LONDON, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Twelve visitor attractions in Britain were named Tuesday as hidden gems by the official tourism agency VisitEngland.

Hidden gem winners include a distillery and a brewery, military museums, a castle, bird sanctuaries and nature reserves.

The 12 are among 76 attractions awarded accolades by VisitEngland in recognition of the quality of visitor experiences across England.

The 76 attractions have been acknowledged as a result of the outstanding experiences they provide, highlighting all aspects of the visitor experience, from story-telling to food and drink and from customer service to overall winners.

A coveted gold award has also been given for the garden created by the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, at his official home at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. As well as Highgrove, gold awards have been given to 14 other attractions, including a double gold for the Tower of London.

Chester Zoo, scene of a recent fire in its south east Asia island area, has also received a gold award, while gold also went to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Center in Buckinghamshire.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: "It is really fantastic to see these accolades recognising the work of those employees, managers and owners who make sure that all who pass through their doors have a truly memorable experience."

VisitEngland's Attractions Accolades, now in their fifth year, can be attained by members of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme in categories including the Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink, and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.

The scheme covers a wide range of tourism experiences across England, including museums and galleries, farm attractions, historic houses and gardens as well as churches, cathedrals and country parks.