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Colchester Castle has been honoured with the Bronze Award in the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ category at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The award ceremony, held last night at the Rum Warehouse in the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, recognised the Castle’s outstanding commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors.
From prioritising accessibility to providing information in various formats, Colchester Castle Museum has made significant strides in ensuring accessibility for visitors with diverse needs. In-house Sensory Champions and Access Champions ensure inclusion is considered at every stage, from exhibition design to school visits. The museum offers Sunflower lanyards, concessions for disabled visitors, and welcomes requests for free familiarisation visits.
In addition to this prestigious national accolade, Colchester Castle also triumphed locally, winning the Gold Award in the ‘Creative, Cultural, and Community Business of the Year’ category at the Colchester Business Awards. The ceremony took place at Firstsite Gallery, celebrating the Castle Museum’s exceptional contributions to the local community and cultural landscape.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “Winning VisitEngland's Bronze Award in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category and being named 'Creative, Cultural, and Community Business of the Year' are fantastic testaments to the hard work and commitment of our team at Colchester Castle.
“These recognitions underscore our efforts to make the Castle a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs. We are thrilled to be acknowledged at both national and local levels and will continue to strive for excellence in inclusivity and community engagement.”
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrate the very best of England’s tourism industry, shining a spotlight on businesses that demonstrate quality, innovation, and best practices. The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award specifically recognises organisations that excel in providing exceptional experiences for visitors with accessibility requirements.
The ‘Creative, Cultural, and Community Business of the Year’ award highlights Colchester Castle’s significant role in fostering cultural enrichment and community involvement. This award acknowledges the Castle’s dedication to offering diverse cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts that benefit the local population.
These awards not only celebrate the Castle’s achievements but also serve as an inspiration for other heritage sites and tourism businesses to prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement. Colchester Castle remains committed to continuously improving its services and facilities, ensuring that it remains a top destination for all visitors.
Page last reviewed: 6 June 2024