Top award for Woburn Abbey and Gardens

The attraction was judged to be the Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction of the Year at the National Coach Tourism Awards 2014 event held earlier this month.

The awards were held at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and recognise excellence and innovation across coach tour operators, tourist destinations and attractions and industry suppliers.

They are hosted by trade magazine Coach Monthly.

Judges said: “Woburn Abbey’s comprehensive approach to providing an excellent service to tour planners, the appointment of a dedicated groups co-ordinator, free coach parking, and a clear and easy-to-use groups section on the website stood out in a sector where competition to attract groups is strong.”

They also praised the attraction’s offer to arrange out-of-hours experiences, and the free entry and generous £10 refreshment voucher for drivers.

Lisa Weaver, groups co-ordinator, and Stephen Manion, operations manager, collected the award in front of more than 400 tourism industry professionals.

Stephen said: “It has been an incredible month for the Woburn Estate with this award coming soon after success for the Woburn Hotel at the MK Food and Leisure Awards.

“It is a credit to everyone who works here and the hard work that everyone puts in to provide the highest quality experience for our visitors.”