Leicestershire museums scoop major hoard at Tourism Awards!

The Leicestershire County Council attractions came tops at the East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2010/2011. The awards ceremony was held last night at the Roundhouse in Derby.

Bosworth Battlefield – the historical battlefield where King Richard III fought his last battle, won Gold for the Small Visitor Attraction category for the second time in a row, whilst Harborough Museum – featuring one the most significant Iron Age finds in Britain, came away with Silver for the same category.

Snibston Discovery Museum won Gold for the Think Family category and Silver for Access for All.

Bosworth Battlefield’s win means the attraction will now compete against other Gold winners across the country for the national title, which will be judged in April 2011. The Battlefield Heritage Centre has become one of the UK’s leading historical attractions. It attracts visitors from around the globe looking to re-live the deadly battle of 1485 in the interactive exhibition, where visitors can try on armour, fire a longbow and see rare finds discovered as part of the groundbreaking archaeological survey, which made headlines around the globe.

Snibston attracts around 100,000 visitors each year and hosts a range of events. Having spent the last two years assessing its provision for families and those with access needs and listening to the views of customers, it has developed new museum displays and access to its important collections. It is proud of its ethos and flexibility in making Snibston a great day out for everyone.

Harborough Museum features significant finds including over 5,000 gold and silver coins and a Roman Helmet – all excavated from a late Iron Age/early Roman Shrine in Leicestershire.

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, said:
"This is a fantastic achievement for Leicestershire as a whole and proves that the County has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. This was recognised and reflected at the awards ceremony last night. I am particularly proud of the achievements of Leicestershire’s museums and would like to thank and congratulate staff for their dedication and commitment. Well done to them all!"

For more information about the museums please visit: www.leics.gov.uk/museums