TV presenter Matt Baker hails Northumberland's 'incredible' beaches as county wins Seaside Staycation of the Year award

Northumberland has been crowned Seaside Staycation of the Year in a nationwide search for the country’s best loved holiday hotspots of 2019.
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England’s northernmost county saw off competition from Cornwall and North Devon to take the prestigious honour in iNewspaper’s first ever Staycation Awards.

Harvest Harris Jones, chairman of the North Northumberland Tourism Association and owner of Laverock Law Cottages, near Lowick, said “This comes as no surprise as Northumberland has so much to offer. Once guests discover our land they come back time and time again, often returning in the winter season to experience the peace and quiet of the landscape.”

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Other finalists included: Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat Trips – Staycation Tour/ Activity of the Year; Calvert Kielder – Accessible for All; Landal GreenParks UK – Outstanding Customer Service Award; representing the county across a number of other categories.

Cris Brown, Business & Marketing Manager from Northumberland Tourism with the county's Seaside Staycation award presented by Matt Baker .Photo Tom Pilston.Cris Brown, Business & Marketing Manager from Northumberland Tourism with the county's Seaside Staycation award presented by Matt Baker .Photo Tom Pilston.
Cris Brown, Business & Marketing Manager from Northumberland Tourism with the county's Seaside Staycation award presented by Matt Baker .Photo Tom Pilston.

Nigel Walsh, head of cultural services at Northumberland County Council, said: "We're thrilled Northumberland has been recognised as the Seaside Staycation of the Year. Our stunning coastline is only part of the reason visitors love our great county, there are so many fantastic and unique experiences."

"We'd like to commend all businesses who help to make Northumberland an unforgettable place to live, work, invest and visit - something our Discover our Land campaign champions."

Launched to recognise the growing demand for top-class staycation holidays in the UK and the country’s best loved holiday spots, the esteemed awards received over 1,000 nominations across 17 categories.

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A panel of prestigious judges met in early October to decide on the winners, including individuals from The National Trust, The Ramblers, The Institute of Travel and Tourism and Britain magazine, among others.

Serine and Joseph making the most of glorious weather at Bamburgh beach.Picture by Jane ColtmanSerine and Joseph making the most of glorious weather at Bamburgh beach.Picture by Jane Coltman
Serine and Joseph making the most of glorious weather at Bamburgh beach.Picture by Jane Coltman

Matt Baker, The One Show and Countryfile presenter, announced Northumberland’s win at the awards ceremony last Thursday at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London.

The County Durham-born presenter also vouched for the beaches in Northumberland, commenting: "They’re incredible, the best as far as I’m concerned.”James Morris, CEO and co-founder of event partner holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the quality and diversity of Britain’s thriving domestic travel industry. These awards champion all that is special about holidaying in the UK.”