Shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards is released

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)