CHAWTON House has won a Hidden Gem award in VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for the third year in a row.

Like many visitor attractions Chawton House was greatly affected by the pandemic, but it adapted to ensure it still had a role in the community.

It delivered Mother’s Day afternoon tea boxes, created new parkland walks and developed an exciting virtual events programme.

The grounds became a much-loved space to explore and escape to, and digital festivals, talks and interviews attracted a global audience online.

Louise Ansdell, who chairs the Chawton House board, said: “The award is a testament to the continued hard work and commitment of the staff and volunteers who make Chawton House a special place that people want to visit and come back to, and who have worked tirelessly over the last year to ensure that visitors feel safe during their time here.”

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “I’m so pleased to see our visitor attractions back in the spotlight with these accolades that recognise the amazing experiences available across the country. They also acknowledge the people that bring the attractions to life through their unparalleled customer service.”

Chawton House reopens for Christmas on December 1, decorated by The Twelve Knits of Christmas and showing the exhibition Literary Gifts: Books Given as Presents.