March 15th: BBC Countryfile Magazine has announced the winners of the hotly contested BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019.
More than 30,000 votes were cast by the public, to recognise the very best of the British countryside, including mighty landmarks, outstanding national parks, best beaches, beautiful nature reserves and finest rural pubs from around the UK. This year Wales emerged triumphant, winning the popular Pub of the Year award.
The Dolaucothi Arms of Pumsaint in Camarthenshire, a coaching inn at the heart of the small community serving Welsh ales and great pub food won the hotly contested Pub of the Year award, recognised for its large beer garden with views over the valley and great walking routes nearby.
Fergus Collins, BBC Countryfile Magazine editor, says: “Congratulations to each of the winners – and all the people and places who were shortlisted. The aim of our awards is to celebrate the best of the British countryside and shine a light on lesser known places, projects and people who are doing great work. And personally I’m delighted to have a new list of places to explore in the year ahead.”
Winners will be profiled in the May issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine.
Final Winners as follows;
Village of the Year
1st Place: Bembridge, Isle of Wight
2nd Place: Ingleton, North Yorkshire
National Park of the Year
1st Place: North York Moors
2nd Place: Seaton Wetlands LNR, Devon
Landmark of the Year
1st place: Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
2nd place: Huer’s Hut, Cornwall
Beach of the Year
1st place: Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight
2nd place: Machrihanish Bay, Argyll and Kintyre
Rural Pub of the Year
1st place: The Dolaucothi Arms, Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire
Joint 2nd place: Crown Inn, Crowntown, Cornwall and The Chequers, Retford, Nottinghamshire
Garden of the Year
1st place: The Gertrude Jekyll Garden, Lindisfarne
2nd place: Coleton Fishacre, Devon
Holiday Destination of the Year
1st place: North Yorkshire
2nd place: Orkney
Nature Reserve of the Year
1st place: Falls of Clyde Scottish Wildlife Trust
2nd place: Seaton Wetlands LNR, Devon, East Devon District Council
Wildlife Success Story of the Year
1st place: Beavers in the Forest of Dean
2nd place: Water vole reintroduction on Exmoor
Reader Photo of the Year
1st place: Hello, hare by Ben Hartley
2nd place: Standing tall by Iain Fazackerley
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle