A Portsmouth board game designer is celebrating after her latest creation picked up a major award! Rachel Lowe, creator of the long-running Destination series, has won Gold at the 2026 Independent Toy Awards for Destination The Repair Shop. The family board game was chosen by independent toy retailers across the UK in the licensed category.
A Repair Shop adventure!
Based on the popular BBC television show The Repair Shop, the game puts players in the role of guardians looking after treasured possessions. Players travel around the board in their own Repair Shop van, collecting different heirlooms along the way. The goal is to return these items to the famous barn, earning Repair Shop Stars as you go. It's a simple concept that fits neatly with the heart of the TV show, bringing together family-friendly gameplay with a celebration of nostalgia, treasured objects and the stories behind them.
From taxi driver to Dragon's Den!
Lowe's journey into the world of board games began more than 20 years ago while she was working as a taxi driver and studying at the University of Portsmouth. She created Destination London, which went on to gain national attention when Lowe appeared on the first series of Dragons' Den in 2005 to pitch her idea. Since then, the Destination brand has travelled well beyond London. There have been versions based around cities including Portsmouth, New York and Paris, as well as licensed editions inspired by Downton Abbey, Harry Potter and Christmas. That's quite the journey for a game that started with one city!
A Special Win!
The Gold award is particularly significant because the Independent Toy Awards are voted for by independent toy retailers. That makes the recognition a fitting milestone for Lowe, whose games have spent more than two decades finding their way onto family game tables. Lowe described the win as particularly special, highlighting how the Destination brand has continued to evolve since its first release. The game was developed with advertising agency Tvadswork, which worked alongside Lowe on bringing its The Repair Shop edition from its original concept to the finished game.
Portsmouth is next!
Lowe isn't slowing down just yet. Her next project is Destination Portsmouth100, created to celebrate Portsmouth's centenary. The game will take players on a journey through the city's history, featuring 100 destinations representing 100 years of Portsmouth, from 1926 to 2026. From London to The Repair Shop and now Portsmouth's centenary, the Destination series has certainly covered some ground!
For now, though, Destination The Repair Shop can enjoy its moment in the spotlight. Gold at the Independent Toy Awards is a pretty impressive addition to the game's collection of achievements!
