This award is designed to recognise and reward historic attractions who have gone 'that extra mile' to accommodate, attract, and welcome coaches, their drivers and their passengers.

Winner: Chatsworth

The Chatsworth estate first opened commercially in 1949 and now welcomes over 700,000 visitors each year, with more than 56,000 arriving by coach in 2012.

Set in the heart of the Peak District, Chatsworth House, Garden and Farmyard employs over 600 people and it has become an iconic attraction, due in no small part to its popularity as a film location. In recent years, Chatsworth has made particular efforts to accommodate group travel, with a meet and greet service which has proved popular.

The judges were impressed by the facilities offered to coach parties and, just as importantly, coach drivers.

Runner Up: Beamish – The Living Museum of the North

Beamish is the award-winning open air museum that vividly portrays life in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times.

First opened in 1971, the ground-breaking concept drew considerable interest and Beamish has developed over the past four decades into one of the most important visitor attractions in the north of England.

Employing 270 people, the museum now attracts nearly 500,000 visitors per year, around 14% in pre-booked coach parties.

The judges felt that Beamish deserved credit for the way in which it continues to grow and adapt, and the warm welcome it offers to coaches and their passengers.

Who could be nominated?

Static historic attractions, including museums, galleries, historic houses, gardens and other similar attractions.

… and by whom

Coach operators were asked to nominate attractions whose service they have admired during the last 12 months. They were asked to explain why they thouight the nominated attraction deserved this award. The judges made a short-list from the nominations submitted, and selected a winner based on further research.