Exmoor National Park Centre, Dulverton amongst the best in the west

Feedback from the judges highlighted the team’s 'wow' customer service, with the Centre described as: "A gold mine for local information and about Exmoor, with passionate and friendly staff who will go the extra mile to help and provide advice to ensure a memorable visit to the area. A must stop visit!"

Dan James, Enterprise and Communications Manager for Exmoor National Park, said: "I am so proud of our National Park Centre teams! They meet and greet well over 150,000 visitors each year helping to inform and inspire them to explore this very special place, and to contribute positively to our communities and landscapes.

“As English Tourism week kicks off today (15 March), and Exmoor celebrates its 70th year as a National Park, this award highlights the commitment, passion and professionalism of our staff. Often referred to as ‘Exmoor experts’ our Centre teams are keen to help everyone make the most of their Exmoor experience.

“We are progressing exciting plans to relocate the Dulverton Centre for next year, bringing it into the historic building of Exmoor House, which is also the head office of the National Park Authority. This will provide users with a deeper insight into the National Park, and we will continue to be able to offer the 'wow' customer service the judges picked up on in the new location!”

Anne Brice, who manages the Dulverton Centre commented: “We’re delighted with this result as we love nothing more than to chat to visitors and fill them with inspiration about visiting Exmoor. To have won Gold in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards was a fantastic achievement, but to be crowned one of the best information services in the whole of the South West is a real honour.”

The South West Tourism Excellence Awards were presented at a ceremony held in Exeter’s Great Hall on Thursday 14th March.  Other Exmoor winners included Bossington Hall (Gold – Bed & Breakfast of the year) and Lynmouth Holiday Retreat (Silver – Camping and Caravanning Park of the year).

Helen Wylde-Archibald, CEO of headline sponsors Wildanet, said “Congratulations to all the winners from last night’s awards. With the standard of entries being so high this year, it demonstrates the incredible work that businesses throughout the South West are doing to stand-out and help to position our region as one that is truly world-class. The region has so much to offer as a tourism destination in the UK, if not the World; and the South West Tourism Awards are a fantastic stage on which to showcase and celebrate those incredible businesses that are flying the flag for the region.”

All 3 Exmoor National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth have now reached the finals of the South West Tourism Awards and offer expert advice alongside a range of displays, exhibits, resources and merchandise, to bring the story of Exmoor to life and inspire and inform people about the National Park.

The Centres will all be open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm for the main season from next Saturday, 23 March 2024. Meanwhile Dulverton is open 10am – 2pm (closed Sunday & Thursday), Dunster is open at the weekend 10am - 3pm and Lynmouth is open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm.

You can find out more at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/centres.