Visit England Awards for Excellence 2025 Finalists Announced
Events | Pub Accommodation | Uk Pubs | Posted 2025.04.16
The spotlight is once again shining on England’s tourism industry, as Visit England has officially announced the finalists for the 2025 Awards for Excellence – a prestigious event that celebrates the very best tourism, hospitality and visitor experiences across the country.
Now in its 35th year, the Visit England Awards for Excellence are considered the highest accolades in English Tourism. These awards honour businesses and individuals who deliver standout service, innovation, and dedication to ensuring unforgettable experiences for both domestic and international travellers. From boutique B&Bs and heritage attractions to eco-friendly initiatives and world-class pubs, these awards represent the full spectrum of what makes England such an incredible destination.
Celebrating Tourism Excellence
The finalists have been selected from across England’s diverse landscape – from the wild coastlines of the Southwest and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the cultural hubs of the North and the hidden gems of the Midlands. These businesses have already proven themselves as regional champions, earning top marks at their local tourism awards before progressing to the national stage.
This year’s categories reflect the ever-evolving landscape of the tourism industry, including:
Pub of the Year
The Farmers Arms is an award-winning gastro pub, situated in the unspoilt village of Woolsery, a 15 minute drive from Bideford. In Autumn 2024, their rooms, suits and cottages were awarded the prestigious honour of Michelin One-Key status. “The Collective at Woolsery” also has a gourmet fish & chip shop, corner shop with post office, and a 150 acre farm providing produce for the Collective.
The Blind Bull, a beautifully refurbished, 12th century gastro pub inhabits the site of Britain’s fifth oldest public house. The pub sits in the village of Little Hucklow, a 20-minute drive from Buxton. The Old Piggery houses five lovely bedrooms and a characterful cottage.
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
Battlesteads is a pub, hotel and restaurant situated in the picturesque village of Wark on Tyne, a 20-minute drive north of Hexham. The pub sits on the edge of the Kielder Water & Forest Park and serves modern British food and eclectic choice of ales and beers. Choose from 22 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, including luxury lodges and rooms on the ground floor.
Small Hotel of the Year
The Montagu Arms, is a former 16th century coaching inn nestled in the sleepy village of Beaulieu on the southeastern edge of the New Forest. Embraced on all sides by picturesque gardens, choose from a collection of 33 sophisticated bedrooms and suites, each with their own unique personality.
Taste of England Award
The Riverside Inn is a multi-award-winning pub nestled on the southern edge of the Mortimer Forest in the tranquil village of Aymestrey, 15-minute drive from Leominster. The pub dates to the 1600’s and has a collection of beautifully furnished bedrooms, suites and garden lodges.
Other Awards include:
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Business Events Venue of the Year
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Experience of the Year
International Tourism Award
Large Hotel of the Year
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
New Tourism Business of the Year
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Unsung Hero Award
Why These Awards Matter
In the wake of a challenging few years for the tourism and hospitality industries, Visit England Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity and passion that fuels tourism in England. These awards highlight the importance of independent businesses, local amenities and innovative experiences that continue to drive the sector forward.
Visit England Director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s tourism industry has good reason to celebrate. As the finalists demonstrate, businesses across every region provide outstanding customer service along with high quality experiences while constantly innovating to find new ways to give more to visitors and the communities they serve.
“The applications to this year’s awards and the list of finalists are a testament to the range of first-class products on offer to both domestic and international visitors. I congratulate all the finalists who are already winners, and I wish them the very best of luck.”
What’s Next?
The national awards ceremony will take place on 4th June 2025, where gold, silver and bronze winners will be announced. Finalists will gather alongside industry leaders and tourism champions to celebrate the very best that English Tourism has to offer.
Written by Lucille Skinner
Social Media Assistant