Lincoln Castle has received VisitEngland’s Gold accolade, recognising them as among the best visitor attractions in the country.
The accolade is based on a range of feedback – including the castle’s consistently excellent reviews, as well as the positive experience of a experienced independent assessor, who visited the attraction earlier this year to conduct a VisitEngland quality assessment.
The “class leading” historic displays, the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff, and the engaging tour from the Friends of Lincoln Castle volunteer guides were all singled out for special praise in the assessment report.
Summarising their visit, the assessor said: “The castle provides an enjoyable, informative and in many ways unique visitor experience, with visitors able to engage with some excellent and thought provoking historic displays and interpretation.
“This was a memorable and enjoyable assessment visit to a well run historic attraction, where the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff continues to shine through.”
The accolade is the latest national recognition for the castle, which also received the coveted Travellers’ Choice Award from top travel website, Tripadvisor earlier this year – placing it in the top 10 per cent of visitor destinations worldwide.
Lincoln Castle has won the coveted VisitEngland Gold Accolade
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive councillor for culture, at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Receiving VisitEngland’s coveted Gold accolade is a fantastic achievement and its timing - coming hot on the heels of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award - makes it even more special.
“It was brilliant to see the assessor recognise the pride and dedication of the castle’s hardworking team and volunteers in caring for this special place and bringing its incredible history to life.
“We’re now counting down to Lincoln Castle Illuminated, and I know lots of families will be as excited as I am to see the grounds transformed into a magical winter wonderland.”
Congratulations also go to Lincoln Guildhall, a winner in the 'Best Told Story (Tour)' category and Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby, which was celebrated as a 'Hidden Gem'.
VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades, now in their 11th year, are awarded to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme across a range of tourism attractions from historic houses, gardens, country parks and farm attractions to galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“These accolades put England’s outstanding attractions in the spotlight as they recognise the amazing visitor experiences available across the country. They acknowledge the people who give the warmest welcomes, provide the most mouth-watering food and tell the stories that delight visitors, making them jewels of our tourism offer.
Plan your visit to Lincoln Castle on their website: www.lincolncastle.com.
Featured image shows, from left to right, VisitEngland Chairman, Lady Victoria Borwick, presenting the Gold Accolade to Culture Service Manager, Kimberley Vickers, and Cllr Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Culture at Lincolnshire County Council.