VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

This handsome townhouse in the seaside town of Southport is a family-run business committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Thoughtful practices include a strong emphasis on recycling and waste reduction whilst its food, including its amazing full English breakfasts, are sourced directly from local farms and suppliers. Golf fans will also be pleased to know that Sunnyside is close to Royal Birkdale, home of the British Open.

If you like your stays to come with period features as standard, you will love Abbots Grange in the Cotswolds village of Broadway. It’s one of the oldest manor houses in England and has hosted the likes of Oscar Wilde and Claude Monet. Expect four-poster beds, ornate wallpapers and far-reaching views over the gardens and Cotswolds hills beyond from original leaded light windows.

Escape to this serene retreat perched above the North Cornwall coastline. The guesthouse is a short walk from the historic harbour village of Boscastle and features homely design touches, including local artworks and rolltop baths. The perfect tonic after a long walk exploring the nearby beaches and secluded coves.

Connect with nature on a whole new level, by cuddling a cow! This therapeutic countryside escape in East Yorkshire lets you find your calm by getting close to the farm’s gentle Highland cows. This one-of-a-kind experience encourages mindful interaction as you enjoy the calming effects of stroking, brushing and cuddling these affectionate animals.

Go on a quest to find weird and wonderful creatures as you ‘wand-er’ the historical Snickelways and secret passages of York. This whimsical tour is ideal for aspiring witches and wizards of all ages, and a family-friendly alternative to a ghost walk. For the full experience, Wizard Wand Kits are also available including a handcrafted wand and instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home. Public tours run regularly, and private tours are available too.

No sailing experience? No problem! Mylor Sailing School offers fully inclusive Introduction to Sailing sessions for budding sailors aged six and above – “from absolute beginners to salty seadogs.” Open all year round, this Royal Yachting Association-accredited sailing school is committed to removing barriers to sailing and powerboating. Its fleet includes dinghies, keelboats, and a wheelchair-friendly powerboat. There’s even a hoist to help less-mobile trainees get on board.

Take a glug of Northumberland history at England’s most northern whisky distillery in Wooler. Home to Northumberland’s First Single Malt Whisky, it’s also an experiential attraction blending alcohol with artefacts -what’s not to love? Discover the area’s Anglo-Saxon heritage in a state-of-the-art museum before joining an immersive whisky tasting tour. The tasting room, with panoramic screens showcasing local art, is a sight to behold, as is the well-stocked gift shop. Whisky Cream, anyone?

Fully-accessible Eureka! Science + Discovery lets children and teens explore how STEM subjects influence and shape our world. Interactive exhibits immerse growing minds with subjects like the human body and environmental science. The venue is fully accessible, with design features including a sensory-friendly chill out area, a changing places facility and wheelchair access throughout.

Organic restaurant Eight at Gazegill is a dream come true for its chef patron, Doug Crampton – and when you sit down for a farm-to-table meal paired with bucolic views of the Ribble Valley, you’re likely to feel the same. The approach here is nature-first, with meat sourced from indigenous breeds and 100% renewable energy generated on site. It’s also the UK’s first off-grid restaurant. Menus are deliberately limited to ensure consistent quality, with each dish telling a story rooted in a family history spanning nearly 500 years.

In need of five-star treatment with a side of me-time? Summer Lodge is just the tonic. Tucked away in the idyllic village of Evershot, this quintessential country house hotel in the heart of Dorset is surrounded by manicured gardens and the rolling hills of Thomas Hardy country. The rooms are a sight to behold - like something lifted straight from the pages of Town & Country magazine. Of course, no Relais & Châteaux property is complete without a spa, a pool, and award-winning fine dining. The only decision you’ll need to make? What to indulge in first.

What do you get when you combine a Georgian country house with sea views and a luxury spa? Seaham Hall of course! Built in 1791, it has a long and rich history – the infamous poet Lord Byron once visited. Today, it’s better known for its elegant bedrooms, glitzy dining room serving the finest local produce, and, of course, the star of the show: the Serenity Spa. Treat yourself to a full-body aromatherapy massage, try guided meditation with its expert hypnotherapist, or spend the afternoon in the outdoor whirlpool. The choice is yours.

Located in the charming village of Beaulieu in the New Forest National Park, The Montagu Arms Hotel is a historic country house that radiates timeless English elegance. Famed for its Michelin Guide-recognised dining at The Terrace Restaurant, the hotel champions sustainability, seasonal produce, and locally sourced ingredients. Unwind in the tranquil gardens, explore nearby forest walks, or treat yourself to a luxurious spa day at the hotel’s nearby sister property.

Bringing a fresh perspective to one of Cumbria’s most storied landmarks, Hannah Clapp is a driving force behind the evolving visitor experience at Muncaster Castle. Known for its historic grandeur, family-friendly events and the World Owl Centre, Muncaster thrives under Hannah’s dynamic approach to storytelling and sustainability. Her focus on enhancing accessibility, conservation and immersive experiences ensures that guests leave with a deep connection to both the heritage and natural beauty of this enchanting estate on the western edge of the Lake District.

Caitlin Brown brings energy and ingenuity to The Escape Key, one of Newcastle’s most exciting immersive attractions. Known for designing escape room experiences that blend gripping narratives with local history and social themes, The Escape Key is a standout destination offering interactive storytelling that’s as meaningful as it is thrilling.

As a passionate advocate for heritage and hands-on history, Andrew Hurley has been a dedicated volunteer at Avoncroft Museum for over 35 years. Andrew plays a key role in maintaining the museum’s national collection of telephone kiosks – one of the most extensive in the country. With Andrew’s unwavering commitment to preserving an important part of Worcestershire’s heritage, the museum has continued to thrive as a vibrant hub of living history. Avoncroft offers visitors of all ages a fascinating day out with its immersive exhibits, craft demonstrations and seasonal events.