Quality Cumbria

Quality Cumbria is the local quality assessment scheme which is unique to Cumbria. It was developed through VisitEngland, to recognise and drive up standards of accommodation in Cumbria over 6 years ago and it is now one of the most popular accreditation schemes in the county.

Originally Quality Cumbria was developed as a 3 year stepping stone scheme towards moving towards a National Quality Assurance Standards, through Visit Britain or the AA. This requirement is no longer applicable and accommodation providers who have previously had a National accreditation can move back to having a Quality Cumbria grading if required. All accommodation providers who meet the Quality Cumbria standards are committed to quality improvements.

The scheme is ideal for those 'new' to the hospitality trade or are currently ungraded and require a cost effective way of having an accreditation. Properties are assessed per accommodation criteria and the main aim is safety but should also be clean, comfortable and fit for purpose.

Please note: The QC scheme does not include stars and no overnight stay is required.

Testimonial

'The Quality Cumbria Grading Scheme has given us the peace of mind that Raise View House has been assessed to national standard by local professional assessors who know the tourism industry and can help us continually improve our business. We are proud to fly the flag for Cumbria Tourism'

John & Karen Greaves
Raise View House, Grasmere

Benefits of Quality Cumbria

• No joining Fee!
• Free use of the QC logo for your letterheads and stationery, brochures and website etc
• Eligibility for guide and web promotion with Cumbria Tourism (subject to being a member of CT) and local Tourism Associations
• Referrals and direct bookings through Cumbria's Tourist Information Centres
• Impartial, helpful, advice from fully trained local assessors

view full list of benefits

How much does it cost?

Quality Cumbria assessment starts from just £90 + VAT. view full list of fees

Accommodation criteria categories

Hotel
A hotel must have a minimum of 5 bedrooms, be licensed and offer dinner.    All bedrooms must be en-suite or have a private bathroom.

B&B / Guest House B&B / Guest Houses are likely to be smaller in size than a hotel but have more of a family home feel and approach, with a less structured service.

Self Catering
All accommodation with it's own kitchen and bathroom facilities. Most take bookings by the week starting on either a Friday or Saturday, although short breaks are becoming more popular.

Alternative accommodation
This category refers to self catering based accommodation which is perhaps more unusual, for example:

- Wigwam/camping pods
- Nomadic structures (Yurts, tipis, safari tents, already erected tents)
- Railway carriages
- Shepherds trailers
- Treehouses
- Romany caravans
- Campervans

Many guests enjoy ‘getting back to nature' experience, with a strong emphasis on sustainability with low energy, waste management initiatives and protection on the environment being at the heart of the business ethos.

Holiday, Touring and Camping Parks 
The rating for Holiday, Touring & Camping Parks reflect the overall quality of the park. This also includes touring caravans & tents.

Hostel / Group
Includes bunkhouses, camping barns, backpackers, group and activity style accommodation.

Chalet
A chalet is a building normally of timber structure, part brick or UPVC and they are used as holiday accommodation on a seasonal basis rather than as permanent residence. These properties are often restricted in size, they can be single or dual storey and are usually situated on a chalet park, utilising common facilities e.g refuge disposal.  Chalets require individual planning consent and are permanent structures.

Individual Caravans
This includes caravan holiday homes situated on farms, caravan parks etc, which are let by the owner as self catering accommodation.

Please contact Gaynor Anderson for criteria you require ganderson@cumbriatourism.org

All participants in the scheme must comply with Statutory Obligations, for details and other helpful info click here statutory obligations & helpful info.

How do I get assessed?

Complete the application form and return it with the appropriate fee to Cumbria Tourism.

An assessor will contact you to make a mutually convenient appointment to assess your property.
Following your assessment, your assessor will give you some verbal feedback, and a written report will follow.

You will also receive a certificate and window sticker, and be able to use the Quality Cumbria logo in your marketing materials.

Advisory Visit

What is an advisory visit?

If you are the new owner of an establishment or just need helpful advice, an advisory visit is the ideal opportunity to discuss your plans with one of our experienced advisors.

We will pre-assess your establishment to determine if the scheme is suitable and you meet the requirements of Quality Cumbria. The advisory visit also advises you of the changes you can make to help you achieve your desired outcome.

You will receive a written report to formalise the advice given and any suggestions made during the visit.

Cost £70 plus VAT.

(An advisory visit and costs are separate to a full assessment).

Please complete the application form if you wish to proceed.

Quality Cumbria External Wall Plaques

The plaques are for those Quality Cumbria members who would like to show that their property has passed a QC assessment and for those who wish to replace expired plaques.

The material will be on reversed printed acrylic, it’s a clear material that will be cut to either A4 or A5 size, flamed edges with a reverse printed vinyl attached to the back with the QC logo and wording. The plaque is fixed to the wall by using polished steel locators/plugs and is designed to extend through a drilled hole and sit on the front of the sign.

A4 size plaque £45 plus VAT                                       A5 size plaque £35 plus VAT

Please contact Gaynor Anderson if you would like to purchase one