The very best in England’s tourism industry have been named – from B&Bs and hotels to holiday parks and pubs.
VisitEngland’s 2026 Awards for Excellence were announced yesterday, June 3, recognising those ‘who continuously raise the bar across the sector’.
Gold, Silver and Bronze were awarded in 17 categories selected from 21 local awards.
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock was ‘delighted to see so many businesses across England being recognised for their outstanding work, helping to make people’s stays as enjoyable and memorable as possible’.
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. I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.’
Read on to discover some of the best B&Bs, hotels and holiday parks in England.
B&B and Guest House of the Year – MonkBridge House, York
MonkBridge House, in York, was named the B&B and Guest House of the Year by VisitEngland
MonkBridge House secured gold for B&B and Guest House of the Year. Located in York, the five-star accommodation dates back to 1864 and boasts eight rooms.
The family-run guesthouse was previously the home of two Lord Mayors of York and is only a 10-minute walk to the city centre.
Owned by Paul and Fiona Hemsley, guests can choose from double, twin and triple room options.
Each are well equipped and one, called the Rymer, even has a luxurious four-poster bed.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon, was named the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park winner
Spread across 98 acres in the Devon countryside is Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa. The spot bagged gold in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park category.
Less than 30 minutes away from the seaside resort of Bude, Clawford Lakes offers a range of accommodation options including cocoons, floating lodges, lake pods, luxury lodges, holiday homes and smart apartments.
The apartments boast lakeside views, and guests will find themselves well-immersed within the local wildlife – deer roam the nearby valley and a beautiful six-acre woodland is abundant with flowers and colour from springtime.
Large Hotel of the Year – Bovey Castle, Devon
Bovey Castle, Devon, was awarded the Large Hotel of the Year by VisitEngland
Located in Dartmoor National Park is Bovey Castle – a regal abode with a fascinating history dating back to 1890.
The hotel achieved five-star status back in 2004 and nowadays offers 60 luxurious hotel rooms and suites across the manor and courtyard. There are also private estate lodges available to book, too.
Guests are spoiled for choice on the amount of activities to enjoy when staying at Bovey.
From archery and air rifle shooting to 4×4 off-road driving – it’s perfect for outdoor lovers.
Small Hotel of the Year – The Tempus, Northumberland
The Tempus, Northumberland, was awarded gold in the Small Hotel of the Year category
Situated inside the Charlton Hall Estate in Northumberland is The Tempus – the gold winner of VisitEngland’s Small Hotel of the Year category.
The boutique accommodation gets its name from the Latin word for ‘time’ and provides an escape that allows guests to slow down and relax.
There are 41 individually designed rooms that are all ensuite. From spacious family rooms to junior suites, the hotel has a range of options to suit all guests.
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall
Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall, won Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Another coastal spot, Bosinver Farm Cottages in Cornwall bagged gold for the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.
It offers 20 holiday cottages on 35 acres of meadows and landscaped gardens where guests can stay and immerse themselves in the outdoors and farm.
From animal feeding to egg collecting, the accommodation is perfect for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors.
There is a heated indoor swimming pool as well as a play barn and woodland nature trails.
Pub of the Year – The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Northumberland
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Northumberland, was named Pub of the Year
As for where is the best spot to eat and drink in England – The Kirkstyle Inn took gold in Pub of the Year.
Located in the Northumberland moorlands, the pub serves up seasonal food made with local produce.
Sunday lunch – roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy – is priced at £28.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk secured gold for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
It is home to over 100 different animal species and breeds – ranging from pigs and polar bears, to camels and crocodiles.
Farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty founded the farm back in 2002 and opened it to visitors in 2003 as The Essex Pig Company.
Over the years, it has expanded to become an award-winning wildlife park that features a restaurant and can even be booked as a wedding venue.
The attraction is open seven days a week and adult tickets can be bought for £25 online, while children cost £20.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – Morgan Experience, Worcestershire
Morgan Experience, Worcestershire, was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
The Morgan Experience, in Worcestershire, was named the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year by VisitEngland.
Classic car fans can find the experience on the historic site of Morgan Motor Company.
Visitors can experience driving a Morgan, priced from £120, and can choose between a Morgan Supersport, Plus Four or Super 3.
They can also delve into the craftmanship that goes into the impressive vehicles through a factory tour.
Experience of the Year – Blacksmithing Experience Days, Oldfield Forge, Herefordshire
Blacksmithing Experience Days, Oldfield Forge, Herefordshire bagged Experience of the Year
If metalwork and blacksmithing catches your eye, one of the experience days at Oldfield Forge, Herefordshire, may be for you.
VisitEngland awarded the attraction gold in the Experience of the Year category for its Blacksmithing Experience Days.
A range of packages are available to book, from knife making and handling currently reduced from £290 to £232, to the five-hour couples day date reduced from £210 to £168.
All prices correct as of June 4, 2026.
Full list of VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 winners:
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award:
Gold: Hoe Grange Holidays, Peak District, Derbyshire
Silver: Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham
Bronze: Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire
B&B and Guest House of the Year:
Gold: MonkBridge House, York
Silver: One Drake Road and Apartments, Devon
Bronze: Holly Lodge Boutique Bed & Breakfast, Norfolk
Business Events Venue of the Year:
Gold: Warwick Conferences, Warwick
Silver: Nottingham Venues, Nottingham
Bronze: The Catalyst, Newcastle
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year:
Gold: Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon
Silver: Bredon View Glamping Retreats, Worcestershire
Bronze: Kaya at Blackhill Farm, Herefordshire
Experience of the Year:
Gold: Blacksmithing Experience Days, Oldfield Forge, Herefordshire
Silver: The Wizard Walk of York, York
Bronze: Make Your Own Distilled Spirit, Shed One Distillery, Cumbria
International Tourism Award:
Gold: The Beatles Story, Liverpool
Silver: Castle Howard, York
Bronze: Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Devon
Large Hotel of the Year:
Gold: Bovey Castle, Devon
Silver: Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
Bronze: The Grand Brighton, Brighton
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year:
Gold: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk
Silver: Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
Bronze: Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire
New Tourism Business of the Year:
Gold: One Acre Wood, Herefordshire
Silver: The Story of Emily, Cornwall
Bronze: Flora and Fauna Exmoor, Somerset
Pub of the Year:
Gold: The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Northumberland
Silver: The Tickled Trout, Barlow, Derbyshire
Bronze: The Tollemache Arms, Northamptonshire
Regenerative Tourism Award:
Gold: Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire
Silver: Gladwins Farm – Self Catering Holiday Cottages, Suffolk
Bronze: Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year:
Gold: Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall
Silver: Cedar Hollow @ The Oaks, Oxfordshire
Bronze: Rowley Farm Holidays, Worcestershire
Small Hotel of the Year:
Gold: The Tempus, Northumberland
Silver: Peak Edge Hotel, Derbyshire
Bronze: Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Cumbria
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:
Gold: Morgan Experience, Worcestershire
Silver: Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, Northumberland
Bronze: National Justice Museum, Nottinghamshire
Taste of England Award:
Gold: Carriages Restaurant, Herefordshire
Silver: Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire
Bronze: Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle
Unsung Hero Award:
Gold: Jayne Chapman – Tatton Park, Cheshire
Silver: Viv Smith – National Stone Centre, Derbyshire
Bronze: Andy Black – Horses and Ponies Protection Association, Lancashire
Travel Content Award:
Gold: Rhiannon Batten, The Guardian – ‘From farms to fork: a food-lover’s cycle tour of Herefordshire’
Silver: Emily-Ann Elliott, The i Paper – ‘North Yorkshire’s spa holidays are still the best – and cost less than £225’
Bronze: Chris Leadbeater, The Telegraph – ‘This charming Herefordshire town is the real star of Hamnet’
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award:
Butlin’s: Butlin’s: Book Family Holidays and Short Breaks at UK Holiday Parks
Tourism Superstar Award:
Mick Hurst: CEO and founder of The Battle of Evesham historical events and re-enactments – Mick Hurst – Battle Of Evesham Shop