Vote for Henry Moore landmark in first Herts awards

An oasis of art just ten minutes drive away from Bishop's Stortford has been shortlisted in the Hidden Gem category of the first Hertfordshire Tourism Awards.

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens, Perry Green, are based at the former home of the internationally renowned sculptor who lived in the area for over 40 years.

The landmark is open to visitors from Easter until October each year and visitors can see over 20 examples of Moore’s iconic bronze sculptures, explore the artist’s creative process in five fascinating studios and visit Moore’s family home.

Also on show until October 22, is Becoming Henry Moore, a critically acclaimed exhibition exploring the earliest part of his career – from promising schoolboy to established artist.

Recently reopened, with a new visitor centre and archive, Henry Moore Studios and Gardens are one of 18 tourism businesses that have made it through to the final shortlist for the six categories in the brand new awards scheme, which rewards exceptional standards of customer service and outstanding visitor experiences within Herts’ tourism industry.

Destination specialists Go To Places (who deliver Visit Herts, the county’s tourism agency) launched the first-ever Herts Tourism Awards in August, and invited big and small businesses to nominate themselves for an accolade. The 2017 categories include best small and large accommodation providers, best family-friendly businesses, best small and large visitor attractions, and tourism pub of the year. 47 entries were received, and a judging panel of tourism experts from outside Herts has now whittled these down to a shortlist of three finalists per category.

Members of the public can head to the Visit Herts website (https://www.visitherts.co.uk/whats-on/hertfordshire-tourism-awards-2017 or Facebook page (@visithertsUK) and vote for the winners; voting closes on Friday (October 20) and the businesses with the most votes will be crowned at a gala ceremony on Friday, November 24.