Make It York is proud to announce the finalists for the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026.

Now in its 28th year, the Visit York Tourism Awards, sponsored by LNER, celebrate the best in tourism, hospitality and culture. 

After a thorough review of entry submissions, the panel of esteemed judges has selected the top businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in their respective categories. Representing the best in York and the surrounding area, the finalists exemplify excellence and dedication in welcoming York’s visitors each year, which contribute over £2 billion to York’s economy (2024).

New categories for 2026 include the Regenerative Tourism Award, which recognises businesses who are truly committed to championing and delivering a regenerative tourism approach to their sustainable actions, showing clearly how visitors are encouraged to behave in a responsible way throughout their visit or stay; and the International Tourism Award which recognises businesses that provide unforgettable visitor experiences for international visitors and attention to detail.

Eligible winners across 12 of the 16 categories will be automatically put forward to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, which are important in recognising national excellence. York has a proud tradition of success at these national awards, including two Visit York Tourism Award 2025 winners receiving Silver Awards [These categories are indicated with (VE)].

The Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 winners will be announced at a spectacular evening of recognition on 12 March 2026 at the historic York Racecourse.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:

“We’re delighted to reveal this year’s finalists, each of whom has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for their business. The Visit York Tourism Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations that consistently go the extra mile to deliver exceptional experiences for both visitors and our local communities. We can’t wait to come together and celebrate their incredible contributions to making York such a vibrant place to live and explore.”

Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 Finalists

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by Splendid Hospitality Group (SHG)

• Next Door But One
• The York Dungeon

Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (VE) sponsored by Yorwaste

• Akebar Park
• Coffee Yard Apartment
• The Riverfront York

Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year

• Christmas at Castle Howard
• WizardFest – The Wizard of York
• York Proms

Experience of the Year (VE) sponsored by LNER

• Mountain Goat
• The Wizard Walk of York

Independent Business of the Year

• The Riverfront York
• The Wizard Walk of York
• York Gin

International Tourism Award (VE)

• Castle Howard
• The Grand, York

Large Hotel of the Year (VE) sponsored by Streamline Taxis

• Aldwark Manor Estate
• Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
• No. 1 York by GuestHouse
• The Milner York

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE) sponsored by Shambles Market

• Castle Howard
• JORVIK Viking Centre (York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation)
• Monk Park Farm
• The York Dungeon
• York’s Chocolate Story

New Tourism Business of the Year (VE) sponsored by Studio YCS

• The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
• The Wenlock Arms
• York Distillery – Home of York Gin

Pub of the Year (VE) sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd

• Guy Fawkes Inn
• House of The Trembling Madness, Lendal
• The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
• The Wenlock Arms

Regenerative Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by First Bus

• MonkBridge House
• Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges
• York Gin

Retailer of the Year sponsored by York BID

• Avorium
• Love Cheese
• Villains Rum
• York Gin

Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year (VE) sponsored by Booking.com

• Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
• MonkBridge House

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE)

• Mother Shipton’s Cave
• Sledmere House and Gardens
• Stump Cross Caverns
• Woldies

Taste of England Award (VE) sponsored by Fowlers of York

• Bosun’s Restaurant at The Riverfront York
• The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
• The Whippet Inn

The Best of York Award sponsored by York St John University

• The Milner York
• The Wizard Walk of York
• The York Dungeon
• York’s Chocolate Story

Limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. Get in touch for more details and to secure your chosen category. 

More information about the Visit York Tourism Awards can be found at visityork.org/awards