The winners of the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 have been announced at a spectacular evening of recognition.
The Visit York Tourism Awards, sponsored by LNER, celebrate excellence across York’s tourism, hospitality and cultural sectors, recognising outstanding achievement across 17 award categories.
Organised by Make It York, these awards, now in their 28th year, showcase the very best of York and the surrounding area, highlighting businesses that demonstrate exceptional quality, commitment and service in welcoming the city’s 9.4 million visitors [2024 STEAM data].
Taking place on 12 March at the historic York Racecourse, the evening was hosted by Claire Pulpher and Nick Hancock from YO1 Radio.
Eligible winners across 12 of the 17 categories will be automatically put forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 for recognition on a national stage and compete for the crown of the country’s best, taking place in June. [These categories are indicated with (VE)].
For the first time in the award’s history, joint winners have been selected for the Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year award category, recognising both Christmas at Castle Howard and York Proms. The judges felt it was a nearly impossible task to select one winner; both entries scored highly in all areas, showing the power of cultural programming to attract diverse audiences while contributing to the vibrancy of the region’s visitor economy.
New award categories for this year sees the Regenerative Tourism Award, which recognises commitment to delivering a regenerative tourism approach, and the International Tourism Award which recognises unforgettable experiences for international visitors.
Now in its third year, the Hospitality Hero Award, in partnership with the Hospitality Association York (HAY), was also announced on the evening. Won by Ben Winterburn from Dean Court York, the award recognises the contributions of the individual who plays an integral role within a hospitality business, and the vital part they play within their team and in welcoming guests.
Given the exceptionally close competition between the businesses, five finalists have also been recognised with a Highly Commended status across four award categories.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “It was a fantastic evening announcing this year’s winners, whose achievements reflect the very best of what York has to offer. Each has shown exceptional dedication and care in delivering high-quality experiences that benefit both visitors and residents. Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists that set the benchmark for excellence, making York the dynamic and welcoming destination it is. Plus, a big thank you to our partners, supporters and the team for making the event possible.”
Polly Bennett, Chair of Visit York Tourism Awards Judges and Founder of Little Vikings, said: “As judges, our role is to celebrate excellence and highlight the very best work in our field. We seek entries that demonstrate genuine impact and creativity, so that our awards recognise those who not only set the highest standards but also inspire others to push boundaries. Judging is always a challenging process, and this year was no exception, as reflected by the joint winners. With so many remarkable businesses to celebrate, making the final decisions is never easy. Congratulations to all the winners, and finalists!”
Full list of the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 winners and finalists:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by Splendid Hospitality Group
- WINNER: The York Dungeon
FINALIST:
- Next Door But One *Highly Commended
Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (VE) sponsored by Yorwaste
- WINNER: The Riverfront York
FINALISTS:
- Akebar Park
- Coffee Yard Apartment
Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year sponsored by YO1 Radio and Media
- JOINT WINNERS: Christmas at Castle Howard AND York Proms
FINALIST:
- WizardFest – The Wizard of York
Experience of the Year (VE) sponsored by LNER
- WINNER: The Wizard Walk of York
FINALIST:
- Mountain Goat
Independent Business of the Year sponsored by York Cocoa Works
- WINNER: The Wizard Walk of York
FINALISTS:
- York Gin *Highly Commended
- The Riverfront York
International Tourism Award (VE)sponsored by Expedia Group
- WINNER: Castle Howard
FINALIST:
- The Grand, York
Large Hotel of the Year (VE) sponsored by Streamline Taxis
- WINNER: No. 1 York by GuestHouse
FINALISTS:
- Aldwark Manor Estate
- Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- The Milner York
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE) sponsored by Shambles Market
- WINNER: The York Dungeon
FINALISTS:
- Castle Howard *Highly Commended
- JORVIK Viking Centre (York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation) *Highly Commended
- Monk Park Farm
- York’s Chocolate Story
New Tourism Business of the Year (VE) sponsored by Studio YCS
- WINNER: The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
FINALISTS:
- The Wenlock Arms
- York Distillery – Home of York Gin
Pub of the Year (VE) sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd
- WINNER: The Wenlock Arms
FINALISTS:
- Guy Fawkes Inn
- House of The Trembling Madness, Lendal
- The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
Regenerative Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by First Bus
- WINNER: MonkBridge House
FINALISTS:
- Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges
- York Gin
Retailer of the Year sponsored by York BID
- WINNER: Avorium
FINALISTS:
- York Gin *Highly Commended
- Love Cheese
- Villains Rum
Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year (VE) sponsored by Booking.com
- WINNER: MonkBridge House
FINALIST:
- Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE) sponsored by York and North Yorkshire LVEP
- WINNER: Mother Shipton’s Cave
FINALISTS:
- Sledmere House and Gardens
- Stump Cross Caverns
- Woldies
Taste of England Award (VE) sponsored by Fowlers of York
- WINNER: Bosun’s Restaurant at The Riverfront York
FINALISTS:
- The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
- The Whippet Inn
The Best of York Award sponsored by York St John University
- WINNER: The York Dungeon
FINALISTS:
- The Milner York
- The Wizard Walk of York
- York’s Chocolate Story
Hospitality Hero Award in partnership with Hospitality Association York
- WINNER: Ben Winterburn, Dean Court York
FINALISTS:
- Julia Betteridge, Middlethorpe Hall
- Carolynn Foster, The Milner York
- Alex McLeod, The York Dungeon
More information about the Visit York Tourism Awards can be found at visityork.org/awards
Plus, you find details of each award in the winners’ itinerary – a great resource to share with your followers so they can explore the fantastic range of attractions, retail, and hospitality businesses featured.
END
PRESS RELEASE: 12 March 2026
Notes to Editors
Download images – CREDIT: Make It York
(VE) = These categories are eligible to go forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
