Listener Choice Awards 2019
Who should win each of our Listener Choice Awards? You can vote now in as many categories as you wish. Here are the six finalists.
Best Large Attraction
Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum
About Them
Situated in the buildings and grounds of an original World War Two Prisoner of War Camp, a visit to our totally unique museum allows visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on both the Home Front and Front Line during World War Two.
Why Should They Win?
As a family owned and run business, we believe that we offer one of the best value family days out in Yorkshire. We have worked hard to ensure that our museum is educational, whilst at the same time enjoyable and entertaining, and that it appeals to all ages.
We regularly get three and sometimes four generations of the same family visiting together, and they praise us for the fact that all members of their party have got something out of a visit and that it has actively stimulated conversation between the youngest and oldest members of the family. We also prove to be an ideal venue if the weather is poor, as all our displays and exhibitions, barring our large collection of military vehicles and aircraft, are housed undercover, in the buildings that house Prisoners of War back in the 1940's.
With free on site parking and a dog friendly policy which means that dogs are welcome in all our exhibition huts, and even have their own special area in our Cafe, there really is something for everyone at Eden Camp.
Flamingo Land Resort
About Them
Located in over 375 acres of North Yorkshire parkland, Flamingo Land Resort is a unique day visit attraction with a Theme Park, an award winning Zoo with over 140 species of animals and a Holiday Resort offering a wide range of accommodation including luxury lodges.
Flamingo Land Resort has been owned by the Gibb family since 1978, but the original Zoo was founded back in 1959.
In the height of season Flamingo Land becomes one of Ryedales largest employers with in excess of 120 full time permanent and over 500 seasonal employees. The Theme Park boasts rides for all the family from white-knuckle thrillers such as Kumali, Hero, Velocity and the world record breaking Mumbo Jumbo to family favourites such as Splash Battle and the F1 Cars. In addition there are daily performances of three great family shows The Pirates of Zanzibar, the Bird Show and our amazing Sea Lion Show. Visitors can also explore our friendly zoo, with over 140 species of animals from all around the globe, informative keeper talks, animal handling sessions and walk through exhibits at our Wallaby and Lemur enclosures, where you can get to see these animals up close.
For visitors wanting to stay a little longer our Holiday Resort offers a range of accommodation with luxury lodges, cottages with hot tubs, holiday homes, facilities for tents, motorhomes and touring caravans. The fun carries on throughout the evening with a fun-packed entertainment package and resort guests also have exclusive use of our Leisure Center with pools, slides, spas and fully equipped fitness centre.
Over 1.5 million day visitors and holiday makers visit Flamingo Land each year and the target audience remains the same as it has for many years that there is something for all visitors from toddlers to grandparents to enjoy at the Resort.
Why Should They Win?
Flamingo Land should be shortlisted for this award as we place our customers at the heart of everything we do. Our multi generational guest appeal highlights the lifetime of special memories we create here at the park, for children and families of all ages and sizes.
Our theme park offers the fun factor, whilst our zoo welcomes new arrivals all the time for our guests to see and watch as they grow up.
Our commitment to conservation and recently being part of the largest ever translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa, allows us to educate our guests and enables us to offer a true insight into the importance of what we do.
The business is constantly updating its offering to make sure that repeat visitors have new attractions to enjoy during every visit, alongside implementing training to boost customer service from great to legendary.
All of the staff at Flamingo Land work hard as a family which allows us to create a special experience for every guest that visits us. We deserve to be shortlisted as we have a huge offering with commitment, dedication and care to see the smiles, laughter and most importantly the special memories!
Energi Trampoline Park York
About Them
It's been over 3 years since 2 local York lads opened the doors to Energi Trampoline Park, a 24,000 sqm2 indoor leisure facility based on York Business Park, Poppleton.
Energi Trampoline Park offers 100 interconnected trampolines as well as a Dodgeball Area, Foam Pit, Air Bag, Assault Course and a 5*Cafe located on a mezzanine floor providing the perfect vantage point. During this time, we have developed and maintained a 60+ work force ranging from Full Time & Part Time Positions.
We have also attracted a varied and diverse customer base covering a wide range of demographics from 2 years of age all the way to individuals in their 80's. Our main focus is families and providing them with a safe, clean and enjoyable experience that they can all revel in.
Why Should They Win?
In short there's NO YOU in this category. We the Energi Family deserve to be shortlisted because without that ethos/mind set there would be no Energi Trampoline Park. Energi Trampoline Park was a labour of love from 2 local lads from York and everyone who signed up for this rollercoaster of a journey. So to be shortlisted is a Huge Thank You to them and their efforts.
This is the only venue in York that you can visit where the whole family from 2yrs upwards can literally bounce off the walls with a huge smile on all their faces, whilst at the same time without realising doing some very important exercise.
In just over 3 years we have successfully created a Family Friendly Experience in York from the ground up with very little help from the outside but copious amounts of blood, sweat and tears!!
York Maze
About Them
York Maze is Yorkshire's a-maizing family day out and we are not only home to the largest Maize Maze in Europe - and the most visited in the world, but we also have over 20 different rides shows and attractions you won't find anywhere else!
The world's only corn themed Cobstacle course, the Crowmania tractor and trailer ride and the mind boggling House of Even More Cornfusion to name but a few.
Each year we add something new, this year our new Jurassic Maize is proving very popular and a great photo opportunity for families!
Why Should They Win?
We are unlike any other attraction in the York area, but what really sets us apart is our team! Our mission is 'To give every single visitor an a-maizing experience'. We are passionate about this and thrilled that we are renowned for our outstanding customer service, as much as the fantastic attractions we offer.
We are always blown away by the glowing reviews visitors often leave on Tripadvisor and our own social media, praising our team and how they helped make their day special.
The combination of our unique attractions and customer service we believe makes us a strong contender and we would be honoured to receive this award.
Castle Howard
About Them
Castle Howard is one of Britain's finest historic houses set within 1,000 acres of breath-taking parkland, just outside York. Visitors are invited to explore the magnificent family home, roam the lawns, lakes and walled garden and marvel at the temples, monuments and stunning views.
There is always plenty to see and do at Castle Howard, from guided tours of the House and Grounds and boat trips on the Great Lake, to a programme of exciting events including the ever-popular Castle Howard Proms, our incredible Christmas experience and, new for this year, BBC Countryfile Live.
Skelf Island, our brand new adventure playground, sits high up in the treetops and offers families a magical and exhilarating day out. Meanwhile, for those who need to refuel, deliciously tempting treats and refreshments await at our cafe, coffee shop and restaurant or if it's a spot of shopping you're after, visit our Gift Shops, Garden Centre and Farm Shop and take something special home with you.
With so much to see and do, all set within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Castle Howard really is a place like no other.
Why Should They Win?
Castle Howard has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and each year we offer something new, exciting and different. This summer we opened our new adventure playground, Skelf Island, offering families an even bigger, better and thrilling day out! Home to the playful and otherworldly Skelves, children (and their adults!) are able to discover a treetop world where nature and adventure come into their own.
We are always thinking of ways to make your visit more enjoyable and this year we have added new and exciting events so that there is always something for everyone. Visitors have enjoyed daring jousting displays, outdoor cinema screenings, a Dark Skies Festival as well as yoga, outdoor theatre and a terrific Traction Engine Rally! There's still plenty more to look forward to and this year Castle Howard will host the first Countryfile Live event to be held in the north.
Our visitors mean a lot to us and we hope you enjoy your time here. It is only with your help that we are able to conserve and protect this amazing place for future generations to enjoy. Winning Minster FM's Listener Choice Awards would be the best possible feedback we could receive.
Shakespeare's Rose Theatre
About Them
Lunchbox Theatrical Productions have been leading theatre and event producers in Australasia for the last 25 years and were responsible for opening up new overseas markets for British theatre productions. Returning to North Yorkshire in 2004, a UK events arm was established where the company create popular events such as Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland and THOR'S tipi bar.
Most recently, we created a landmark event for York last summer with Shakespeare's Rose Theatre. Situated next to the iconic Clifford's Tower, this 950-seat pop-up Elizabethan theatre employed 200 staff and staged four high-quality productions of popular Shakespeare plays.
The season welcomed an audience of over 78,000 and with 2019 now underway, we are hoping even more will enjoy the theatre this year. In addition, a Shakespearean village was designed and built adjacent to the theatre, where free wagon entertainment, an Elizabethan garden and some of Yorkshire's finest food and drink attracted a further 20,000 visitors from far and wide.
Why Should They Win?
Shakespeare's Rose Theatre deserves to win Visitor Attraction of The Year as we created a ground-breaking event, wowed nearly 80,000 people in year one in York and created a huge buzz nationally and regionally in the media. Online reviews prove its success with the audience, with many raving about every aspect of this event theatre; from the productions, the structure, the village and the staff.
All ten school performances sold out in 2018 and are almost sold out for 2019 also.
The large diversity of people attending proved that the event was not just for avid theatre-goers but for anyone wanting a different experience; and our geographical statistics showed the event drew visitors to York from far and wide in the UK and overseas.
With over thirty 3, 4 and 5 star reviews for the plays, and media applauding the success of every facet of the event, Shakespeare's Rose Theatre is a Yorkshire creation that the team behind it are all very proud of.
The 2019 season is also now underway with thousands already booked to see a show and rave reviews from the media. We hope for yet another amazing season.
Vote Now
Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum |
Flamingo Land Resort |
Energi Trampoline Park York |
York Maze |
Castle Howard |
Shakespeare's Rose Theatre |
Vote In All The Categories
To vote in our other categories please click which category you would like to vote in and then choose which business you want to win. Remember you can vote in as many categories as you wish!
Best Cafe or Tearoom
Best Hair & Beauty
Best Place To Stay
Best Tradesperson
Best Pub or Bar
Best Restaurant
Best Fish & Chip Shop
Best Wedding Venue
Best Entertainment Venue
Best Event
Best Charity Event
Best Small Gym
Best Large Gym
Best Under 18s Activity Group
Best Legal/Financial/Estate Agent Service
Best Independent High Street Business
Best New Business
Best Small Attraction
Best Large Attraction
Charity of the Year
Terms and Conditions
- The business must be within the Minster FM broadcast area which details can be found here.
- This competition is also governed by the offical terms and conditions of Minster FM which can be found here.
- In the event of a tie, all tied businesses will share the accolade or move forward to the next round of voting.
- The top six best performing businesses in each category will be shortlisted on Tuesday 17th September.
About Streamline Taxis, This Year's Sponsors
Streamline offers more than 140 cars, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Executive cars and multi seaters (4-8 people) are available. All contract work is taken. Student discounts are available throughout the year. Whether it's a trip round the corner or the other side of the country Streamline has a car to suit your needs. Call 01904 656565 for a free journey estimate or a car instantly.