SCRUMPTIOUS FEEDBACK FROM VISIT ENGLAND FOR PARKWOOD LEISURE’S RUFFORD ABBEY

28/10/22 – Rufford Abbey Country Park, managed by Parkwood Leisure, has been awarded a VisitEngland Quality Food & Drink accolade.

The heritage site gained the accolade based on scores received following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments – the assessor felt the sites’ food and drink offering was “truly deserving of recognition”.

Filled with rich history dating back to the 12th Century, the scenic surroundings are supported by a multitude of activities planned by the site throughout the year. Hungry guests are always eager for refreshments with a range of food and beverage on offer at the site. 

A variety of options include the Coachhouse Cafe which operates seven days a week serving freshly made salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries as well as hot meals. At weekends, the Pizza Van opens serving stonebaked pizzas. The newest outlet at the site is the Saville Restaurant which serves traditional Sunday carveries, available for pre booking at 12pm and 2pm every Sunday. 

Kirsty Edwards, Contract Manager of Rufford Abbey, was delighted to receive the feedback from VisitEngland;

“We have worked so hard to create an offering for all of our visitors to enjoy.  The team pride themselves on generating innovative ideas as well as being able to operate our more traditional and popular products to the highest of quality and standard. The fact that we have been awarded this is a credit to how hard the team has worked and I am incredibly proud of their efforts”. 

Introduced in 2014, the accolades are available to VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme participants across a wide range of tourism experiences in England from museums and galleries, farm attractions, historic houses and gardens to churches, cathedrals and country parks.  Participating attractions are supported by a network of highly trained and experienced assessors who advise them on improving and promoting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of their offer.

Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses, employing about 2.6 million people and, in 2019, generating £76 billion in domestic visitor spending.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

“It’s so exciting to see our brilliant attractions providing outstanding experiences for visitors and to recognise and showcase the variety and quality across the country. 

England has unmissable visitor attractions and experiences that deliver world-class customer service. They also provide the warmest of welcomes and unforgettable storytelling that connects the whole experience, including retail and food and drink offers that exceed expectations.”