Cornwall voted UK’s top holiday destination

BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards

Cornwall has been voted the UK’s top holiday destination in this year’s BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards (2013-14).

Now in their third year, the awards were made across 10 categories, from favourite rural TV presenter and best conservation project to finest market town and best place to go on holiday.

More than 55,000 votes were cast from nearly 6,000 people.

Cornwall beats off competition from the Lake District

Cornwall comfortably beat the Lake District and the Highlands in Scotland into second and third place respectively, with  readers rating the blend of rugged coast, sandy beaches and charming towns and villages.

Malcolm Bell, head of Visit Cornwall, commented “This is a fantastic achievement. I thank all those that voted for us. To be recognised by the readership of such a creditable source speaks volumes about the quality of our destination.”

The fishing port of Whitby in Yorkshire, with its landmark abbey, coastal location and close proximity to the North York Moors National Park, was voted winner of the Best market town.

Whitby edged St Ives, Cornwall into second place with third place awarded to Bridport in Dorset.