VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

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For a taste of luxury in the wild, look no further than Sleepy Owl, where treehouses and hot-tub retreats will sooth your busy mind. Bathe under the stars, sleep in a tree canopy, or enjoy the privacy of your own sun terrace or courtyard. Feel free to bring your pooch along too; they’re catered for with pet beds and even a doggy spa.

The runners up: 

SILVER My Cottages in St Ives, Cornwall 
BRONZE Bethnal&Bec Luxury Stays, Hertfordshire

Pub of the Year

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This St Agnes gem champions local and seasonal produce, with regularly changing menus that reflect the very best of Cornish farm, field and sea. Make sure you check out the outdoor decked area, which is set with up with heaters and blankets for chilly nights, making it an ideal spot for a cosy date night.

The runners up: 

SILVER The Acorn Inn, Dorset
BRONZE The Red Fox, Wirral

Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouse of the Year

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This four-room B&B perches on the edge of the village of Bosham, making it a perfect base if you’re visiting the city of Chichester and the Goodwood Estate. Enjoy a glass of locally produced wine at the Boathouse’s beautiful garden and fuel yourself with a cooked breakfast, made with locally sourced ingredients – including eggs from the Boathouse’s own flock of chickens.

The runners up: 

SILVER MonkBridge House, North Yorkshire
BRONZE Bossington Hall, Somerset

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

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Woodland luxury greets you in a hidden corner of a lush green forest in Lancashire. The site’s yurts, treehouses and cabins are designed to help you connect with the surrounding natural beauty without distractions. The site also uses renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices to help with nature conservation.

The runners up: 

SILVER  Kits Coty Glamping, Kent  
BRONZE Darwin Forest Lodges, Derbyshire 

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

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If you thought an eco-friendly, self-catering holiday with wheelchair access on a working farm wasn’t possible, think again. At Hoe Grange Holidays  you can relax in an accessible hot tub after exploring the High Peak Trail and surrounding countryside in one of two Boma 7 off-road wheelchairs for hire. They have a wide range of specialist equipment and outstanding accessible facilities to keep you comfortable for your whole stay.

The runners up: 

SILVER ROARR!, Norfolk
BRONZE Colchester Castle, Essex 

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

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You’ll be welcomed at this stylish and sustainable self-catered holiday property on the Norfolk coast with homegrown and homemade goodies, and encouraged to reconnect with nature during your stay. Enjoy exploring the games barn, fruit tree orchard, wildlife pond, wildflower meadows and the guest allotment, if you feel inspired to plant your own produce. 

The runners up: 

SILVER Kent Wildlife Trust, Kent 
BRONZE The Yan at Broadrayne, Cumbria 
 

Experience of the Year

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Winning the gold award in this category for a second year running, Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours offers sunset cruises and visits to the recently re-opened Inner Farne and the nearby Holy Island. Witness mass gatherings of puffins between April and July, where they breed and hunt for fish, or go seal-spotting in the autumn and winter months when the pups arrive.

The runners up:

SILVER York Ghost Walk, The Deathly Dark Tours, North Yorkshire
BRONZE Mountain Bike Taster Day, Pure Outdoor, Derbyshire

Large Hotel of the Year

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Formerly the headquarters of the North Eastern railway company, this five-star hotel was restored to its old Edwardian glory in 2010. Choose from 207 bedrooms - including palatial suites - and sip on a cocktail at the classically designed 1906 Bar. Look no further than the Legacy resturant if you enjoy fine dining, or The Rise Restaurant for more casual fare. 

The runner up:

SILVER Hope Street Hotel, Merseyside 
BRONZE Rockliffe Hall Hotel, County Durham 

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

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Rising to gain the top prize this year, Slimbridge’s Wetland Centre provides connections with nature for all. Explore the reserve along the Summer Walkway to the Severn Estuary or try a Canoe Safari in the summer months, spotting dragonflies and kingfishers along the water. Slimbridge also has accessible paths, hides and exhibits along with wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for loan/hire and a Changing Places facility.

The runners up: 

SILVER Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, Hertfordshire 
BRONZE ROARR!, Norfolk 

New Tourism Business of the Year

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Spellbinding magic, mystery and comedy are on the cards during the Wizard Walk of York experience. Go on a quest to find creatures throughout the historical city of York, this whimsical tour is ideal for aspiring witches and wizards of all ages, making it a family-friendly alternative to a ghost walk. 

The runners up: 

SILVER Sleepy Owl, Devon 
BRONZE Boys Hall, Kent 

Small Hotel of the Year

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This boutique beach hotel is built around wellness and happiness and has a relaxed California-style vibe. Pamper yourself with organic products from Gloucestershire’s Bamford Wellness Spa and rejuvenate with daily yoga classes, inspirational talks, workshops and community beach cleans at nearby Camber Sands. Indulge in ‘Oyster Happy Hour’ and choose from the largest English wine list in the UK. 

The runners up: 

SILVER Wildhive Callow Hall, Derbyshire 
BRONZE THE PIG at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall 

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

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A multi-award-winning visitor attraction and cultural hub, Nothe Fort is staffed by passionate volunteers who champion the social and economic wellbeing of the local community. Indulge in various fun cultural activities including plays, concerts, fairs, art shows and even silent discos. Opening in June 2024, a new exhibition will open to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

The runners up: 

SILVER Cotswolds Distillery, Warwickshire 
BRONZE The Battle of Britain Memorial, Kent  

Taste of England Award

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Specialising in wild and home grown produce from Askham Hall’s 13th century family estate in the Lake District, the menus at this Michelin-starred restaurant are dictated by the seasons. With plans to offer wellness retreats this year that are set to include home-reared tasting menus, hearty breakfasts, wild picnics and a cosy dinner at the Hall’s sister pub, The Queen’s Head.

The runners up: 

SILVER Blackfriars Restaurant, Tyne & Wear 
BRONZE La Locanda, Lancashire 

Unsung Hero

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Katie successfully changed roles to brand manager at this vintage car-themed American fast food and bowling joint while undergoing cancer therapy in 2022; she is also on course to complete a digital marketing apprenticehip this year. 

Please note that V-ATE Automotive Smokehouse and Bowl has since ceased trading. 

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Having worked at the National Park for over 24 years, Duncan’s most celebrated achievement was establishing Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the largest gold status dark sky park in Europe, and a collaborative effort with Kielder Forest Park.

BRONZE  Brett Hawkes, Crowhurst Park, East Sussex