Cumbrian holiday cottage letting agency Sally’s Cottages has won at the British Travel Awards.
It was awarded silver in the Best UK Self Catering/Cottage Holiday Company category.
Sally Fielding, who set up Sally’s Cottages in Eskdale in 2003 with just one cottage sub-let from a neighbour, said: “Because of everything else that has been going on in 2020, we hadn’t applied for any awards this year, so it was extra special to find out that we’d not only been nominated, but also awarded silver.”
She added that, like many other firms, Sally’s Cottages had found 2020 difficult.
She said: “We’ve been keeping our chins up, but there have definitely been big challenges and changes. It’s amazing to have had the support from our brilliant staff, freelancers, owners and guests, all of who have played their part in keeping things going. This award is an extra boost.”
Sally’s Cottages was one of the first to temporarily close when the pandemic hit, and worked closely with cottage owners and guests to find a good solution for everyone.
Adapting to the ever-changing requirements, it implemented a number of changes, including a new online system where guests who couldn’t travel due to coronavirus could automatically rearrange or cancel their visit and receive a refund.
It is also collaborating with a number of Cumbria-based companies including Cranstons Butchers, Honister Slate Mine, and Cable & Blake to promote buying local.
“We all need to support one another, especially now,” added Sally. “There’s so much that Cumbria has to offer and we want to celebrate that.”
