Southwell Holiday Cottage, Southwell won gold at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards

A self-catering accommodation that first opened doors five years ago has won gold in the county tourism awards.

Southwell Holiday Cottage, Southwell, has been announced as the winner of the Self-Catering Accommodation category at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards.

The owner, Rebecca Smith, worked for an airline for 10 years following her passion for travelling and different cultures, and decided to open her own business as she knew what other people travelling wanted and needed.

A week after opening, the pandemic began, and so did lockdowns, meaning no one was allowed to travel, however, a doctor from the area used the cottage to organise staffing in hospitals across the East Midlands and self-isolate, which kept the business going.

Rebecca said: “I understand what people want when they’re travelling, so we’ve built a self-catering cottage packed full of eco ideas with comfy beds and blackout curtains on a quiet terrace in the centre of a beautiful market town in the countryside.

“A well-stocked welcome hamper is left for every guest, and gifts for children are left on their beds.”

The cottage, located five minutes walk from The Minster and the town centre, has two bedrooms and welcomes four guests. There is also a welcome pack, and breakfast is provided.

Five years into the business, the business owner brings gold to the town, which she believes will have a ‘knock-on’ effect on other businesses in the area as it will welcome more guests into the town.

She added: “We’re delighted to win such a prestigious Gold Award from Visit Nottingham.

“It was a huge surprise, as we were up against very tough competition.

“We love welcoming guests to stay, and it’s easy to recommend the town’s history, parks, shops, local attractions and eateries.

“Guests come from all over the world for many different reasons to explore Southwell — it is a hidden gem and deserves to be recognised.”

The cottage has also been awarded gold for its Green Tourism practices, however, the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards were their first regional awards.

Following the win, they have entered the national 2025 VisitEngland Award for Excellence, which will be held in Brighton on July 4 this year.