The owners of a Bishopdale tourism business are celebrating after winning two prestigious awards.
Cottage in the Dales were named Best Rural Tourism Business in the North at the Rural Business Awards.
They also won the Euan’s Guide Peoples Choice Award at the Blue Badge Access Awards, where they were also runner-up for the Best Boutique Hotel.
Diane and Andrew Howarth from Newbiggin own several luxury holiday cottages.
One of the cottages, The Dairy, is the first tourist accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales to provide accessibility support for guests with mobility, hearing and visual requirements to the VisitEngland National Accessibility Scheme (NAS) standards.
Diane: “We’re astounded at winning both of these awards.
“The success of our business is totally dependent on promoting rural tourism in the Yorkshire Dales via our Distinctly Dales accommodation and experiences that encompass luxury, sustainability and accessibility.
“To be recognised by the Rural Business Awards provides us and others to do more.”
She added: “Providing accessible accommodation that doesn’t appear clinical, has been one of the best business decisions ever.
“We’ve extended our reach to disabled and elderly guests with future bookings now two years in advance.
“As a micro-business, to even be considered amongst these international companies, is a great honour.
“As one of six companies receiving the most nominations and then winner of the Euan’s Guide Peoples Choice Award was just incredible as it was a result of people voting, which means so much to us personally.”
