Lappa Valley near Newquay picked up a silver award at the recent South West Tourism Awards.

The South West Tourism Awards recognises excellence across the hospitality sector, pitting the very best of the industry from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly against each other. Lappa Valley had already been named the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2022/23,

Lappa Valley opened in 1974 on a disused railway line and the former East Wheal Rose lead and silver mine at St Newlyn East.

The mine’s historic engine house and chimney now provide the backdrop to a visitor attraction specifically aimed at families with children aged ten and under. It offers fun activities and play areas along with three railways set in 35 acres of Cornish countryside.

Keith and Sara Southwell acquired Lappa Valley in 2014 from the founders and have continued to invest and improve Cornwall’s secret world of play and trains.

In 2021 The Engine Shed, a £1.5m investment, opened and is home to a multi-level soft play area, a large café, party rooms and a Changing Places toilet that enables disabled visitors to access the venue.

Among the new additions planned for this year include the creation of a 12-hole accessible adventure golf course, a range of outdoor play equipment, and a disc golf course.

Keith Southwell said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won a prestigious silver award at the South West Tourism Awards. To be considered among the very best in our industry is truly humbling.

“Our sincere thanks must go to our incredible staff who are dedicated and passionate about making sure our guests have a fun and enjoyable time and go away having made some wonderful memories with family and friends.

“We’re committed to improving what we do and look forward to ensuring future generations, including making our site as inclusive and accessible for all, continue to fall in love with this very special place.