Mountain Goat receive the Hidden Gem accolade from Visit England, one of only 17 attractions to do so far in 2015.

The Mountain Goat, which has provided bus services in the Lake District since 1972, has cemented its reputation as the leading tour company in the North of England. Visit England has just bestowed the prestigious accolade of ‘Hidden Gem’ on the Cumbrian company.

The Windermere based company has been part of Visit England’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme since 2011. Its latest inspection, in May 2015, saw it being recommended for further recognition due to the high marks it received. Robin Tyson, Mountain Goat’s Marketing Manager commented ‘we are one of only 17 attractions across England to receive an accolade in this round and the only tour company’. Visit England announce two rounds of accolades each year.

Peter Brendling, Mountain Goat’s Commercial Director, said ‘we are all very proud to receive this accolade from Visit England, especially when it’s to recognise the extra mile our staff go to create a memorable visitor experience.’   

In July the company celebrated as it retained Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the fourth year running. ‘Customer service is at the heart of our company’s ethos’ said Mr Brendling. 

It has been a busy year for Mountain Goat which relaunched the Windermere Information Centre as Windermere Information in February, with a £150,000 makeover. The company also launched its new company Yorkshire Day Tours, which operates day tours from the centre of historic York, to the National Parks of the Dales and Moors. 

2015 has seen the arrival of several new vehicles including the 516 Mercedes Sprinter Bluetec, which’s modern engine helps to reduce emissions. Pictured from left to right, Tony Rolton, Assistant Fleet Manager. (In one of the new 516 Mercedes). Holding the accolade, Peter Brendling, Commercial Director & Robin Tyson, Marketing Manager.