VisitEngland has this week revealed the recipients of its 2025-2026 Visitor Attraction Accolades. Including a Welcome Accolade for WWT Welney. This recognises the commitment by the team in providing inspiring opportunities to deepen connections with wetlands for visitors.
The accolades, presented to 73 attractions across England, recognise all aspects of the visitor experience and are awarded in five categories including ‘Hidden Gem,’ ‘Best Told Story,’ ‘Quality Food and Drink,’ ‘Welcome,’ as well as ‘Gold’ for customer experience excellence.
Lizzie Bruce, WWT Welney Site Manager attended the award celebrations with two WWT Welney volunteers, Dave Stanforth and Tony Winchester, and said:
“This recognition means so much to everyone at WWT Welney. Behind every visitor experience is an incredible team of staff and volunteers who bring our wetlands to life, sharing their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm with everyone who visits. A huge thank you to everyone who plays a part in making Welney such a special place. This achievement belongs to you all, and I couldn't be prouder!”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“England’s visitor attractions are first-class, and these accolades highlight why they deserve this recognition. The recipients of these awards provide an outstanding welcome, unparalleled food and drink and magical storytelling making them integral to the high-quality tourism offer provided to domestic and international visitors.
“From stadium tours and water parks, castles, cathedrals and museums to wildlife reserves and wetlands these attractions provide outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to make visitor experiences extra special and spreading the economic benefits of tourism across communities in England.”
Attractions have received accolades based on the scores they obtained following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment. The assessment recognized our continued commitment to delivering an excellent visitor experience for all ages and levels of interests, awarding us an overall score of 93%.
WWT Welney, overs over 1300 acres of wetland on and around the Ouse Washes – providing a rich habitat for wetland species, contributing to flood alleviation and supporting our mental health and wellbeing. We welcome regular and new visitors alike to experience our award-winning wetland, throughout the year.
Now in their 12th year, VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades are awarded to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme across a range of tourism attractions from historic houses, gardens, country parks and farm attractions to galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals.
The VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades 2025-2026 were presented at a celebratory lunch at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire on 10 November.
