A Ningwood campsite business has claimed silver in the New Tourism Business of the Year category at the Beautiful South Awards, announced last night (Thursday).

The awards recognise excellence in the tourism industry and are organised by Tourism South East, the regional umbrella organisation for tourism, which covers the Isle of Wight.

Camp Wight is a wild camping site at Ningwood, near Shalfeet.

It was only established in 2020 and hopes to being able to welcome visitors in 2021.

Thomas Cowley, who runs it with wife Gemma, said: ‘We're delighted Camp Wight has been recognised in the Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards.

"Winning Silver in a tough New Business category is an absolutely fantastic result for us, we’re planning to ensure it marks the start of a year where we can continue to add to our success, and will be realizing more of our plans to develop Camp Wight as an outstanding, sustainable woodland camping and glamping destination.

‘We are also really looking forward this spring, to being able to welcome visitors to the camp site at Ningwood, as soon as restrictions allow!’

In the hotly contested Camping and Holiday Park category, Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park took bronze.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Osborne (by Visit Isle of Wight)

Queen Victoria’s house at Osborne, shortlisted in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, claimed the bronze award.

The awards ceremony was held online and was sponsored by the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

Vernon Cottage in Shanklin received a commendation in the Restaurant, Cafe & Tearoom category, while Nettlecombe Farm and Tapnell Farm both received a commendation in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.

Jose Morris from Nettlecombe Farm said: "We are truly delighted to have received ‘Commended’ in the Beautiful South awards today, after such a challenging year for our business, having our beautiful Nettlecombe Farm and hardworking staff recognised in this way means a great deal.

"We are now looking forward to welcoming our guests here in April in what is set to be our busiest season on record!"

"Thank you to the Beautiful South Awards for our award & congratulations to all other award winners."

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight, said: "Congratulations to all of our Island businesses that have been recognised at the Beautiful South Awards today - the past year has been incredibly difficult.

"It is reassuring to see Isle of Wight businesses are still being recognised for providing first class getaways and experiences for visitors to our shores.

"We hope that all of the Island's tourism industry will flourish once again when restrictions allow travel once more."