The Visit York Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across a diverse range of categories, highlighting the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals within York’s vibrant tourism sector.

Each category honours those who have demonstrated exceptional quality, innovation, and dedication to providing memorable experiences for visitors. From inclusive tourism to sustainable practices, and from the best in accommodation to extraordinary events, these awards recognize the very best that York has to offer.

Mark your calendars for 20th March 2025 as we gather at the historic York Racecourse to acknowledge and applaud the outstanding achievements of those who make York a world-class destination. This gala event promises to be an inspiring evening filled with celebration and recognition of the very best in York’s tourism and culture.

Applications have now closed, and finalists have been announced! See the details for each award below.

Tickets are now on sale! Secure your ticket to the awards now ▸

Visit York Tourism Awards - Categories

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Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Award sponsored by The Grand, York

Finalists

Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Castle Howard

This award recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.

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Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

Award sponsored by Yorwaste

Finalists

Celebration Holiday Homes
Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges

High Oaks Grange
Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges

This award recognises self catering accommodation, holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across properties for let, static vans, touring pitches, shepherd's huts and more.

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Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

Award sponsored by First Bus

Finalists

Host & Stay
York Gin

This award recognises tourism businesses committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment.

Awards Placeholder

Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year

Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com

Finalists

The Hocus Pocus Witches' Coven
National Treasures: Monet in York 'The Water-Lily Pond'

Hallowscream at York Maze

York Pride

York Proms

This award recognises organisers of truly memorable and immersive events and festivals for visitors to enjoy.

LNER24

Experience of the Year

Award sponsored by LNER

Finalists

The Wizard Walk of York
City Cruises York

The Bloody Tour of York

This award recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in.

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Independent Business of the Year

Award sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group

Finalists

The Wizard Walk of York
Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel

The Potions Cauldron Group

The Bloody Tour of York

For businesses directly involved in tourism, with unique selling point that might be a retail offering, theme or entertainment and with no more than 5 branches.

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Large Hotel of the Year

Award sponsored by Streamline Taxis

Finalists

Middletons Hotel - part of David Thwaites
Aldwark Manor Estate
Sandburn Hall

This award recognises full service hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

Awards Placeholder

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com

Finalists

York's Chocolate Story
Castle Howard

The York Dungeon

Web Adventure Park

This award recognises large visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

Awards Placeholder

New Tourism Business Award

Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com

Finalists

The Old Liquor Store Restaurant & Bar
Ampleforth Abbey

The Riverfront York

This award recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.

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Pub of the Year

Award sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd

Finalists

The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
Plonkers Wine Bar & Bistro

This award recognises pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.

Awards Placeholder

Retailer of the Year

Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com

Finalists

Avorium
York Gin

The Cat Gallery

The Potions Cauldron

This award recognises businesses that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a retail offering.

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Small Accommodation Provider of the Year

Award sponsored by Booking.com

Finalists

The Pheasant Hotel
Stone House Hotel
Galtres Lodge

MonkBridge House

This award recognises small serviced accommodation businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

Awards Placeholder

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com

Finalists

Mother Shipton's Cave
Stump Cross Caverns
York Army Museum
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

This award recognises small visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

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Taste of England Award

Award sponsored by Fowlers

Finalists

The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
The Whippet Inn

Forest

This award recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer food, beverage and service innovation and excellence.

YSJ Uni

The Best of York Award

Award sponsored by York St John

Finalists

York's Chocolate Story
City Cruises York

The Wizard Walk of York

Mad Alice

This award recognises the very best that York has to offer, be it a business, a team or an individual.

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Hospitality Hero Award

The ‘Hospitality Hero’ award recognises the contributions of an individual who plays an integral role within a hospitality business, and the vital part they play within their team and in welcoming guests. Nominations are welcome from Visit York and Hospitality Association York (HAY) members. The deadline for applications is 5pm, 20 December 2024.

Apply for this award ▸