Beaulieu, the Montagu family’s New Forest home, has won the special award for consistent achievement and best practice in the second running of the Hudson’s Heritage Awards, which are an adjunct of the heritage publishing organisation and recognise the work of owners of historic country houses.

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Stockeld Park in Yorkshire was judged best family day out, Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute earned two awards, for shopping and as a wedding venue, and Iscoyd Park, Shropshire (COUNTRY LIFE, October 17), was the best place to stay. Jacobean Kiplin Hall in North Yorkshire was deemed the hidden gem waiting to be discovered and Port Eliot, Cornwall, had the best picnic spot.

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