Visit York Tourism Awards 2025: Winners
Itinerary
Visit York Tourism Awards 2025: Winners
The Visit York Tourism Awards 2025 celebrate excellence across a diverse range of categories, recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals within York’s vibrant tourism sector. The prestigious awards ceremony took place on 20th March 2025 at the historic York Racecourse, where winners were announced and applauded for their contributions in making York a world-class destination.
Find below the details of each award category, the winners, highly commended and finalists. Explore York's fantastic array of attractions, retail, and hospitality!
Multiple Days
Food & Drink
Things To Do
Locations
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In this Itinerary
1
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Castle Howard is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, situated just outside York in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The judges said: "The hugely detailed accessibility statements covering the entire estate in exhaustive detail are very impressive."
Highly commended: Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Award sponsored by The Grand, York
2
Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
The location of Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges offers magnificent routes for cycling and walking being based on the Minster Way, Chalkland Way and is only a stones throw from the historic Wolds Way.
The judges were "100% impressed with the high quality and detail" in multiple visits.
Finalists: Celebration Holiday Homes, Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges, High Oaks Grange
Award sponsored by Yorwaste
3
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
York Gin celebrates world-class products that are actually made in York. As well as our gins, they sell a range of local beers, Yorkshire snacks and hand-made gifts.
The judges commented on how their messaging “encourages others to take responsibility too".
Highly commended: Host & Stay
Award sponsored by First Bus
4
Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year
On 10 May 2024, Monet’s ‘The Water-Lily Pond’ was the central feature of a major new exhibition at York Art Gallery to mark the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery.
The judges recognised how "this exhibition demonstrated the ability to use an event to reach broader and more diverse audiences and encourage different ways of exploring and enjoying art and culture".
Highly commended: York Pride, York Proms
Finalists: The Hocus Pocus Witches' Coven, Hallowscream at York Maze
Award sponsored by Buttercrumble
5
Experience of the Year
Spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of York's history. Five-star family fun on York's highest reviewed wizard experience!
The judges recognised their “very strong entry for a great value and quality product reaching an increasing audience".
Finalists: City Cruises York, The Bloody Tour of York
Award sponsored by LNER
6
Independent Business of the Year
Mad Alice will take visitors on a 90 minute walking tour of the city. Down snickleways and side streets recounting the gruesome and grisly past of the city.
The judges recognised how the “storytelling is immaculate”, in addition to it being “unique, and with a very strong reputation, the tour seems to go from strength to strength".
Finalists: The Wizard Walk of York, Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel, The Potions Cauldron Group
Award sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group
7
Large Hotel of the Year
Nestling in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Sandburn Hall provides the perfect base from which to explore the best that Yorkshire has to offer!
The judges said: “A hotel with a clear identity and truly living its values. Being family owned and independent is a real point of difference which gives the opportunity to create a unique atmosphere. Working with a number of local suppliers and attractions speaks to a commitment to the Yorkshire hospitality community.”
Finalists: Middletons Hotel - part of Daniel Thwaites, Aldwark Manor Estate
Award sponsored by Streamline Taxis
8
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Castle Howard is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, situated just outside York in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The judges said: "Everything was of the highest quality and team members were keen to provide great customer service.”
Finalists: York's Chocolate Story, The York Dungeon, Web Adventure Park
Award sponsored by NFU Mutual - Vale of York Agency
9
New Tourism Business Award
The Riverfront in Bishopthorpe, on the outskirts of York, offer an enchanting array of unique stays, each tailored to make your visit truly unforgettable.
The judges praised the business for its "combination of exceptional service, community involvement, and commitment to continual growth positions it as a leader in new tourism for York".
Finalists: The Old Liquor Store Restaurant & Bar, Ampleforth Abbey
Award sponsored by Your Creative Sauce
10
Pub of the Year
Tucked away in the charming village of Skipwith, just ten miles south of York, The Drovers Arms is an award-winning country pub where exceptional food, fine ales, and a warm welcome come together.
The judges praised how "the pub had a friendly buzz and a welcoming atmosphere, and is a business that cares about all aspects of the business".
Finalist: Plonkers Wine Bar & Bistro
Award sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd
11
Retailer of the Year
Avorium is a family run business, established in 2021, located in York City Centre. They sell pastel desk accessories and stationery which can be personalised on the spot!
Judges praised their “thought, creativity and business and brand understanding”.
Finalists: York Gin, The Cat Gallery, The Potions Cauldron
Award sponsored by York BID
12
Small Serviced Accomodation Provider of the Year
Elegant, Victorian, independent family-run guest house overlooking the River Foss.
The judges said: “A premium establishment with a commitment to both guest experience and looking after staff."
Highly commended: The Pheasant Hotel
Finalists: Stone House Hotel, Galtres Lodge
Award sponsored by Booking.com
13
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Whatever your age, whatever the weather – Stump Cross Caverns is always an adventure.
The attraction was praised by the judges for being "much, much more than just an amazing attraction” and how it would be recommended “for any family, adult or couple to spend an afternoon".
Finalists: Mother Shipton's Cave, York Army Museum, Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
Award sponsored by Shambles Market
14
Taste of England Award
Central but hidden, The Whippet Inn opened their doors in 2014 committed to injecting some theatre, flair, character and bloody-good local food and drink to one of the less-trodden streets in York.
The judges said the “venue offers a modern dining experience in a historic building and the quality of the food is exceptional".
Finalists: The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub, Forest
Award sponsored by Fowlers of York
15
The Best of York Award
Enjoy York's No. 1 sightseeing tour; an entertaining and informative cruise on the River Ouse!
The judges commented that the business “stands out for enhancing the visitor experience through strong local partnerships and memorable river cruises, contributing significantly to York's tourism".
Finalists: York's Chocolate Story, The Wizard Walk of York, Mad Alice
Award sponsored by York St John University
16
Hospitality Hero Award
Hospitality Hero Award, in partnership with the Hospitality Association York (HAY), was won by Juliana Ene, from Delta Hotels by Marriott York, which recognises the individual's commitment and hard work in their field.
Finalists: Sarah Simpson, The Milner York, Karl Horton, Novotel York Centre
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