England's top attractions, hotels, and pubs have been mapped in a new interactive guide, allowing you to find the best ones near you. Whether you're looking for a staycation spot, a pub for Sunday lunch, or just a day out, the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 have picked some of the best of English hospitality up and down the country.
Interactive Map for Easy Exploration
A new interactive map lets you search for some of England's best pubs and days out near you, as well as those in different parts of the country and the best hotels in the regions if you're planning a staycation. The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 took place earlier this month, showcasing the best of what England has to offer, whether that's family-friendly attractions, brilliant days out, or even just the best restaurants and pubs not to be missed.
We've put together an interactive map showcasing the big winners, so you can discover some of the best of English hospitality on your own doorstep. Simply use the map and zoom in on your local region to find the best of the best.
Tourism Industry Impact
England's tourism industry is worth around £127 billion a year and employs around two million people in a huge variety of jobs. At VisitEngland's awards, winners included both small and large hotels, B&Bs, glamping operators, tourist attractions, restaurants, and pubs.
Notable Winners
Among the winners of the awards was MonkBridge House in York, which scooped Gold in the coveted B&B and Guest House of the Year category. This property has just eight individually designed rooms, some with four-poster beds, and is full of historic elegance. Larger properties that won awards included Bovey Castle in Devon, which is set on 275 acres of countryside including a golf course, spa, and restaurant. Those who enjoy the great outdoors may want to head to nearby Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, which won Gold in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category.
Visit England's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year went to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk. The wildlife park is owned by TV star and conservationist Jimmy Doherty, who has presented programmes on both Channel 4 and the BBC. Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire came in second place, where visitors can learn about the code-breaking geniuses who were instrumental in helping the Allied Forces win WWII.
The Morgan Experience Centre in Worcestershire won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. Set on the historic site of Morgan Motor Company, visitors can see the extraordinary skill put into making these classic cars with a factory tour. The Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery won Silver in this category, promising an immersive journey into Northumbria’s Golden Age. It has a fascinating interactive museum where you can see how the Anglo-Saxons really lived.
Outstanding Contribution Award
Other businesses that won awards include Butlin's. The holiday park operator, which just celebrated its 90th anniversary, picked up an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award.
Director's Comments
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."
