A museum in the city has been granted a national award.

Salisbury Museum, at The Kings House in Cathedral Close, has been recognised as a Hidden Gem.

The award, conferred by official tourist board VisitEngland, was given as part of the board's Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2021 and 2021.

A spokesperson for the museum wrote on Facebook: "We are thrilled to announce that The Salisbury Museum has been awarded a VisitEngland Hidden Gem.

"Huge thanks to all of the staff and volunteers at the museum for their invaluable contribution to this achievement."

Other attractions in Wiltshire were also recognised in the awards.

The REME Museum in Lyneham was also recognised as a Hidden Gem, and Visit Hillbrush in Mere, with its museum, shop and restaurant, was awarded the Quality Food & Drink accolade.

Winners were decided based on the scores given in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland.

As many attractions closed during the pandemic, the usual announcement in February 2021 was postponed to October, with attractions assessed in 2020 and 2021 included.

Director of VisitEngland, Andrew Stokes, said: "I’m so pleased to see our visitor attractions back in the spotlight with these accolades that recognise the amazing experiences available across the country.

"They also acknowledge the people who bring the attractions to life through their unparalleled customer service.

"They are the ones who make an attraction the most ‘welcoming’ and give life to the ‘Best Told Story’ whilst the quality of the attractions themselves are rewarded with ‘Quality Food and Drink’ and ‘Hidden Gem’ and of course ‘Gold’ for best all-rounders.

"Now more than ever we need these attractions to encourage and remind us to get out and explore the amazing tourism on offer across England, driving recovery and economic benefits through the regions."

The Visitor Attraction Accolades were introduced by VisitEngland in 2014, open to tourism businesses that are members of the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme.

 

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