure Gardens and a Butterfly House outside. Add to this, delicious places to eat, tempting shops and fun for all the family – this is simply a must visit.

Highly Commended – Malvern Hills

Exhilarating climbs with fantastic views to gentle strolls through colourful wildflower meadows; the Malvern Hills and Commons has it all. Walk, cycle, horse ride and more through the beautiful Malvern Hills; with its dramatic landscape, great views and natural spring water, the Malverns have long been occupied by man. It is man’s activities eking out a living combined with nature that have created this cherished cultural landscape to enjoy.

Judges Discretionary Award

Winner- The Guild Chapel

The Guild Chapel is one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most iconic and important historic buildings. Its rich history dates back to the 13th Century when it was built by the Guild of the Holy Cross, a prominent social and religious organisation. As the Guild grew and prospered, so did its chapel, becoming central to medieval life in Stratford-upon-Avon. Today, almost half a millennia later, the Chapel’s rare and special wall paintings offer a unique glimpse back to that medieval past.The Judges were impressed with the dedication of the trust in securing Heritage Lottery funding to renovate these rare and icon paintings and the effort to encourage and educate the local volunteers to ensure visitors to enjoy this piece of Shakespeare’s history.

If you would like to enter the UK Heritage Awards for 2020, we will open for submissions later in the year, if you want to be notified when we start accepting submissions please email us at info@visitheritage.co.uk and we will add you to our list.