The New Room has been named as the region’s best ‘Small Attraction,’ winning the gold award in the category of Small Attraction of the Year in record year for the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards Ceremony.

The New Room also received the bronze award in the ‘International Visitor Experience’ category.

Nearly 300 guests from the best tourism businesses across the Bristol, Bath and Somerset attended a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony in Bath on 15 November.

The evening was hosted by Laura Rawlings, from BBC Radio Bristol, alongside Phil de Glanville, former Bath Rugby player, with sponsors presenting 86 hand crafted awards made by Shakspeare Glass.

David Worthington, director of the New Room, said: “We are thrilled to receive these impartial accolades, and delighted with the recognition for our historic chapel and the new visitor centre and museum.

“Visitor numbers are increasing all time, with many international visitors among them, so we knew we were doing something right – but it’s great to receive these awards from such a distinguished source.”

The New Room’s multi-million pound visitor centre and museum was officially opened in July 2017, and was made possible courtesy of £2.6m from the National Lottery Fund and £1.4m from the Bristol Methodist District and other smaller trusts.

Nigel Scott, Business Development Director at Bristol Airport, said: “This year’s Awards were a fantastic showcase for Bristol, Bath and Somerset.  From small independents to major attractions, the range and quality of experiences on offer to visitors continues to impress.

“With nearly 1.5 million journeys expected to be made by overseas passengers using Bristol Airport this year, it is clear that the tourism sector is a vital part of the regional economy.”

Both chapel and visitor centre are open from Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm all year. Entrance to the historic chapel is free. The museum costs £3 for children and £6 for adults, with family tickets at £9 for one adult plus children, or £14 for two adults plus children. Other concessions and group rates are available, for details see www.newroombristol.org.uk