Brewery taps, boutique hotels and rural B&Bs are among the businesses set to battle it out at the North East England Tourism Awards.
The shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards has been unveiled, shining a spotlight on the region’s diverse mix of hotels, restaurants, pubs and attractions. The event has championed the North East’s multimillion-pound tourism and hospitality sector for more than 20 years, and organisers say they have received a record number of entries across 15 categories, with many competing for the first time.
Delivered by England’s first destination development partnership, Destination North East England, the awards will see shortlisted businesses compete at a regional and national level, with qualifying winners going forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence next summer. More than 130 entrants have been whittled down to the shortlist which features restaurants, attractions, hotels and experiences.
Organisers say applications for the ‘ethical, responsible and sustainable’ and ‘accessible and inclusive’ categories have more than doubled since last year, showing commitment to creating a more sustainable, inclusive and regenerative future . An outstanding contribution to tourism award will also be handed out at the ceremony to an individual or business who has had a profound impact on the industry and the region. Previous winners include TV star Robson Green and Vera creator Ann Cleeves.
Chair of destination North East England John Marshall said: “Whether it’s experiencing our dramatic coastlines, tranquil countryside or our vibrant towns and cities, visitors really can access it all here in North East England and I am pleased to see such a fantastic representation of all we have to offer in the Destination North East England Tourism Awards shortlist. Each of the businesses who will be competing at next year’s ceremony demonstrate the excellence and quality we are rightly proud to showcase in the region and on behalf of Destination North East England, may I wish each and every shortlisted finalist the very best of luck.”
Coun Amanda Hopgood, portfolio holder for creative culture, tourism and sport at the North East Combined Authority said: “The region’s visitor economy has never felt as exciting and as dynamic as it does now, and the list of shortlisted businesses for the Destination North East England Tourism Awards really showcases the diverse array of incredible individuals and organisations that offer people an unforgettable visit to North East England. From one-of-a-kind attractions to world class restaurants and beautiful places to stay, we really do have a vibrant and unique visitor experience that just keeps getting better.”
The 2025 Destination North East England Tourism Awards shortlist
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Durham Cricket
The Alnwick Garden
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Whitehouse Farm Centre
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Old School House, Haltwhistle
The Beresford Arms
Wydon Farm B&B
Business Events Venue of the Year
Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter
Event Durham, Durham University
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Venues at Northumbria University
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Tranwell Farm Campsite
Vindomora Country Lodges
Walkmill Campsite
Experience of the Year
Blackfriars Cookery School
Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
The Escape Key
Triple A Food Tours
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Battlesteads
Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping
Maldron Hotel Newcastle
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Large Hotel of the Year
Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond
INNSiDE Newcastle
Matfen Hall
Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery
Bamburgh Castle
Hall Hill Farm
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
New Tourism Business of the Year
Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery
Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden
Northumberland Nook
The Tempus Hotel
Pub of the Year
Full Circle Brew Co
South Causey Inn
The Beresford Arms
The Seaburn Inn
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Chesters Stables
Doxford Cottages
The Glebe Retreat @ Glebe Holidays Northumberland
Small Hotel of the Year
Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland
Marshall Meadows Manor House
Seaham Hall
The Greenhead Hotel
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum
Diggerland Durham
Northumberland College Zoo
Tanfield Railway
Taste of North East England
Dobson and Parnell
My Delhi Streetery
The Beresford Arms Whalton
Unsung Hero Award
GHOST Northeast (Steve Watson)
Malhotra Group (Alice Middleton)
The Escape Key (Caitlin Brown)
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