Chatsworth wins national award as 'Best Picnic Spot'

Loyd Grossman OBE presented Chatsworth with the award for ‘Best Picnic Spot’ following a public vote in the 2014 Hudson’s Heritage Awards, the independent national awards scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites.

During a prestigious reception held at Goldsmith’s Hall in London Grossman congratulated Chatsworth saying: “This is clearly a special place to have a picnic”. ‘Best picnic Spot’ is the only one of the Hudson Heritage Awards voted for by the public.

Chatsworth reopens to the public on Sunday 16th March and Head of Visitor Experience Sally Hogg accepted the award (Tuesday 18 February) saying: “We are absolutely delighted to have won a 2014 Hudson’s Heritage Award. Winning one of these awards is testament to the high standards and commitment to excellence we offer our visitors to ensure they have the best possible experience. Receiving this award is a wonderful acknowledgment and recognition that Chatsworth is one of the best heritage attractions in the UK”.

The awards, which were established in 2011, reward a range of visitor experiences and recognise the best heritage attractions in the whole of the UK. The awards were presented by Loyd Grossman OBE and attended by 80 guests including owners and managers of the winning entries, representatives of the heritage tourist industry and the media. 

The lunch was hosted by the independent judging panel of heritage experts: Chairman Norman Hudson OBE, heritage consultant; Lucinda Lambton, writer and broadcaster; Jeremy Musson, architectural writer; and Simon Foster, consultant to Channel 4’s Country House Rescue.