A HIDDEN gem and a prime picnic spot in Worcestershire are among the beautiful places to feature in a heritage awards shortlist.

Great Witley Parish Church is on the shortlist for the best hidden gem and Croome Park in High Green, south of Worcester, has been chosen for the shortlist of 'best picnic spot' for the 2015 Hudson’s Heritage Awards.

The parish church in Great Witley which was consecrated in 1735 is known for its sumptuous baroque interiors and magnificent ceiling paintings more common in Italy and southern Germany than in the UK. Croome, managed by the National Trust, is considered a masterpiece in landscape design, which is 'Capability' Brown's very first work.

Herefordshire also holds its own with Eastnor Castle shortlisted in two categories - best wedding venue and best accommodation.

Established in 2011, these prestigious awards are an independently judged annual national scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites and celebrate the very best visitor experiences.

The shortlist includes 42 heritage places from the Highlands to Cornwall and from city museums to lived-in country houses. Awards are made in 11 categories which reward a range of visitor experiences. The independent judging panel is chaired by heritage consultant, Norman Hudson. He said: “The standard of entry for Hudson’s Heritage Awards is particularly high this year, ranging from big national names like the Tower of London to less well known places like Boconnoc in Cornwall. We have to compare small attractions with large, new with established and accessible with remote. What all the places on our shortlist share is an ability to engage with visitors. Now we are looking forward to judging the winners but every place on the shortlist is worth celebrating.”

Sarah Greenwood, publisher of market leading guide, Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens, said, “Hudson’s is proud to be involved with a scheme that recognises all the components that make a visit to Britain’s historic places enjoyable. Our judges consider everything about the experience from what you can do on your visit to cups of tea, loos and shopping as well as innovative events, exhibitions, weddings and celebrations.”

Judging continues and the final winners and highly commended will be announced at a lunch reception on March 3, 2015 where the awards will be presented by Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster, at Goldsmiths Hall in London with around 100 invited guests.

For more information about Hudson’s Heritage Awards please visit http://hudsons-awards.co.uk/