IWM Duxford. © IWM

Several museums were given the thumbs up at the Enjoy England Tourism Awards for Excellence 2008 on April 23.

The Imperial War Museum at Duxford scooped Gold in the prestigious Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, while the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Buckinghamshire came top in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category.

The winners were announced at a ceremony in St George's Hall, Liverpool, in celebration of St George’s Day and Liverpool’s status as European Capital of Culture 2008.

“I am absolutely delighted that we have won the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award," said Richard Ashton, Director of IWM Duxford. "We are constantly striving to enhance the visitor experience at Duxford as well as showcase, to the best of our ability, the wonderful and amazing collection in our care."

"To be recognised in this way for our commitment is a great honour and a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team - the staff, volunteers and partners at Duxford who do so much to make any visit to the Museum a memorable and enjoyable experience.”

The Imperial War Museum Duxford was one of three finalists in the Large Visitor Attraction category and was joined by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in Gold position, and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle in Silver.

The Roald Dahl Museum. © Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Felicity Dahl, widow of the late writer and chairman of the Roald Dahl Museum's board, was also pleased with the Buckinghamshire attraction's top commendation.

"I could not be more delighted," she said. "The Museum is a place that Roald - who professed to hate most museums - would have loved. It's full of fun for children and adults alike. It is inspiring and welcoming."

"I would like to congratulate and thank the enthusiastic and hard-working staff who ensure our visitors enjoy a wonderful and memorable experience here.'

Other heritage attractions honoured in the Awards were Yorkshire's Castle Howard (Silver, Best Tourism Experience), Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire, and Forde Abbey and Gardens, Dorset.

The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, now in their 19th year, are widely known as the 'tourism Oscars' and recognise the crème de la crème of domestic tourism. They promote healthy industry competition and high standards, helping to ensure England’s place as a world-class destination.