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

It was once again a very close contest this year between attractions which had done a great deal of hard work in this area.

Winners:Gretna Green Blacksmith's Shop, Dumfries & Galloway

One of Scotland's first visitor attractions, the historic blacksmiths shop was officially opened to the public in 1886.  The site is still owned and managed by the same family, who have overseen its evolution with each generation.

Nowadays, in addition to the historic blacksmiths shop, there are various shopping and catering features and a picturesque sculpture garden.  The destination of Gretna Green is well known within the coach travel industry and the attraction has developed to cope with changes in the tourism market.

Of more than 700,000 visitors a year, 60% are from the coach travel industry and the delivery of service from the 100 plus strong team of full and part-time staff, who welcome and look after everyone who visits, is a key asset.

The judges welcomed the particular effort that the Blacksmith's Shop has put into making this an essential stop en route to other locations and its coach-oriented facilities are a major strength appreciated by all in the industry involved with travel to and from Scotland. By this means the site benefits from the most powerful marketing tool of all: word of mouth.  The nominations received in support of Gretna Green's coach friendliness is evidence of the attraction's credibility and reputation in the coach travel industry.

Runners Up: West Midland Safari and Leisure Park

West Midland Safari Park opened in 1973 and covers 200 acres, consisting of a 100-acre drive through safari, Discovery Trail, Live Shows and Amusement Park, supported by various food outlets and shops.

The Park employs around 450 staff during peak season and welcomes over 600,000 visitors per year - 20% of which arrive by coach. The Park aims to provide an entirely hassle free visit for coach operators, drivers and their groups, valuing the business that is brought to them and constantly looking at ways to make improvements.

The judges appreciated the fact that Groups and Coach Operators are often the first to be made aware of new exhibits and features in publications throughout February and March whereas it is usually Easter before such exhibits are announced to the public. The Park's coach-friendliness is well-known, it is a deserving runner-up for the second year in a row.

Highly Commended

The following venues were also nominated by coach operators, and were highly commended by the judges.

Drayton Manor, Staffordshire

Drayton Manor Theme Park is one of the UK's most popular theme parks, annually attracting just over one million visitors, including just under 100,000 coach visitors. Opening in April 1950, Drayton Manor is today home to a wide range of attractions, including family-friendly rides, such as Thomas Land™ and a Ben 10 themed roller coaster; white-knuckle thrill rides; and a zoo. The park employs approximately 600 full and part-time staff.

As well as excellent admission rates for groups, the park provides free coach parking, free entry into the park for drivers with a free meal for them in the park's main restaurant. The judges particularly commended the park's regular research to keep up to date with the needs and desires of the coach and groups market.

The Eden Project, Cornwall

Built in a disused clay mine, the Eden Project is a rich, global garden where people can learn about nature and get inspiration about the world around them. Opened in 2001 the project now employ approx 500 staff, and around 150 volunteers. Travel trade and group visits account for approx 6.5% of our yearly visitors (excluding school and educational visits).

Stewards endeavour to board all coaches to provide a welcome and short familiarisation talk, this includes updates and information about events on-site. The welcome is designed to enable the passengers make the most of their day.

Facilities include two coach parks and dedicated drop off point. The Lemon coach park offers a driver’s rest room: facilities include complimentary tea and coffee, TV, and pool table. There is a free coach wash area. On arrival, coach drivers are also provided with free admission to the Project plus a £10 catering voucher which can be spent in any of Eden’s award-winning restaurants and cafés.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith, Edinburgh

The Royal Yacht Britannia has been welcoming visitors now for over 12 years. The audio handset tour takes visitors round five decks and offers a rare glimpse into the public and private lives of the British Royal Family. Group visits currently account for 18% of total admissions. The business currently employs 121 part-time and full-time staff.

Britannia has two team members dedicated to group enquiries, bookings and sales. Groups are encouraged to pre-book (without the need for a deposit) to get the best available group discount and telephone enquiries are taken by the Groups and Marketing Team.

Booked groups are welcomed by the  reception team and handed their pre-prepared tickets. They are also met by a visitor assistant who welcomes them and explains how to use the handsets before they step on board. At busy times in July and August, ticket collection arrangements and a special ticket holders' entrance ensures fast-track entry for all pre-booked groups arriving at their booked time.

Coach parking is free, with a special drop-off and pick-up point outside Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Coach drivers receive free admission and a free drink, along with a cake or scone, sandwich or bowl of soup in the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Britannia was a previous winner of this award in 2009, and was once again praised by the judges for the warm welcome for groups and coaches and the organisation that goes into providing this.

Who could be nominated?

Static attractions, including theme parks, amusement parks, sports and leisure facilities.

… and by whom

Readers of Coach and Bus Week magazine who are coach operators were asked to nominate attractions whose service they had admired during the last 12 months. They were asked to explain why they thought the nominated attraction deserved this award.