Double award joy for Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is the toast of the town after scooping two top tourism accolades.

It was named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in the North East England Tourism Awards 2009 which were presented at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead.

It beat off stiff competition, including from Bamburgh Castle and Belsay Hall, Castle and Garden, and it is the third time it has won this particular award.

And there was even more to celebrate when Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience Quay Assistant Wendy Clarke received Bronze in the Outstanding Customer Service Award section.

Wendy, who joined Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience in 1994, dons period costume to meet and greet the hundreds of visitors which the attraction welcomes every day.

Centred around an authentic recreation of an 18th century seaport, Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience tells the story of life at sea at the time of Nelson, complete with action-packed re-enactments, musketry and cannon displays and audio-visual exhibits such as ‘Fighting Ships’ and ‘Pressganged’.

It is also home to the historic warship HMS Trincomalee, the Museum of Hartlepool and the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle.

Councillor Victor Tumilty, Hartlepool Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to receive these major accolades. 

“Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience is a fantastic attraction and this is another feather in our cap in the run up to The Tall Ships Races next year.

“Congratulations to everyone involved with Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience on these much-deserved awards.”

Geoff Hodgson, Chairman of the North East Tourism Advisory Board, who presented the awards, said: “This year’s winners showcase the quality and diversity of the tourism businesses we have in the region and are a great example of excellence.”

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience will now go on to represent North East England in the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next year.