The UK Coach Destination of the Year is selected by the judges from the winners of our four awards for coach-friendliness. amongst local authorities, historic attractions, visitor attractions and shopping attractions.

Though each category is distinct, the characteristics of coach friendliess are in many ways shared and can be judged across common criteria to enable the judges to name the destination which in their view offers the warmest welcome to coaches and their passengers.

Criteria included:

• Coach parking & driver facilities
• Group rates/offers and their visibility
• Provision of a group meeting service
• Marketing policies and plans
• Web site quality for group organisers and coach operators.

The Coach Destination of the Year 2013: Chatsworth

This stunning house and garden in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District is truly one of the gems of the English country house.

Home to the Dukes of Devonshire, it is full of magnificent works of art, whilst the gardens are where Sir Joseph Paxton, designer of the Crystal Palace, learned his trade as a garden designer and structural engineer.

Chatsworth's efforts to accommodate group travel greatly impressed the judges, featuring a popular meet and greet service. The quality of the welcome for coach drivers, and the overall high standard of Chatsworth's catering offer were also factors in the decision to award this prestigious prize to the estate.