VisitEngland gives Rose award to Undercastle Cottage in Fordingbridge

A HOLIDAY cottage in the Forest has earned a major national award for giving its guests “the warmest of welcomes”.

Undercastle Cottage in Fordingbridge is among 100 accommodation providers nationwide to win VisitEngland’s Rose award this year.

The award is designed to recognise businesses where staff provide “incredible experiences” for their customers irrespective of star rating, style or type of accommodation.

Sitting on the Avon River, Undercastle Cottage’s owners describe it as the only five-star, dog friendly holiday cottage on the Forest. The cottage’s website boasts: “If you dream of getting away from it all, this fairytale thatched cottage on the edge of one of the best fishing rivers in England is the epitome of a rural luxury retreat.

“You’ll find the cottage at the end of a private track surrounded by gnarly trees and sprawling acres of the New Forest and its wonderful wildlife.”

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “The Rose Awards recognise the accommodation providers in England who deliver a fantastic welcome, provide outstanding customer service and make magical memories for their visitors.

“They create the bedrock on which tourists build their holiday memories, encouraging them to discover more of the area and driving tourism spend across local communities.

“From glamorous glamping to world leading B&Bs, from pubs to holiday parks, farms to rural retreats to self-catering cottages, there is a place to stay to suit all tastes and budgets in England with the awards highlighting the amazing diversity on offer.”

Rose Award winners are nominated by VisitEngland’s quality scheme assessors and are selected from assessor comments and online feedback from overseas and domestic visitors.

Recipients of the Rose awards include all types of three to five star accommodations including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, self-catering stays and hotels, holiday parks, glamping sites and hostels.