THE winners of coveted visitor awards have been announced by the country’s tourism board.

VisitEngland has announced the winners of its 2017 attraction accolades in recognition of the quality visitor experiences on offer.

Richmond’s Green Howards Museum and the Richmondshire Museum won the “Hidden Gem” award, with Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby taking a “Gold”.

Durham Castle took a “Welcome” award, Beamish Museum in County Durham a “Best Told Story”, and RSPB Saltholme in Middlesbrough a “Gold”.

The Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar, Jorvik Viking Centre and York Dungeons were also among the winners.

VisitEngland accolades have been awarded to 86 tourist attractions in England – from the Welcome accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.

Winners are based on the score they received following their annual assessment by VisitEngland.

Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland director, said: “These attractions offer a warm welcome, unique story-telling, high quality food and drink and unparalleled customer service and rightly deserve these accolades.

“They provide visitors with amazing experiences and create reasons to travel the length and breadth of the country, increasing the economic benefits of tourism.”

The winners ranged from museums, galleries and historic houses to cathedrals and country parks.