Luxury safari tents, wood-fired hot tubs, homemade pizzas, and friendly farm animals proved a winning combination at the Devon Tourism Awards.

Lower Keats Glamping in Tytherleigh, near Axminster, won gold for Glamping Business at the awards ceremony, held at Plymouth's Home Park. 

The secluded site is owned by Linda and Gary Kellaway and offers six luxurious safari lodges, all equipped with ensuite hot showers including luxury aromatherapy bathing products, wood-burning burning stoves, and a host of so many thoughtful extras to make their guests feel thoroughly spoiled. 

Hoping to give their sons the freedom of a country upbringing, the couple moved to Lower Keats in 2013. But the benefits of living in the countryside – fresh air, uninterrupted night skies, and a slower pace of life – seemed too good to keep to themselves, so in 2016 the couple set about creating their luxury lodges. 

"We've always thought of Lower Keats as a little bit of paradise," said Linda. 

"So, we're pleased to be able to share this with our guests. To see them laugh and interact with our farm animals, as well as truly unwind and relax during their stay, is a joy." 

"We're over the moon and privileged to have won such a distinguished award, with such fierce competition and high standards from other finalists. 

"We'd like to thank our fabulous team, and the judges and also congratulate the other finalists. 

"We're so grateful to our local suppliers who stock our honesty shop and safari lodges. We think the combination of their artisan products and treats, and our homegrown food makes Lower Keats extra special." 

Each week, Lower Keats' communal area, known as The Hive, becomes a hub of activity as Gary cooks their legendary homemade pizzas in a wood-fired oven. 

Although the famous Jurassic Coast is only a 15-minute drive away, many guests forfeit an evening at the beach in favour of Linda's gourmet bakes. 

But it's Lower Keats' friendly pigs, sheep, cows, ducks, and chickens which really steal the show. 

The coastal and country themed lodges with luxury indulgence and country charm offer everything you need for a relaxing, enjoyable break away from the hustle and bustle. 

Lower Keats is the perfect place for children to run around in, full of wildflowers, giving them the freedom of Devon country life. 

Electronics are discarded in favour of bug-hunting kits, while they engage with each other and their beautiful natural surroundings. 

In 2023, the quiet hideaway becomes even more of an idyllic retreat. Guests can book one of their new wood-fired hot tubs where you're not just taking a dip, you're discovering a sanctuary or retreat that's all yours. 

For more details or to book, visit lowerkeatsglamping.co.uk

Other winners at the Devon Tourism Awards included Seaton Tramway, which won silver in the Large Attraction of the Year category and bronze in Accessible & Inclusive Tourism.

The ceremony was held at Home Park in Plymouth - the first time it had been held in person since the coronavirus pandemic.

The awards were preceded by a rousing performance by Devon-based Tano Taiko and a celebration of happiness by Dr Vikki Barnes, Devon-based author of 'Free Happiness'.

Sixty-Six Dartington Crystal trophies were presented including a Winner of Winners award to Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. There was also a video from Adrian Vinken CBE, presented the special award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism following his decades of leadership in cultural tourism in the region.

Deborah Heather, director of headline sponsors Quality in Tourism, said: "On behalf of all my colleagues at Quality in Tourism, we were simply blown away by the quality of the entrants to the awards, the finalists were hard to pick but are really the creme de la creme in the industry, we were thrilled to be their celebrating with them."

Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented: "It never ceases to amaze me how tourism businesses continue to innovate and excel, even when faced with the most extraordinary hurdles. You are my heroes – each and every one of you!"

Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March and possibly into the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.

The full list of winners can be seen here.