Wordsley’s Red House Glass Cone has been awarded a 2025 VisitEngland Best Told Story Accolade, recognising the outstanding quality of its visitor experience and storytelling.

This prestigious accolade is awarded annually to participants in the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, and celebrates attractions that excel in bringing their stories to life in engaging, memorable, and meaningful ways. The cone’s win reflects the dedication of its team to delivering high standards in interpretation, presentation, and visitor engagement.

Nominations for the accolade are based on a range of feedback, including the annual VisitEngland quality assessment, assessor observations, direct customer feedback, and online reviews. The Red House Glass Cone stood out for its ability to connect visitors with the rich heritage of glassmaking in Stourbridge through immersive displays and thoughtful interpretation.

The cone was recognised for making the most of every visitor experience and keeping glass making history alive. Following the completion of the restoration works in November 2024, the team has continued to make improvements to the Red House site.  Staff and volunteers have written and produced a souvenir guidebook, created new interpretation panels, redesigned the Stuart Gallery, staged new glass exhibitions and hosted Former Stuart Worker Days to gather stories and preserve histories for future generations. 

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:

“This award is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and creativity of the team at the Red House Glass Cone. The team work hard to ensure every single visitor to the Museum has a wonderful and memorable time, so to be recognised for this make us extremely proud.

“Their commitment to sharing the story of Stourbridge’s glassmaking legacy in such an engaging way continues to inspire visitors from near and far.”

Visit England Director Andrew Stokes said:

“Introduced in 2014, the accolades are available to Visit England's Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme participants across a wide range of tourism experiences in England from museums and galleries, farm attractions, historic houses and gardens to churches, cathedrals, and country parks.

“Participating attractions are supported by a network of highly trained and experienced assessors who advise them on improving and promoting the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of their offer. The "Best Told Story" accolade is a Visit England Visitor Attraction Accolade awarded to attractions that excel at storytelling and provide a compelling narrative to visitors.”

The accolade reinforces the Cone’s reputation as one of the Midlands’ leading heritage attractions and a cornerstone of cultural tourism in the region.