The Bath Events, Hospitality and Tourism Awards (BEHTA) are new awards for the sector encompassing the Bath & North East Somerset region. Amongst 21 categories is the award for Best Large Visitor Attraction. Welcoming over 60,000 visitors per year, No.1 fought off competition from Longleat and Prior Park, amongst others, to win this prestigious title.
Showcasing the talents of both organisations and individuals, the awards highlight overall excellence in customer service and exceeding visitor expectations.
Caroline Kay, Chief Executive of Bath Preservation Trust which runs No.1 Royal Crescent said:
“Collecting this award on behalf of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at the museum makes me very proud indeed. We re-opened after an extensive renovation and refurbishment programme in June last year and worked hard to ensure that the visitor experience was the best it could be.
With a variety of ways to interpret how life in the 18th Century was for residents in Bath – both above and below stairs – visitor feedback puts us squarely in the Top 10 of things to do in Bath although it is always our cheerful room guides who receive the most praise. They really bring the house to life and they are an essential part of our team.”
The BEHTA award comes hot on the heels of a national award for excellence. In May, No.1 Royal Crescent received the runners-up certificate at the Museums + Heritage Awards 2014, held in London, for the Best Permanent exhibition. Coming second only to the new Mary Rose Museum puts No.1 firmly amongst Britain’s best, and the accolades show little evidence of slowing. Next stop, the VisitEngland National Awards for Excellence!
No.1 Royal Crescent enables people to explore the recreated historic interiors of a late 18th century Bath Town House of distinction. Built on the realistic presentation of authentic historic objects in period room settings, No.1 deploys a wide range of interpretation to bring the house to life for all visitors.
Following a major redevelopment, the museum re-opened in June 2013 and now has twice as many historic rooms as well as a dedicated exhibition gallery – the Brownsword Gallery. The museum receives approximately 60,000 visitors per year and is currently ranked by Trip Advisor as the second museum in Bath, behind the Roman Baths.
VisitEngland has praised its improved accessibility.
A dedicated education and events centre enables an extensive programme of learning and outreach activities, with opportunities to dress up, handle objects and learn 18th century skills such as writing with a quill and cooking.
No. 1 Royal Crescent is open 10.30am-5.30pm every day, except Mondays, when open 12noon – 5.30pm. Adult tickets cost £8.50, children £3.50 and family and concession tickets are available. http://www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk
No. 1’s major exhibition ‘Portrait of a Lady? Ruin and Reputation in Georgian England’ is currently on display in the Brownsword Gallery.
