Blenheim Palace scooped the award in the Best Wedding Venue, and were Highly Commended in Best Eating Out award. Established in 2011, the Hudson's Heritage Awards are an independently judged annual national scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites and celebrate the very best visitor experiences
Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster, presented the awards at Goldsmiths Hall in London with around 100 guests including owners and managers of the winning entries, representatives of the heritage tourist industry and the media. The lunch was hosted by an independent judging panel of heritage experts including Chairman Norman Hudson OBE, heritage consultant; Lucinda Lambton, writer and broadcaster; Jeremy Musson, architectural writer; Simon Foster, consultant to Channel 4's Country House Rescue and Ken Robinson, CBE, tourism business consultant. The sponsors were accountancy and investment management group, Smith & Williamson.
Sarah Greenwood, publisher of market leading guide, Hudson's Historic Houses & Gardens said “We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2015 Hudson's Heritage Awards today. The judges consider everything about the visitor experience from what you can do to refreshments, toilets and merchandise as well as innovative events, exhibitions, weddings and celebrations. All our winners offer their visitors fantastic experiences and Hudson's are immensely proud to be involved with a scheme that rewards and recognises the very best heritage attractions.”
Stephanie Hendley, Marketing Manager at Blenheim Palace, said “We are delighted to have won a 2015 Hudson's Heritage Award. Winning one of these awards demonstrates the high standards and commitment we offer our visitors to ensure their experience is the very best. Receiving this award is acknowledgment and recognition that Blenheim Palace is amongst the elite of heritage attractions in the UK”.
