County’s First Tourism Awards Recognize Excellence

Northamptonshire’s visitor economy was celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Silverstone Museum, as the county honored the winners of the inaugural Northamptonshire Tourism Business Awards. The awards recognized organizations, attractions, and individuals contributing to the county’s welcoming atmosphere.

The event brought together businesses across Northamptonshire to acknowledge excellence in hospitality, attractions, accommodation, customer service, accessibility, and food and drink. The evening was hosted by John Griff and marked a significant milestone for the county’s tourism sector.

Eleven Awards Presented, Showcasing Diverse Talent

A total of eleven awards were presented, celebrating both team and individual successes. An independent judging panel faced the challenge of selecting winners from a high number of entries.

Award Winners and Highly Commended

• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Boughton House & Estate
• Highly Commended: Revival Rum
• New Tourism Business of the Year: Yoke Hill Leisure
• Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year: New Lodge Farm
• Highly Commended: Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
• Experience of the Year: Llama Trekking, Catanger Llamas
• Hotel of the Year: Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa
• Highly Commended: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa
• Pub of the Year: The Tollemache Arms
• Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: The Wheatsheaf and The Menagerie, Towcester
• Taste of England Award: The Palmichael
• Highly Commended: Hibiscus Fine Dining
• Accessible Tourism Award: Highly Commended – Catanger Llamas
• Unsung Hero Award: Nick Wilson, Disabled Adventurer
• Highly Commended: Ken Hodgson, Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust
• Highly Commended: Declan Lightly, Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park

Industry Leaders Praise Resilience and Dedication

This has been a challenging year for so many across our visitor economy, which makes the achievements of our finalists and winners even more remarkable. Their resilience, creativity and sheer determination deserve huge respect. They are the people who create unforgettable experiences, who welcome visitors with pride, and who make others fall in love with Northamptonshire. Tonight is about celebrating them and recognising the vital role they play in bringing our county to life. Richard Clinton, Chair of the Discover Northamptonshire LVEP

The evening really highlighted the wonderful tourism organisations, attractions, and individuals we have across the whole of Northamptonshire. Every single nomination represents a hidden gem in the county – something that makes the area special and we should celebrate these 365 days a year. For the winners and those who were highly commended, it truly is a huge achievement to be recognised at this level, and we want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone once again. Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities

These awards are a fantastic celebration of the creativity, dedication, and hospitality that make Northamptonshire such a special place to visit. From attractions and accommodation to food, drink, and customer service, the talent on display across our county is remarkable. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees – your hard work helps to showcase Northamptonshire on the regional and national stage, and we’re proud to support this inaugural celebration of our visitor economy. Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council

Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Northamptonshire Tourism

The awards were delivered by Discover Northamptonshire, with support from North and West Northamptonshire Council and industry partners. Winners will automatically be entered into the VisitEngland National Awards of Excellence. The event was supported by £10,000 of UK Shared Prosperity funding.

Discover Northamptonshire extended thanks to all sponsors and partners, including Wilson Browne Solicitors (Headline Sponsor), London Northwestern Railway, South Midlands Growth Hub, Silverstone Museum, Video Inn Production, Snapsea, Tangerine Red, Northants Sings Out, and Northamptonshire Health Charity.

A charity raffle in support of Northamptonshire Health Charity raised over £1300 for their Sensory Spaces Appeal.

A full gallery of images from the awards ceremony can be viewed online.

The Northamptonshire Tourism Business Awards will return in 2026. Visit the Discover Northamptonshire website for updates.