VisitEngland has announced the winners of its 2026 Awards for Excellence, celebrating the best of the country's tourism industry. The glittering ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 3, at Aerospace Bristol, hosted by television presenter Sean Fletcher.
The awards, now in their 35th year, recognise gold, silver and bronze recipients across 17 categories, from Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year to Experience of the Year. The tourism sector contributes around £127 billion to the English economy and supports approximately two million jobs.
MonkBridge House in York won the B&B and Guest House of the Year title, praised for its eight individually designed bedrooms and four-poster beds. Bovey Castle, a former stately home set in 275 acres of Devon countryside with a golf course and spa, 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 the Blacksmithing Experience Days in Herefordshire (gold in Experience of the Year), The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest in Northumberland (gold in Pub of the Year), and Gladwins Farm in Suffolk (silver in Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year).
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.”
