Weymouth and England's 'best small visitor attraction' has been shortlisted for yet another prestigious award.
Nothe Fort was crowned the best small visitor attraction by VisitEngland in June and the popular tourist destination has now been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award.
READ: Nothe Fort named best small tourist attraction in England
Charity Kids in Museums has run a prestigious annual award since 2004, recognising the most family friendly heritage sites in the UK and is the only museum award to be judged by families.
From late March to early June, families across the UK voted for their favourite heritage attraction on the Kids in Museums website.
A panel of museum experts then whittled down hundreds of nominations to a shortlist of just 19 heritage attractions.
The Victorian coastal defence is now vying against four other museums in the 'Best Small Museum category'.
READ: Nothe Fort sets new record for visitors with big year ahead
Mary-Anne Edwards, general manager at Nothe Fort said, "The whole team is beyond proud to have been shortlisted.
"Our family friendly journey began 40 years ago, when Nothe Fort first opened, with the famous Mouse Hunt.
"We love welcoming families of different generations who come back year after year. This award will give us the confidence to go further."
The fort prides itself on its top-quality visitor experience with friendly volunteers on hand to help and fun trails to keep the children entertained.
READ: Weymouth Nothe Fort visitor numbers continue to rise
It offers a free annual pass with every ticket, meaning families can return as many times as they wish throughout the year to enjoy the jam-packed programme of family activities.
So far this year there have been pirate takeover's, Victorian themed activities, Second World War weekends, and the fort played a key role in Weymouth's 80th anniversary D-Day celebrations.
Eight-year-old Hali, who visits regularly with her family, said: “The Nothe Fort is my happy place, it’s where I can be myself.
"I have learnt so much, the World War Two weekends are my favourite because I love the assault course.
"I get to do so many different things at the Nothe Fort, even abseiling and a silent disco.
"You can do a mouse hunt when you visit and at the end you will get a certificate.
"I have an annual pass and visit nearly every week, the volunteers are very friendly and helpful, and they are always smiling.
"When I’m older, I would like to volunteer at the Nothe Fort.”
READ: Weymouth remembers D-Day on 80th anniversary at Nothe
Over the summer holidays, the museum will be visited by undercover family judges who will assess the shortlisted museums against the Kids in Museums Manifesto, a set of guidelines on what makes a great museum visit for all ages.
Their experiences will decide a winner for each award category and an overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2024.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.
The Family Friendly Museum Award has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England.
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