VisitEngland has announced the winners of its prestigious 2026 Awards for Excellence, celebrating the best of the country's tourism industry. The ceremony, held at Aerospace Bristol and hosted by television presenter Sean Fletcher, recognised gold, silver, and bronze recipients across 17 categories, from Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year to Experience of the Year.
The awards, running for more than 35 years, highlight England's thriving tourism sector, which contributes around £127 billion to the economy and supports approximately two million jobs. Winners ranged from hotels and B&Bs to glamping operators, attractions, restaurants, pubs and industry individuals.
MonkBridge House in York won the B&B and Guest House of the Year title, offering eight individually designed bedrooms with character and four-poster beds. Bovey Castle, a former stately home set in 275 acres of Devon countryside with a golf course, spa, and on-site dining, was named Large Hotel of the Year.
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa in Devon took Gold in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category, impressing judges with its floating pods, luxury spa, and outdoor pool. Butlin's received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award, marking its 90th anniversary.
Other winners included Blacksmithing Experience Days in Herefordshire (Gold, Experience of the Year), The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest in Northumberland (Gold, Pub of the Year), and Gladwins Farm in Suffolk (Silver, Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year). VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes praised the winners for their exceptional quality, customer service, and innovation.
