The very best in England's tourism industry have been named, from B&Bs and hotels to holiday parks and pubs. VisitEngland's 2026 Awards for Excellence were announced yesterday, June 3, recognising those 'who continuously raise the bar across the sector'. Gold, Silver and Bronze were awarded in 17 categories selected from 21 local awards.
Minister's Praise
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock was 'delighted to see so many businesses across England being recognised for their outstanding work, helping to make people's stays as enjoyable and memorable as possible'.
Industry Celebration
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: 'The awards are a celebration of England's outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world leading. From a hands-on, traditional blacksmith's visitor experience in the Midlands and a castle hotel and spa set in one of our national parks to accessible and inclusive holidays, these awards showcase the exceptional quality, unparalleled customer service and innovation that drive our industry. I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.'
Top Winners
B&B and Guest House of the Year
MonkBridge House, in York, secured gold for B&B and Guest House of the Year. Located in York, the five-star accommodation dates back to 1864 and boasts eight rooms. The family-run guesthouse was previously the home of two Lord Mayors of York and is only a 10-minute walk to the city centre. Owned by Paul and Fiona Hemsley, guests can choose from double, twin and triple room options. Each are well equipped and one, called the Rymer, even has a luxurious four-poster bed.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon, bagged gold in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park category. Spread across 98 acres in the Devon countryside, the spot is less than 30 minutes away from the seaside resort of Bude. Clawford Lakes offers a range of accommodation options including cocoons, floating lodges, lake pods, luxury lodges, holiday homes and smart apartments. The apartments boast lakeside views, and guests will find themselves well-immersed within the local wildlife - deer roam the nearby valley and a beautiful six-acre woodland is abundant with flowers and colour from springtime.
Large Hotel of the Year
Bovey Castle, Devon, was awarded Large Hotel of the Year. Located in Dartmoor National Park, this regal abode has a fascinating history dating back to 1890. The hotel achieved five-star status back in 2004 and nowadays offers 60 luxurious hotel rooms and suites across the manor and courtyard. There are also private estate lodges available to book. Guests are spoiled for choice on the amount of activities to enjoy when staying at Bovey, from archery and air rifle shooting to 4x4 off-road driving - it's perfect for outdoor lovers.
Small Hotel of the Year
The Tempus, Northumberland, was awarded gold in the Small Hotel of the Year category. Situated inside the Charlton Hall Estate, the boutique accommodation gets its name from the Latin word for 'time' and provides an escape that allows guests to slow down and relax. There are 41 individually designed rooms that are all ensuite. From spacious family rooms to junior suites, the hotel has a range of options to suit all guests.
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall, bagged gold for the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category. It offers 20 holiday cottages on 35 acres of meadows and landscaped gardens where guests can stay and immerse themselves in the outdoors and farm. From animal feeding to egg collecting, the accommodation is perfect for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors. There is a heated indoor swimming pool as well as a play barn and woodland nature trails.
Pub of the Year
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, Northumberland, took gold in Pub of the Year. Located in the Northumberland moorlands, the pub serves up seasonal food made with local produce. Sunday lunch - roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy - is priced at £28.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, Suffolk, secured gold for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. It is home to over 100 different animal species and breeds - ranging from pigs and polar bears, to camels and crocodiles. Farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty founded the farm back in 2002 and opened it to visitors in 2003 as The Essex Pig Company. Over the years, it has expanded to become an award-winning wildlife park that features a restaurant and can even be booked as a wedding venue. The attraction is open seven days a week and adult tickets can be bought for £25 online, while children cost £20.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
The Morgan Experience, in Worcestershire, was named the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year by VisitEngland. Classic car fans can find the experience on the historic site of Morgan Motor Company. Visitors can experience driving a Morgan, priced from £120, and can choose between a Morgan Supersport, Plus Four or Super 3. They can also delve into the craftsmanship that goes into the impressive vehicles through a factory tour.
Experience of the Year
Oldfield Forge, Herefordshire, was awarded gold in the Experience of the Year category for its Blacksmithing Experience Days. If metalwork and blacksmithing catches your eye, one of the experience days may be for you. A range of packages are available to book, from knife making and handling currently reduced from £290 to £232, to the five-hour couples day date reduced from £210 to £168. All prices correct as of June 4, 2026.
Full List of Winners
- Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award: Gold: Hoe Grange Holidays, Peak District, Derbyshire; Silver: Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham; Bronze: Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire
- B&B and Guest House of the Year: Gold: MonkBridge House, York; Silver: One Drake Road and Apartments, Devon; Bronze: Holly Lodge Boutique Bed & Breakfast, Norfolk
- Business Events Venue of the Year: Gold: Warwick Conferences, Warwick; Silver: Nottingham Venues, Nottingham; Bronze: The Catalyst, Newcastle
- Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: Gold: Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon; Silver: Bredon View Glamping Retreats, Worcestershire; Bronze: Kaya at Blackhill Farm, Herefordshire
- Experience of the Year: Gold: Blacksmithing Experience Days, Oldfield Forge, Herefordshire; Silver: The Wizard Walk of York, York; Bronze: Make Your Own Distilled Spirit, Shed One Distillery, Cumbria
- International Tourism Award: Gold: The Beatles Story, Liverpool; Silver: Castle Howard, York; Bronze: Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Devon
- Large Hotel of the Year: Gold: Bovey Castle, Devon; Silver: Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall; Bronze: The Grand Brighton, Brighton
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Gold: Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk; Silver: Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire; Bronze: Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire
- New Tourism Business of the Year: Gold: One Acre Wood, Herefordshire; Silver: The Story of Emily, Cornwall; Bronze: Flora and Fauna Exmoor, Somerset
- Pub of the Year: Gold: The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, Northumberland; Silver: The Tickled Trout, Barlow, Derbyshire; Bronze: The Tollemache Arms, Northamptonshire
- Regenerative Tourism Award: Gold: Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire; Silver: Gladwins Farm - Self Catering Holiday Cottages, Suffolk; Bronze: Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham
- Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Gold: Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall; Silver: Cedar Hollow @ The Oaks, Oxfordshire; Bronze: Rowley Farm Holidays, Worcestershire
- Small Hotel of the Year: Gold: The Tempus, Northumberland; Silver: Peak Edge Hotel, Derbyshire; Bronze: Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Cumbria
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Gold: Morgan Experience, Worcestershire; Silver: Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, Northumberland; Bronze: National Justice Museum, Nottinghamshire
- Taste of England Award: Gold: Carriages Restaurant, Herefordshire; Silver: Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire; Bronze: Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle
- Unsung Hero Award: Gold: Jayne Chapman - Tatton Park, Cheshire; Silver: Viv Smith - National Stone Centre, Derbyshire; Bronze: Andy Black - Horses and Ponies Protection Association, Lancashire
- Travel Content Award: Gold: Rhiannon Batten, The Guardian – 'From farms to fork: a food-lover's cycle tour of Herefordshire'; Silver: Emily-Ann Elliott, The i Paper – 'North Yorkshire's spa holidays are still the best – and cost less than £225'; Bronze: Chris Leadbeater, The Telegraph - 'This charming Herefordshire town is the real star of Hamnet'
- Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award: Butlin's
- Tourism Superstar Award: Mick Hurst: CEO and founder of The Battle of Evesham historical events and re-enactments
