Bath’s Roman Baths last night landed the title of ‘winner of winners’ at the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards.
Held in Exeter Cathedral, the awards championed the quality and breadth of the region’s tourist industry – from guest houses, hotels, campsites and pubs to large attractions, cultural venues and one-off events.
Some 95 awards were presented following a rigorous judging process of the record 490 entries. 
The Roman Baths, which attract one million visitors a year, also won Gold in the Access and Inclusivity category.
They are now among 26 South West entrants in the national finals which take place next month.
The Baths, run by Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, were recognised for their efforts to welcome all types of visitors. Particular praise was given by the judges to the British Sign Language (BSL) trained staff, BSL audio tours, large print leaflets, use of braille on exhibits and online information for people with claustrophobia.
The provision for wheelchair users was also highlighted, including the availability of wheelchairs for visitors to borrow, lowered ticket office counters and accessible toilets. The assessors also noted the high level of training for all staff.
The Winner of Winners Award came in recognition of the attraction’s extensive consultation and services to local people through free admission with the Council’s Residents’ Discovery Card.
Council cabinet member for economic development Patrick Anketell-Jones said: “The Roman Baths constantly strives to improve accessibility for all visitors and local people.
“There have been many efforts made to ensure the historic site can be enjoyed by everyone, including staff training, information provision, and improvements to the building, such as the recent addition of new lifts.
“We are delighted that these efforts have been recognised with both of these South West Tourism Awards. They are a testament to the fantastic customer service that the staff provides.”
The Baths are no strangers to awards, having been regular winners of regional and national titles.
Last year they were named as the UK’s most popular paid-for attraction in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for museums.
Other winners included Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, Cheddar, which won Silver in the Holiday Park & Holiday Village category, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa near Chippenham won Gold in both the Spa & Wellbeing Experience and Large Hotel of the Year categories while The Manor House, Castle Combe, collected a bronze award in the latter.
All entrants in the South West underwent a rigorous short-listing process with 296 being visited by a team of 42 mystery shoppers. Entry was free, and all entrants received feedback on how they had done, giving them useful tips for future success.
Travel journalist and chair of Family Holiday Association Alison Rice, who also chaired the judging panel, said: “These high-calibre awards reflect the quality and breadth of the treasures that visitors to the south west can enjoy. The judging panel of tourism professionals did not have an easy time.”
For a full list of finalists and highly commended entrants go to www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk
The video of the awards ceremony can be seen at https://youtu.be/hE7eCia1_IY
Pictured collecting the Winner of Winners Award are, from left: Security and operations manager Tom Byrne, learning and programmes coordinator Lindsey Braidley, Helen Jones of staff trainers Purple Cloud Consultancy, visitor services manager Katie Smith and Roman Baths manager Stephen Clews
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