Hergest Croft Gardens And Maples Tearoom Earn Prestigious VisitEngland Award For Outstanding Visitor Experience

Published on December 25, 2025

Hergest Croft Gardens along with Maples Tearoom has acquired an exclusive 2025 VisitEngland Quality Food and Drink Accolade, a very distinguished award that shines a light on their fantastic visitor experience, great hospitality and excellent food. This yearly accolade, which is included in VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, points out the top attractions in Great Britain and reveals the companies that provide excellence in every aspect.

A Tribute to Excellence in Hospitality

The accolades were awarded to 78 English attractions that have demonstrated unparalleled standards across various aspects of the tourism experience. Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom stood out for their exemplary levels of service, quality, and overall guest satisfaction. The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation, including VisitEngland’s annual quality assessments, assessor observations, direct visitor feedback, and online reviews.

A Warm Welcome and Unforgettable Food

Maples Tearoom, nestled within the picturesque setting of Hergest Croft Gardens, has earned its reputation as a must-visit spot for tourists and locals alike. Visitors to the tearoom often rave about the exceptional quality of food, particularly the use of locally sourced ingredients, and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere provided by the staff. The tearoom’s ability to pair exquisite dishes with the scenic beauty of the surrounding gardens makes it a truly unique experience.

Franchisee Mell Lloyd, delighted by the award, shared that the recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication. The hospitality industry is facing significant challenges at the moment, so this accolade is a real ray of sunshine for us. This award reflects their hard work and commitment to excellence.

Hergest Croft Gardens: A National Treasure

Hergest Croft Gardens, spanning over 70 acres, is one of the UK’s finest botanical attractions and a true hidden gem. The gardens are home to more than 5,000 rare and unusual trees, plants, and shrubs, including 130 champion trees. Its six distinct gardens, along with parkland, form the second-largest privately owned arboretum in the country. These gardens are also the proud home to National Collections of Zelkovas and Maples, adding to their uniqueness.

The gardens are owned by the Banks family, who have been custodians for five generations. Austyn Hallworth, the Head of Marketing and PR at Hergest Croft Gardens, expressed immense pride in receiving this prestigious national accolade.

This year’s award marks a significant achievement for the gardens, which were previously recognised with VisitEngland’s Hidden Gem status. Winning another prestigious accolade cements the gardens’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions.

A Growing Destination for Tourists

The success of Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom highlights a broader trend in the UK’s tourism industry, where more visitors are seeking experiences that combine nature, culture, and high-quality local food. The location, set in the heart of Kington, offers a relaxing retreat for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The scenic beauty of the gardens, coupled with the high standards of the tearoom, have drawn a growing number of tourists seeking both tranquillity and a taste of local cuisine.

Hergest Croft Gardens continues to attract both gardening enthusiasts and casual visitors with its stunning plant collections and breathtaking landscape. The addition of Maples Tearoom provides the perfect complement, offering a space where visitors can enjoy delicious meals while immersing themselves in the beauty of the gardens.

The growing interest in these attractions is reflected in the increasing number of visitors who return year after year. Many guests have shared positive reviews about the exceptional food, the relaxing atmosphere, and the impeccable service. The gardens and tearoom have become synonymous with quality, providing an experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.

A Bright Future for Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom

Looking ahead, both Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom are set to build on their success. With a rich history and a commitment to delivering excellence, they are well-positioned to continue attracting tourists from near and far. The VisitEngland accolade not only reinforces the outstanding reputation of these attractions but also paves the way for future success in a competitive industry.

As for the team at Maples Tearoom, the recognition serves as a motivational boost during a challenging period for the hospitality industry. For them, it is a reminder of the power of hard work, local produce, and genuine service, all of which have contributed to their success.

Bottom Line

All in all, the 2025 VisitEngland Quality Food and Drink Accolade is an appropriate recognition of the outstanding quality that Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom have been offering. The accolades they have received are a result of their commitment to making the visitor journey unforgettable starting with tasty delicacies and ending with the cozy environment. Kington tourists could anticipate the beauty and the splendour of these two attractions for a long time ahead.