The Lakes Distillery has been awarded Gold for the fifth time in six years.

The award came in the annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades.

This year, covering 2023-24, The Lakes Distillery is among an 'elite' group of 72 winners, with only 20 handed the highest award of Gold.

The award recognises 'exceptional visitor experiences' across England.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: "These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by visitor attractions, from the warmest of welcome to amazing food and drink, from great storytelling to outstanding customer service."

The Visitor Attraction Accolades are open to members of the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme.

This encompasses a diverse range of tourism experiences across England.

The Lakes DistilleryThe Lakes Distillery (Image: Supplied) Sarah Burgess, whiskymaker at The Lakes Distillery, said: "We are delighted to receive this award and see our team recognised for the exceptional service they provide to our guests.

"England has some of the very best visitor attractions so to be named one of the finest is an honour.

"To be awarded Gold five times in the past six years is something that we are all immensely proud of."

The awards are determined by a panel of expert assessors who evaluate attractions based on quality, accessibility, and commitment to sustainability.

Other attractions among the highest-rated in English tourism include Kensington Palace, The Tower of London, and Chester Zoo.

Whinlatter Forest, Keswick, joined The Lakes as the only other north-west-based attraction to receive the Gold award, with Mountain Goat Tours and Holidays, Windermere, receiving Gold recognition for their Lake District tours.