Diggerland Devon celebrates place in Devon Tourism Awards 2026 final

Diggerland Devon has another reason to celebrate after securing a place in the final of the Devon Tourism Awards 2026. The park has been shortlisted in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category, sponsored by MiHi Digital.

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The achievement highlights the hard work, dedication and investment that go into making Diggerland a popular family attraction in Devon.

It also comes at an exciting time for the park. Over the past year, the team has introduced new attractions, upgraded facilities and created more spaces for visitors to enjoy.

Here’s why this award recognition means so much to Diggerland Devon and what’s been happening at the park.

Recognition among Devon’s leading visitor attractions

The Devon Tourism Awards celebrate the very best of the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses. Each year, they recognise organisations that help make Devon an outstanding place to visit.

Diggerland Devon’s place in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year final reflects its contribution to the local visitor economy. It also recognises the team’s ongoing efforts to deliver enjoyable experiences for families and visitors.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 3rd December 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Plymouth. Tourism businesses from across the county will gather to celebrate their achievements.

Thomas Chartres-Moore will once again host the evening. The Diggerland team now looks forward to finding out whether the park will take home the award.

New attractions keep the excitement growing

The award announcement follows an impressive year of investment at Diggerland Devon.

During the past 12 months, the park has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in new attractions and improvements. These developments help ensure every visit offers something exciting for guests.

Recent additions include:

• A brand-new dodgems track for family-friendly fun.
• New fully adapted construction machinery.
• An exciting inflatable Jumbo Slide.

These additions give visitors even more ways to enjoy their day. They also support Diggerland’s aim of offering activities for different ages and abilities.

Whether families return every year or visit for the first time, there’s always something new to discover.

Improvements make outdoor visits even better

Diggerland Devon has also focused on improving the spaces between its attractions.

With support from Mid Devon District Council, the park has invested in five new patio areas. The council awarded nearly £9,000 through its ‘Improving our Visitor Economy Assets’ grant scheme.

The improvements include plans for additional benches, shaded areas and shrubs. These features will give families more comfortable places to take a break.

They also create opportunities for visitors to relax and enjoy time together between rides. It’s another way Diggerland continues to improve the overall experience.

The people behind Diggerland’s success

Great attractions rely on great teams. At Diggerland Devon, dedicated staff work hard to make every visit enjoyable.

General Manager Gavin Shuman and Office Manager Angie Blackford lead the team. Their enthusiasm and commitment help drive the park’s continued development.

A Diggerland spokesperson commented:

“We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to have reached the final of the Devon Tourism Awards. More than anything, we are proud of our team at Diggerland Devon and the way everyone has worked together to continue developing the park and delivering a fantastic experience for our guests.

“Particular credit must go to our team under the new management of General Manager Gavin Shuman and Office Manager Angie Blackford. Their leadership, enthusiasm and commitment, alongside the hard work of the wider team, have helped drive the park forward. It is wonderful to see those collective efforts recognised.”

The spokesperson continued:

“We are always looking at ways to improve what we offer, introduce new experiences and ensure Diggerland remains a fun, inclusive and memorable day out for families and visitors of all ages. To be recognised among Devon’s leading visitor attractions is something we are extremely proud of.”

This recognition means a great deal to everyone involved. It celebrates the team’s achievements while encouraging them to keep raising standards.

A commitment to quality and visitor experience

Diggerland Devon also holds membership with Devon’s Top Attractions. This organisation brings together some of the county’s most popular visitor destinations.

Membership requires attractions to undergo a detailed assessment process. This includes evaluations by a judging panel and mystery shopper visits.

These checks help maintain high standards across the organisation’s member attractions. They also encourage businesses to focus on quality, professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Diggerland’s continued membership reflects its commitment to these values. Combined with its latest investments, it shows the park’s determination to keep improving.

Looking ahead to the Devon Tourism Awards ceremony

The December awards ceremony will bring together tourism businesses from across Devon. It promises to be a fantastic celebration of the county’s attractions and visitor experiences.

The Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category sits alongside several other awards. These include Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, Active & Learning Experience and Café/Tearoom of the Year.

Other categories recognise Dog Friendly Business of the Year, Holiday Park of the Year and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. The awards also celebrate outstanding Tourism Events and Festivals.

Reaching the final already gives Diggerland Devon plenty to celebrate. The nomination recognises the team’s dedication and the park’s continued development.

Everyone now looks forward to the ceremony on 3rd December. Naturally, the team hopes to finish the evening with an award!

Experience Diggerland Devon for yourself

Looking for a family day out with a difference? Diggerland Devon combines the excitement of a theme park with the opportunity to operate real construction machinery.

Visitors can climb aboard diggers, take control of dumper trucks and enjoy a variety of unique rides. Popular favourites include Spindizzy and Skyshuttle.

With exciting new additions and improved outdoor facilities, there’s plenty to explore. It’s a brilliant choice for families looking for something a little different.

Discover everything on offer at Diggerland Devon and start planning your visit.

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All information correct as of November 2026.