Dartmoor tourism business in Visit England’s top three

The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, based near Ivybridge on Dartmoor National Park was recently recognised by Visit England as one of England’s top three tourism businesses.
In a glittering awards ceremony hosted by renowned Alex Polizzi, best known as the Hotel Inspector, The Cottages at Blackadon Farm received the Bronze award for being ethical, responsible and sustainable. The ceremony was held at the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter and the awards are the most prestigious accolades available in England’s tourism industry.
The Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism category is one of the most desirable awards to receive and is open to every kind of tourism business, ranging from large attractions to restaurants, hotels and events venues.
Marcus Bailey and Ryan Lynch, owners of The Cottages at Blackadon Farm were delighted with their accolade, especially as they were able to demonstrate that a small business such as theirs can set the standard that others, including the biggest names in the UK and global tourism industry, aspire to achieving.
The Cottages at Blackadon Farm were one of only two tourism businesses in Devon to reach the national finals having swept the board at this year’s South West Tourism Awards for Excellence and Devon Tourism Awards, receiving four accolades at each. These included the categories of Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year; Dog Friendly Tourism Business; Resilience and Innovation; and Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism. This builds on Blackadon Farm’s position as Visit Devon and the South West’s most awarded tourism business over the last three years.
Marcus Bailey and Ryan Lynch, Winners of the national award and owners of The Cottages at Blackadon Farm commented: “We are so proud to receive our award from Visit England as one of the country’s top three ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism businesses of any kind. As a small business, we are incredibly proud to be setting the standard for the industry and pleased that others, including the big names and larger tourism companies in England, aspire to what we have achieved.”
Recognising the finalists, Visit England CEO, Patricia Yates commented: “The Visit England Awards for Excellence is a celebration, recognising and congratulating the finest businesses across the country. Each year we are astounded at the incredible quality we see from every entrant. The finalists are the ‘best of the best’, helping to raise the bar for our industry as a whole, and raising the profile of England as a world-class destination.”
Over the last three years, Marcus and Ryan have been raising standards in Devon’s tourism industry. The awards have supported business growth and their ability to contribute to the important tourism economy every day of the year. The Cottages at Blackadon Farm are open 365 days a year and welcome a range of tourists from all-size groups for retreats, celebrations, families, adult-only escapes and dog friendly stays.
The Cottages at Blackadon Farm work with local businesses ranging from caterers, attractions and outdoor pursuit partners to give guests a ‘Devon is Heaven’ experience.  Amongst the loyal guests are well-regarded musicians, authors, heath-experts, Olympians and television personalities looking to experience the best that Devon has to offer.