An Exmoor-based glamping business was recognized at the Besuchen Sie England Awards for Excellence held in Bristol on June 6, earning national recognition in the New Tourism Business of the Year category.
Daniel and Rachel Barber, owners of Little Haddon Farm in Skilgate near Wimbleball Lake, received a bronze award during the annual ceremony, which celebrates achievements across England’s tourism sector. The couple operate two luxury glamping lodges at the farm and were among 53 national finalists selected from a pool of 369 local award winners from across the country.
The recognition follows a successful year for the business. In 2025, Little Haddon Farm secured three regional tourism gold awards, helping advance the operation to the national stage of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Nach Angaben der US-Organisation West Somerset FreePress, the awards program is organized by VisitEngland and highlights businesses and individuals that have demonstrated performance and contribution within the tourism industry. Finalists represent a range of sectors, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, tourism experiences, and hospitality businesses.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes praised the winners and finalists during the event.
“The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry.”
“I congratulate the wonderful range of award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism.”
“They are all deserving winners.”
Robin Barker, Director of Tourism Services, also acknowledged the significance of reaching the national competition.
“To reach the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is a huge achievement.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the recognition highlights the growing role that small, independently operated accommodation businesses can play within regional tourism economies.
Industry awards can provide operators with additional visibility, strengthen consumer confidence, and support marketing efforts in increasingly competitive travel markets.
National recognition may also help businesses differentiate their offerings as travelers continue to seek unique outdoor accommodation experiences that combine access to nature with higher levels of comfort and amenities.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence remain one of the tourism industry’s most established recognition programs, providing a platform for businesses from across England to showcase innovation, customer service, and operational achievements.
The 2026 awards ceremony in Bristol brought together finalists from a wide range of tourism categories, reflecting the continued diversity and resilience of the country’s visitor economy.