The Story of Emily in St Ive strikes gold for a second year

A year after being named Cornwall’s best new tourism business, a heritage attraction in a small village near Liskeard has come back to the same awards and picked up an even bigger prize.

The Story of Emily, in St Ive, was named Gold Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2026 on Thursday (12 November).

The ceremony at Truro Cathedral celebrated the best of the county’s tourism industry, recognising businesses that deliver exceptional visitor experiences and make an outstanding contribution to Cornwall’s visitor economy.

📷The Story of Emily team picking up the Gold Visitor Attraction of the Year award at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2026

A run of awards since opening in 2024

The attraction opened in 2024 and has since welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. Many have praised its immersive storytelling and the emotional impact of the experience.

In 2025 it won Gold for New Tourism Business of the Year at the Cornwall Tourism Awards. It then went on to take Silver in the same category at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

The recognition has gone international too. The Story of Emily received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 32nd Annual Thea Awards, regarded as among the most prestigious honours in the global themed entertainment industry. It was the only UK organisation to receive a global Thea Award in 2026.

And its carefully restored historic buildings have earned it architectural recognition as well.

Who was Emily Hobhouse?

Emily Hobhouse grew up in St Ive and is increasingly recognised as one of England’s most significant humanitarian figures.

She campaigned to protect women and children during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1902). She was once branded a traitor for challenging injustice, and her humanitarian work remained largely overlooked in British history for years.

Visitors to the attraction can explore her restored childhood Rectory home, the award-winning immersive War Rooms experience and an authentic South African heritage restaurant.

This year marked the centenary of Emily’s death. The Story of Emily commemorated it with a programme of special events in the UK and in South Africa, where she was hailed a heroine. They included a historical re-enactment of her state funeral on 31 October.

“Particularly special”

Simon Townsend, CEO of The Story of Emily, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition at the Cornwall Tourism Awards. To be celebrated alongside some of the county’s most established and respected attractions is an incredible achievement.”

Simon credited the passion and dedication of the whole team.

“Following our success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and the international Thea Awards, this latest accolade is particularly special as it recognises our contribution to Cornwall’s own tourism industry,” he said.

“Seeing visitors connect with Emily’s remarkable story and respond so positively to the experience we have created is hugely rewarding.”

A Victorian Christmas at the Rectory

Next up is Christmas. From 21 November to 28 December, The Story of Emily will host twelve special days of Christmas, with the Rectory dressed in Victorian Christmas splendour over the festive period.