Lancashire couple need public votes to win the title England’s Tourism Superstar 2024

Ian and Sue Rainford, owners of Brickhouse Farm Cottages in Hambleton, have been named amongst the 10 finalists in the running for the title of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024.

Public voting is now open to decide the winner of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024, organised by national tourism agency, VisitEngland.

People are being encouraged to watch a short film created by each of the finalists and to cast their vote for the favourite at www.visitengland.com/superstar (direct link: https://visitenglandawards.secure-platform.com/tourismsuperstar/gallery/rounds/304/details/27199) by the closing date of 24 March.

Now in its 12th year, Tourism Superstar seeks to find the unsung heroes working in tourism to give them the recognition they deserve for going the extra mile to ensure tourists in England have an amazing and unforgettable visitor experience. Tourism Superstar nominees are passionate about where they work and the destination they live in and consistently set the bar high for the standard of service in England's tourism industry.

Ian and Sue Rainford are owners of Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages, fully accessible accommodation set in a picturesque location overlooking a lake in Hambleton, which can be found between Blackpool and Lancaster. The accommodation, far from being clinical, provides an extra special ‘home from home’ for holidaymakers of all abilities.  Allowing friends and families the carefree short break or holiday that everyone deserves.

When their daughter was injured in a serious road traffic accident Ian and Sue struggled to find suitably adapted holiday accommodation for their own family to spend time together, so decided to create a place that was truly accessible to all.

Sue Rainford, co-owner of Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages, commented on reaching the finals; “We are grateful for being shortlisted and for the opportunity to showcase accessibility nationwide. We hope to inspire other businesses in the tourism industry to improve their accessibility.

‘’Brickhouse Farm Cottages is defined by community, offering families facing similar situations to ours, the opportunity for much-needed breaks and quality time together. Accessibility should be the standard, not an afterthought.”

Vikki Harris, Marketing and Partnerships Director of Marketing Lancashire said, “Marketing Lancashire was proud to support Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages through our regional Lancashire Tourism Awards to the Visit England National Awards for Excellence in June last year, where I was thrilled to see them win their Silver Award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism.

‘’We’re delighted that Ian and Sue’s incredible hard work and selfless commitment to accessibility has been recognised this year as finalists in the Tourism Superstars Award.

‘’Sue and Ian are fantastic ambassadors for accessible tourism and for Lancashire. They’re already superstars in our eyes and we hope that votes from across Lancashire will see them bringing this prestigious national title home.”

Ian and Sue are the only finalists based in the North West of England and its hoped that visitors from Lancashire and beyond will vote for them, encourage participation and send messages of support through social media using #VoteRainfords.

The winner will be announced at the end of English Tourism Week, which this year runs from 15-24 March, with the Tourism Superstar award presented in person at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event in the summer.