Lappa Valley scoops Silver in South West Tourism Awards
Having already been named the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2022/23, Lappa Valley near Newquay has added a silver gong to its growing collection of accolades at the recent South West Tourism Awards.
The South West Tourism Awards recognises excellence across all forms of the hospitality business, pitting the very best of the industry from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly against each other.
Lappa Valley has captured the imagination of generations of local families and visitors to Cornwall since opening on a disused railway line and the site of the former East Wheal Rose lead and silver mine in a peaceful valley near St Newlyn East in 1974.
The mine’s historic engine house and chimney now provide an impressive backdrop to a visitor attraction specifically aimed at families with children aged 10 and under. A host of fun activities and play areas are offered along with three railway lines set in 35 acres of the Cornish countryside.
Keith & Sara Southwell acquired Lappa Valley in 2014 from the original owners and have continued to invest and improve Cornwall’s secret world of play and trains.
In late 2021 The Engine Shed, a £1.5m investment, opened and is home to a multi-level soft play area, a large café, party rooms and a Changing Places toilet to enable visitors with severe disabilities to access the venue.
New additions so far this year include the creation of a 12-hole accessible adventure golf course, a range of outdoor play equipment, and a disc golf course with further improvements planned.
Sara and Keith Southwell collect the silver award at the Eden Project on Thursday.
Keith said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won a prestigious silver award at the South West Tourism Awards. To be judged to be considered among the very best in our industry is truly humbling.
“Our sincere thanks must go to our incredible staff who are dedicated and passionate about making sure our guests have a fun and enjoyable time and go away having made some wonderful memories with family and friends.
“We’re committed to improving what we do and offer and look forward to ensuring future generations, including making our site as inclusive and accessible for all, to continue to fall in love with this very special place.”