HEREFORDSHIRE tourism businesses took home more gold awards than any other area of the country during VisitEngland’s awards for excellence ceremony, writes Lottie Boyland.

And leading the way was the Oldfield Forge in Garway which was awarded Gold in the Experience of the Year Award.

Oldfield forge offers hands on blacksmithing experiences, allowing visitors to learn traditional working skills and even crafting their own swords.

The Oldfield Forge owners NIcky and Aaron Heath thanked their team and every guest at the awards ceremony for their support, enthusiasm, and belief in their experience and both concluded that they were ‘absolutely thrilled’ to be recognised in the awards.

The nationwide recognition of the tourism opportunities in Herefordshire resulted in

Four golds and two bronze awards, a feat that is especially remarkable given that VisitHerefordshire has only qualified for the national awards for the last two years.

The county’s other awards including camping, glamping and holiday park of the year alongside new tourism business of the year, taste of England award, and travel content,

This national recognition clearly highlights the exceptional quality and innovation which exists across the county’s tourism sector.

Diane Mansell chief executive of VisitHerefordshire said that these awards were ‘an incredible recognition of the heart, dedication, and talent that runs throughout the visitor economy,’ and added: “We are bursting with pride as our businesses and campaigns took centre stage with four gold and two bronze wins.

“This outstanding achievement showcases the extraordinary quality, innovation and warm hospitality that make Herefordshire such a special place to visit.

“These successes reflect not just individual brilliance, but the strength of our whole county working together.

“I encourage businesses to be inspired by these results as there is still time to enter our own VisitHerefordshire awards and have a chance to shine as our winners have this year.”