Farncombe Estate wins Cotswold Leisure Break of the Year

Farncombe Estate, the Broadway venue which runs a wide variety of weekend leisure and study courses, has been named Cotswold Leisure Break of the Year 2011. The Business Achievement award is judged by an independent panel of judges from the newspaper London & Home Counties Today,


“Throughout the year, the Directors at London & Home Counties Today select organisations that have best demonstrated a proven ability to go that extra mile in not only meeting but exceeding the needs of their clients,” said Senior Editor

Joshua Holtom. “In line with this philosophy, it gives us pleasure to announce that Farncombe Estate has been selected to receive this year’s award.

“Our completely independent Award Programme recognises business excellence across a wide range of disciplines and the Business Achievement Award is recognised both locally and nationally.”

Farncombe Estate is set in 370 acres of private parkland, with stunning panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham towards the Malverns. Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter said on a recent visit: “This is one of the most beautiful views in the whole country.”

But not everyone is aware of that inside Farncombe’s eight dedicated training rooms, hundreds of weekend leisure courses are taking place every year.

The range of subjects on offer is exceptional. You can learn about astronomy, Tchaikovsky or the history of the Olympic Games. Feeling brainy? This is your chance to dabble in philosophy, consider the Golden Age of Dutch Painting or write travel stories.

For the practically-inclined there is a wealth of craft courses, including painting Atmospheric Snow Scenes and Chinese Brush Painting. You can learn how to Get the Best from Your Digital Camera, decorate Cupcakes or dance the tango.

“We are delighted to win this award, which reflects our commitment to customer care and the many hours of work that go on behind the scenes,” says Farncombe programme manager Mandy Morrison.

Since the Centre opened its doors in 2003, it has attracted thousands of visitors from around the world.

Popular programmes include Everyone Can Sing and Go Gospel. Students can learn to be a Guitar Hero or play Bodhrán, an Irish drum.

2011 has been an exciting year for Farncombe. A new £3.5 million bedroom courtyard has been built in line with the company’s green policy. Now it has 89 en-suite bedrooms which attract B&B guests and special interest groups, from walkers to musicians.

“This award ranks Farncombe Estate amongst the best in its field,” says Joshua Holtom, “as well as acting as a seal of approval to prospective clients.”