Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom, located in Kington on the Herefordshire-Powys border, have received the 2025 VisitEngland Quality Food and Drink Accolade for outstanding standards in food, service, and overall visitor experience.
The award is part of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme and is based on an annual assessment, assessor observations, visitor feedback, and online reviews.
Andrew Stokes, director of VisitEngland, said: “These accolades put England’s outstanding attractions in the spotlight as they recognise the amazing visitor experiences available across the country.
“They acknowledge the people who give the warmest welcomes, provide the most mouth-watering food, and tell the stories that delight visitors, making them jewels of our tourism offer.”
Hergest Croft Gardens, owned by the Banks family for five generations, spans more than 70 acres and includes more than 5,000 rare and unusual trees, plants, and shrubs.
It is home to 130 champion trees and one of the finest plant collections in the British Isles.
The gardens form the second-largest privately owned arboretum in the UK and include six distinct gardens and parkland, featuring the National Collections of Zelkovas and Maples.
The accolade follows last year’s ‘Hidden Gem’ status awarded by VisitEngland.
Austyn Hallworth, head of marketing and PR at Hergest Croft Gardens, said: “This national accolade from VisitEngland is a real testament to the dedication of our team and the warm welcome that visitors experience throughout the gardens and tearoom.
Hergest Croft Gardens and Maples Tearoom. (Image: Duncan Foulkes)
“We take great pride in offering outstanding food and hospitality within such a beautiful, historic setting.”
Maples Tearoom, which was also recognised in this year’s Visit Wales Food and Drink Accolades,
Franchisee Mell Lloyd said: “The hospitality industry is facing huge challenges at present, and therefore this accolade is a real ray of sunshine for us.
“This award is a true reflection of their hard work and dedication in serving the very best local produce and providing genuine service with a smile.”
Hergest Croft Gardens is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion, southern Eryri (Snowdonia), and the Welsh Marches.
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