St Fagans National Museum of History – Art Fund Museum of the Year

In July 2019, St Fagans National Museum of History, near Cardiff, won the £100,000 Art Fund Museum of the Year [above]. The first Welsh winner of the award, it was one of four on the five-strong shortlist funded by The National Lottery. In 2017, Hepworth Wakefield won, while in 2015, the Whitworth took home the accolade.

Fellowship Inn – Heritage & Culture Award, London Planning Awards

We started 2020 with a win for the Fellowship Inn in south London. After a £4.2million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the derelict pub was turned into a community hub with café, music venue, artists’ studios and Lewisham’s only cinema. Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of London First, said: “This is truly an outstanding example of how to do great development in London.”

Antrim Castle Gardens – Authentic Northern Ireland Experience of the Year, Northern Ireland Tourism Awards

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council won the top prize at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards for Antrim Castle Gardens. Thanks to National Lottery funding, the neglected 18th-century water gardens have been transformed into one of Northern Ireland's most-loved historic sites.

Yr Ysgwrn – European Heritage Awards 2019

The home of Wales’ lost war poet Hedd Wyn, Yr Ysgwrn, was the only winner from the UK at the prestigious European Heritage Awards 2019. The simple 19th-century cottage in remote Snowdonia, was restored, thanks to National Lottery money, to a visitor centre and memorial to the many Welsh people who lost their lives in the First World War. Naomi Jones, pictured far right, in charge of the project wrote in a heartfelt blog: "This award will open the door of Yr Ysgwrn to an international stage."

Turtle Doves Project – Conservation Award at the UK National Parks Conference Platinum Awards

In September 2019, North York Moors’ Turtle Doves Project won a top prize at the UK National Parks Conference Platinum Awards. It was particularly praised for raising awareness of the importance of working across borders to help save endangered species like these much-loved birds. Project officer Richard Baines was one of a team of birdwatchers also receiving the Guardians of the Flyway trophy for helping to protect migrant birds.

Back from the Brink – Best Heritage Project, 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards

When it comes to ambitious conservation projects, Back from the Brink is really special. It is working hard to save 20 of the UK’s most endangered species, including the rare grey long-eared bat, pine marten and hedgehog. In September it was awarded Best Heritage Project Award, voted for by the public, at the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards.
 

Heckington Windmill – Project of the Year RICS Social Impact Awards 

This unique mill recently sailed off with two awards, winning Building Conservation Award and Project of the Year at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors East Midlands Social Impact Awards. Our money helped to sustainably regenerate the Grade I listed windmill and outbuildings, including shop, ticket office and exhibition space.

As a cherry on the cake, its new Miller’s House Tearoom was also named one of Britain’s best tearooms by Countryfile magazine.

Belong Newcastle-Under-Lyme – Best Care Home Design at the Leaders in Care Awards 2019

This innovative project saw a derelict 17th-century pottery renovated into the Belong Heritage Gallery as part of a state-of-the-art village for people living with dementia. The gallery includes Samuel Bell’s Tea Room, a library and crafts studio, all inspired by the building's past. Last year Belong Newcastle-Under-Lyme won Best Care Home Design.

V&A Dundee –  RIBA National Award

The £80m museum, designed by Kengo Kuma, was named as one of the best buildings in the UK by the Royal Institute of British Architects – and also won a RISA award. Thhe judges said: "Scotland’s first dedicated design museum is itself an example of the highest level of architectural ingenuity."

Alongside National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales, it is one of just three UK nominees for the European Museum of the Year Award 2020.

RIBA National Awards also went to other National Lottery-funded projects including Alexandra Palace, Bristol Old Vic, Collective on Carlton Hill, Pitzhanger Manor and many more.

Why not be a winner, too?

We want to find the most Sustainable Project of the Year at the Museums + Heritage Awards 2020. Find out more and apply today.