Blists Hill Victorian Town receives top Gold VisitEngland Accolade for its visitor experience

Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of Shropshire's 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums where life over 100 years ago is recreated, has received the highest Gold accolade from VisitEngland in recognition of the quality of its visitor experience.

Introduced by VisitEngland in 2014, the accolades are only available to attractions, which are members of the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme; they are allocated through a scoring system based on an annual and unannounced assessment by VisitEngland. There are five categories including Best Told Story; Hidden Gems; Food and Drink; Welcome and the top-scoring Gold accolade.

The accolades highlight elements that matter most to visitors and recognise attractions that go the extra mile to create an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Delighted with the award, Paul Gossage, Director of Engagement at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust commented: "It was a great achievement to receive this accolade, which positions Blists Hill Victorian Town as amongst the best tourist attractions in the country. It is wonderful that the hard work of all the staff and volunteers has once again been recognised by VisitEngland."

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said: "Attractions have received an accolade either for their warm welcome, unique storytelling or high-quality food and drink; ensuring an all-round quality experience for visitors. They reflect the wide variety of world-class attractions on offer in England and provide the perfect reason to book a visit."

The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are spread across six square miles of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Together they attract over half a million visitors annually; for more details visit http://www.ironbridge.org.uk.

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