VALLEYSIDE ESCAPES WINS AGAIN AT THE DEVON TOURISM AWARDS Valleyside Escapes recently won silver for Glamping Business of the Year at the Devon Tourism Awards (2024/25). It’s Valleyside Escape’s fifth Devon Tourism award in the past six years having collected gold in the same category in 2023, highly commended in 2021 and 2022, and a bronze award in the new business category in 2019. It is their 10th award in total since opening six years ago. Emma Wright, co-owner, said, “To be honoured as one of the top glamping sites in Devon again is an incredible achievement. We have put our heart and soul into creating Valleyside Escapes and have enhanced and improved our services each year to give guests the best glamping experience. Our location, with stunning valley views, is the perfect spot to create lots of amazing holiday memories. It is a rigorous process to enter these awards and we are so happy and proud to achieve this accolade which is also recognition of our team’s hard work and dedication.” This is the second trophy in two weeks because sister business, Valleyside Barn, a wedding and events venue collected a highly commended award at the South West Wedding Awards in the Country/Barn venue category in November. Matthew Wright, co-owner, said, “To receive two awards across different industries in the same month is a real achievement. We set ourselves extremely high standards for service for both glamping guests and couples getting married with us and both these awards are testament to that.” The South West Wedding Awards recognise businesses which exceed expectations, provide outstanding service and inspire their clients to want to actively and positively promote them. Couples who have used a specific wedding service vote online and provide feedback on why they think the business should be considered. This is then reviewed by an expert panel of judges who then award the winners, and in some categories include a highly commended when the judge’s scoring is extremely close. For the Devon Tourism Awards, applicants are required to complete an extensive questionnaire backed with evidence. If stage 1 is passed they then receive a visit from a judge to capture first-hand experience. Following the visit, the judge then decides if the applicant progresses to the final stage where gold, silver, bronze, or commended is awarded. Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented, “In what is a difficult time for many, it has been great to see increased entries into the awards and an increased number of winners. Their innovation, resilience and commitment to excellence never cease to amaze me.” Valleyside Escapes opened on the 3rd of August 2018 and has three large, six-berth safari tents overlooking the picturesque Exe Valley. It has a private stretch of the River Exe where glampers can go wild swimming, fishing, kayaking or simply enjoy a picnic. There are also additional facilities including a courtyard bar, games room, a bespoke mud kitchen in the children’s play area, boules court and an honesty shop stocking local produce. Valleyside Barn opened in September 2021 and has hosted over 40 weddings and events. Carrie Thomas, Visitor Information Officer, Tiverton Tourist Information Service said, “Huge congratulations to Valleyside Barn & Escapes. The availability of a multi-award-winning, luxury glamping site with a successful wedding and events venue is an excellent asset to Mid-Devon and supports our current work to promote all that is great about this area through Visit Mid Devon.” https://valleysideescapes.co.uk www.instagram.com/valleyside_escapes_glamping www.facebook.com/valleysideescapes DAY Check out these dreamy wedding venues What’s new? A magical www.bexchamberlainphotography.co.uk NEW ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT UPTON BARN & WALLED GARDEN Alongside The Stalls, which are thoughtfully designed accommodation pods that sleep up to eight guests, Upton Barn & Walled Garden in Devon recently added two additional pods - The Bower and The Nest. These brand-new spaces are designed to elevate the wedding experience at this Cullompton-based property, making time spent here magical. Made for the newlyweds, The Bower is a honeymoon hideaway! Offering a romantic retreat, couples can expect a sumptuously inviting bed, a standalone bath boasting countryside views and a spacious walk-in shower finished to perfection with luxe gold accents - it’s the perfect space to unwind after a wedding day! The family-friendly pod, The Nest spans two storeys, sleeping up to four guests. Featuring a mini kitchenette for added convenience, this stylish sanctuary is made for loved ones to cosy up and relax in comfort. The Stalls are the Scandi-style overnight accommodation pods providing the perfect blend of clean lines, minimalist vibes and relaxing home-from-home comforts. With space for up to eight people, guests can relax and unwind in a tranquil woodland glade – it really is the ultimate rustic retreat. Once the party is over, a cosy, Hygge-inspired pod awaits. www.uptonbarn.com www.instagram.com/uptonbarnandwalledgarden www.facebook.com/uptonbarn 15 THEMED VENUES
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