The best of the south west was celebrating last night (Feb 6) at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, held amidst a stunning light show in Exeter Cathedral.

After a record year for the tourism awards it was fitting for the annual celebration to return to the splendour of Exeter Cathedral to recognise the region’s most excellent tourism businesses.

With 374 guests booked, it was the biggest annual regional gathering of south west tourism businesses, with 107 different awards presented following a rigorous judging process in which a record 773 entries were considered.

A number of Cornish and Isles of Scilly businesses returned home with Gold awards, namely The Park Cornwall (Holiday Park of the Year), Bude Canoe Experience (Learning Experience of the Year), Glynn Barton Cottages (Self Catering Accommodation of the Year), and Boconnoc (Wedding Venue of the Year).

Two businesses on the Isles of Scilly also received Gold РLongstone Lodge and Caf̩ was crowned New Business of the Year while Tanglewood table won the Tourism Innovation category.

For a full list of all the finalists and commended entries, click here.