Industry News

Durham has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025.

The county has been nominated by readers of Group Leisure and Travel magazine and is now in the running to be voted Best UK Destination.

Readers can vote for their favourite destination, which sees Durham up against other top UK locations, including the Isle of Wight, London, Wiltshire and Liverpool.

Top attractions in the county have also been shortlisted as finalists.  Beamish Museum is in the running for Best UK Attraction, Kynren is in the running to be crowned Best Event for Groups and Raby Castle, Park and Gardens will compete against Blenheim Palace and the Tower of London to be named Best Historic Attraction.

Auckland Palace has also made the list of finalists in the Best Christmas Experience category making Durham the county with the most shortlisted attractions in the competition.

The nominations follow Durham recently gaining the Coach Friendly accreditation. The prestigious award highlights its unique status and makes Durham one of the most Coach Friendly counties in the UK.

Michelle Gorman, managing director, Visit County Durham said: ‘It is an honour for Durham to be shortlisted and it goes to show the fantastic tourism offer in the county.

Coach and group travel is a vital part of the visitor economy, and we have worked hard to make Durham accessible to group travellers.

Visit County Durham leads the Discover Durham groups and travel trade consortium, which sees us work in partnership to raise the profile and appeal of the county as an ideal destination for groups.

I am also thrilled to see some of our key attractions shortlisted and wish them the very best of luck.”

Tour operator and group travel organisers can vote for their favourite attractions and destinations at www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards/vote.  Voting closes on Sunday, 27 April 2025 and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London this June.