Industry News

The shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards has been revealed, as a spotlight is shined on the North East’s tourism hotspots.

For more than 20 years, the North East England Tourism Awards have helped to champion the region’s vibrant and diverse multi-million-pound tourism and hospitality sector and this year, more businesses than ever will compete to take home awards across 15 categories.

From accolades for the best places to eat and drink in the area to awards for those forging a trailblazing path in areas such as sustainability and accessibility, more than 130 entrants have been whittled down to a shortlist that features some of the region’s most beloved restaurants, attractions, hotels and experiences.

Delivered by England’s first Destination Development Partnership – Destination North East England, the awards will once again offer shortlisted businesses the chance to compete not only in the region, but on the national stage, with qualifying winners being put forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence next summer.

The shortlist is drawn from businesses from across the area, from rural escapes in Northumberland to exciting new pubs and restaurants in Sunderland. Applications for the ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable’ and ‘Accessible and Inclusive’ categories have more than doubled since last year – demonstrating the region’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, inclusive and regenerative future – areas which are key to Destination North East England’s work to double the value of the visitor economy over the next 10 years.

The shortlist features a number of new businesses and entrants who haven’t been part of the awards previously, as the visitor offer in the region continues to develop and offer consumers a more diverse and exciting portfolio of visitor experiences.

A team of expert judges are now pouring over entries and making mystery shop visits to test out the visitor experience as part of a rigorous judging process, ahead of winners being announced at the annual awards ceremony in spring 2025.

As has become tradition, an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will be handed out at the ceremony to an individual or business who has had a profound impact on the industry and the region. Previous people honoured with this accolade include TV star Robson Green and Vera creator Ann Cleaves.

The Destination North East England Tourism Awards are made possible through the support of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham, alongside sponsors drawn from across the private and public sector and in partnership with all seven local authorities.

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.”

Cllr 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."

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)