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Attractions make it to Visit England award finals

Pippa Rifka & Chris Lockyer
BBC News, Somerset
Mendip Basecamp A drone view photograph of Mendip Basecamp site in Somerset at sunset with tents spread over a field and cars surrounded by woodland and hills.Mendip Basecamp
Mendip Basecamp is one of three tourist hotspots who have made it to the finals

Three Somerset attractions have made it to the finals of the Visit England awards.

No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath is nominated for small visitor attraction, while Searcy's at the Pump Rooms is a finalist in the taste of England category.

Mendip Basecamp, which was opened during the pandemic, is nominated in the camping category.

Visit England said they were part of the "first-class products on offer to both domestic and international visitors".

No 1 Royal Crescent The exterior of No 1 Royal Crescent in Bath, a four storey Georgian building in Bath stone with six large columns framing sash windows. Fronted by a black fence and stairs leading to the front door. No 1 Royal Crescent
No 1 The Royal Crescent was one of several sites in Bath used in the Netflix series Bridgerton

No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath is perhaps best known these days as the home of the Featheringtons in Netflix smash Bridgerton, but it also a museum, and historic house.

Alex Sherman, CEO of Bath Preservation Trust, which runs No. 1 Royal Crescent said: "This shortlisting is such a fantastic achievement for the No. 1 team, it is wonderful to see their hard work recognised, from the museum assistants who make the visitor experience so special, to the curators who care for the collection, and of course our museums director who steers the programme and exhibitions."

Across the city, Daniel Graham, general manager of Searcy's at the Pump Room, said about its nomination: "It's an honour to represent the South West, and its rich culinary and cultural heritage, on a national stage.

"To be recognised alongside such exceptional fellow finalists is a privilege in itself. We're proud to be supporting the hospitality and tourism industries and everything the awards stand for."

Mendip Adventure A male member of staff teaching a girl how to abseil, with ropes attached to both as they stand on a wooden platform high up on a rocky hillside. Mendip Adventure
Mendip Basecamp was set up during the pandemic for families to holiday safely outdoors

Mendip Basecamp, which is nominated in the camping category, opened in 2020 to provide families a safe open space to holiday in during "uncertain times".

David Eddins, managing director, said the recognition was a "huge honour and a proud moment for our whole team."

He added: "We've grown it into something really special. Our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire everyone, everywhere to make time for adventure. This recognition tells us we're doing just that—and we're only getting started."

The winners will be revealed in Brighton in June.

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