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A Night to Remember: When Rudge Farm Took Home Gold (and Then Some!)

A Night to Remember: When Rudge Farm Took Home Gold (and Then Some!)

Every so often, there’s a night that takes your breath away — the kind you’ll be talking about for years, probably every time someone dares to mention an awards ceremony. It started with a few nerves, a bit of last-minute mirror-checking, and the distinct sound of Jason muttering about his bow tie. It ended with arms full of trophies, a massive grin, and more than a few happy tears.

Dorset Tourism Awards 2024-2025


The Build-Up: Three Nominations and a Whole Lot of Heart

We went into the evening knowing we’d been nominated for three awards — and honestly, that felt huge already. For our little patch of countryside to be up there alongside some of the region’s finest venues and tourism stars was enough to make us beam with pride.

Our categories were:

Each one meant the world.

Wedding Venue of the Year recognised what Rudge Farm does best — creating magical, down-to-earth celebrations where couples can make the place their own. From lakeside barbecues to dancing under the stars, it’s all about love, laughter, and a few joyful tears (ours included).

Regenerative Tourism was especially close to our hearts. It celebrated the way we care for our land and community — how sustainability sits at the centre of everything we do, from drying flowers and saving seeds to ensuring our farm thrives for generations to come.

And Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (Bronze) was a nod to the warm, homely details that make our cottages what they are — crisp linens, cosy corners, and, yes, those perfectly karate-chopped pillows.

Three Walks to the Stage (and One Deep Breath)

With each award announcement, the nerves built. First one, then two, then three — and suddenly we’d done it! Jason and I found ourselves walking to the stage again, exchanging slightly dazed smiles.

After the third, we finally let out that shared sigh of relief. The stage walking was over and the pressure had lifted. Jason leant back in his chair, looking equal parts proud and relieved, while I took a much-needed sip of fizz and thought, Well, that’s that then!

Except, of course, it wasn’t.

The Twist We Never Saw Coming: 

Winner of Winners!

Just as we’d begun to settle in for a quiet celebratory drink, the host began to announce the final award of the evening — Winner of Winners.

Now, this isn’t a category you enter. It’s the big one — chosen by the judges from all the finalists across the entire competition. It goes to the business that stood out above the rest; the one that embodies excellence, innovation, and heart in everything it does.

And then we heard it. Our name.

For a heartbeat, we just stared at each other — frozen. Then came the cheers, the laughter, the disbelief, and that brilliant rush of realisation that yes, it really was us. We’d just been named Winner of Winners.

What That Award Means to Us

That final award wasn’t just the cherry on top — it was the whole cake. It represented everything we’ve poured into Rudge Farm: the long days, the love for our land, the laughter of guests echoing through the courtyard, and the simple joy of seeing this place come alive, weekend after weekend.

To be recognised not just within one category but across all the winners felt surreal. It reminded us that the little details, the personal touches, and the heart behind what we do really do make a difference.

The Afterglow: Smiles, Sparkles and a Lot of Gratitude

The rest of the night was a blur of hugs, happy tears, and toasts with new friends. Our cheeks ached from smiling, our glasses never seemed to stay empty, and we couldn’t quite stop glancing at that final trophy gleaming on the table.

As we looked at it, it hit us — this wasn’t just about awards. It was about everyone who’s been part of our journey: our team, our guests, our couples, and even the curious creatures back home who make Rudge Farm what it is.

Tucked away in the countryside we may be, but on that night, Rudge Farm truly shone. ✨

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to say a huge thank you to the Dorset Tourism Awards team, whose hard work and dedication make these events so special. The effort that goes into celebrating and recognising local businesses is not lost on us — it’s such an uplifting thing to be part of.

A special thank you also goes to Joy, one of our exceptional judges, for her kindness, insight, and encouragement. The guidance we receive and the ways we can improve through feedback are truly invaluable. It’s inspiring to learn from others who have been in the industry far longer than we have.

We’re so grateful for the experience, the connections we’ve made, and the friendships that have already begun to blossom. Thank you again — we couldn’t be prouder to be part of such a passionate and supportive community. 💛

https://www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk

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What Our Guests Say...

The kids absolutely loved our stay and it really was the perfect family holiday.

Paula and David, Midlands

Lovely weekend - The cottage is absolutely amazing, much more than expected!! We had a lovely weekend in Dorset and stay there just made it perfect... clean, friendly staff and really beautiful place!! We’ll come back soon!!

Linda, Shropshire

Great location to explore West Dorset - We had a really lovely stay at Rudge Farm. As our first visit to West Dorset it was an ideal location to explore the coastline. The kids really enjoyed the activities on site too including the boating on the lake, the games room and tennis court. The local farm shop was fab and did lovely fresh bread, yummy cheese, and veg. Thanks for a great holiday and we would definitely recommend it to other people.

Caroline, Brighton

Loved our holiday. Lots to keep our little one entertained, tennis, games room, trampoline, rowing boats, fishing, playing in the meadow, the ducks and woodland walks. Cottage lovely clean and had everything we needed. We went to Burton Bradstock beach, monkey world, dinosaur & teddy bear museums in Dorchester, Lulworth Cove, Abbotsbury children's farm. Fantastic time and back for more hopefully next year.

John, Swanley

Perfect country retreat - First class comfortable accommodation in the Gardeners Cottage. Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, we couldn't have wished for more. No hesitation in recommending Rudge Farm to my family and friends.

Stephen, St Albans
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