Forest team celebrates following a prestigious national award for customer service.

It’s top marks all round at Forestry England’s Whinlatter Forest, where the visitor services team have been awarded a highly coveted VisitEngland Gold Accolade. The award, presented by the country’s official tourist board, is only awarded to those businesses which score highest in their Annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments, and highlights Whinlatter as a truly world-class day out.

Sally Burchall, Visitor Experience Manager at Whinlatter says “I’m so proud of the team here – it’s a real achievement to receive such an award and is such a testament to the hard work they do every day to help make every forest visit magical. The annual assessments from VisitEngland help identify areas where we can improve our service even more and we were over the moon to receive a really high score this year – to be presented with the Gold award as well really is the icing on the cake.

“With so many amazing activities available here at Whinlatter we have an important job helping everyone enjoy the best possible day, from setting younger visitors and their families along our Superworm trail to advising walkers and cyclists the best routes for their skill level. No day’s ever the same and I couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic and committed team.”

Whinlatter, nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park World Heritage Site, is England’s only mountain forest and offers a full range of activities to suit all visitors. Alongside the now award-winning visitor centre and shop, visitors can enjoy stunning views as they explore miles of forest walking trails, the longest purpose-built singletrack mountain bike trails in the national park, and an exciting wildplay trail for younger visitors, as well as bike and ebike hire from Cyclewise Whinlatter and treetop adventures with Go Ape, followed by a tasty treat in the forest café.

The forest is currently taking part in the Cumbria Dark Skies festival, with a wide range of activities available for all ages, from guided walks and runs to forest bathing and a moonlit choir performance. Further information on events and how to book is available at forestryengland.uk/whinlatter.