by Lorraine Gibson.

Making your mark in a competitive market can be hard – especially one as avidly rated, compared and scrutinised as the tourism industry.
So bravo to the four East Dorset tourist attractions that, after a tough judging process involving nearly 500 applicants, have made it to the finals of the Tourism Awards at Eden project.
Entry and judging processes began in the south last April and the top performers selected are now hoping for success in the regional final to be held at Eden Project on March 23.
The Awards, the culmination of 10 months of evidence-gathering and judging, are recognised for their rigorous assessing.
Independent judges spent months poring over submissions, websites, social media and review sites, as well as carrying out business visits, often incognito. Their reports and recommendations then went to an independent panel who made the final decisions.
The finalists will have to wait until the Eden Project event to learn whether they’ve won Gold, Silver or Bronze trophies and some will be nominated to represent the South West in the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.

So who made East Dorset’s roll call of honour?
Step forward:
– Wimborne’s innovative Museum of East Dorset, or MED, finalist in the the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Set in a historic house, with a beautifully-preserved kitchen, it tells the stories of the people who lived and worked there over the centuries. Visitors are immersed in the narrative via interactive events, drama, exhibits and fascinating artefacts.
museumofeastdorset.

SHORTLISTED: Renouf’s Cheese & Wine Bar

– Also in Wimborne, Renouf’s Cheese & Wine Bar is shortlisted for the Casual dining award.
Groaning sharing boards of fab fromage et charcuterie are just the start, add olives, pates and, of course, du pain and you’ve got a personal deli to enjoy with likeminded gourmands.
The wine list, devised to enhance, and its Grade II-listed home add to the experience and to why you may need to book up to 3-5 weeks ahead.
renoufswinebars.co.uk/shop-renoufs.

– Nestling in a woody part of Ferndown is Birchcroft Hideaway, up for the Unsung Hero Award.
As its name suggests, it sits in a secluded spot, hugged by rhododendrons. Its big attraction is its close proximity to a woodland which guests can walk straight into and admire the wildlife, which includes deer and many species of bird.
It also happens to lead to the local pub, so a torch is recommended for the journey back!
birchcroft-hideaway.co.uk.

– Commended for Café and Tearoom of the Year is Seasons Kitchen and Coffee Barn, in the heart of the Moors Valley nature reserve.
It serves up everything from a cuppa or a full breakfast, to full-on meals and desserts.
It is popular with all ages and, being in such a fantastic location, it’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post-nature ramble and dragonfly-spotting treat.
seasonscoffeebarn.co.uk/food-menu

SHORTLISTED: Birchcroft Hideaway

The full list of finalists and commended entrants is at southwesttourismawards.org.uk.