Finalists Announced for the Visit York Tourism Awards 2027

Make It York is proud to announce the finalists for the Visit York Tourism Awards 2027.   

Now in its 29th 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.   

New for this year, the Awards are also running an additional four categories in partnership with Visit North Yorkshire specifically for hotels, serviced accommodation and attractions in North Yorkshire.  

Winners across eligible categories will be considered for shortlisting in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2027. York has a proud tradition of success at these national awards, which are important in recognising national excellence for the city.  

The Visit York Tourism Awards 2027 winners will be announced at a spectacular evening of recognition on 11 March 2027 at the historic York Racecourse.  

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

“We’re delighted to celebrate the passion, commitment and creativity the finalists bring to York. The Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on those going the extra mile to create exceptional experiences for visitors and local communities. 

Our partnership with Visit North Yorkshire this year reflects our commitment to celebrating success together and championing tourism not just in the city, but right across the region.” 

Visit York Tourism Awards 2027 Finalists  

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE)  

  • Grand Opera House York
  • JORVIK Viking Centre 
  • The York Dungeon 

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

  • Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges 
  • The Vale of Pickering Caravan Park 
  • The Velveteen Bath House 
  • York Staycation 

Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year   

  • Christmas at Castle Howard 
  • JORVIK Viking Festival 
  • Object Journeys at York Army Museum 
  • York Pride 

Experience of the Year (VE) sponsored by LNER  

  • The Deathly Dark Tours 
  • Mountain Goat 
  • Wizard Walk of York 

Independent Business of the Year   

  • Sewcialising 
  • The Riverfront York 
  • The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring 
  • York Gin 

International Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by Expedia Group

  • Castle Howard 
  • Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel 

Large Hotel of the Year – North Yorkshire (VE) in partnership with Visit North Yorkshire 

  • Grantley Hall 
  • Sandburn Hall 
  • Swinton Park Hotel 

Large Hotel of the Year – York (VE) sponsored by Yorkshire Laundry Services 

  • The Grand, York 
  • The Milner York 
  • Moxy York 

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – North Yorkshire (VE) in partnership with Visit North Yorkshire 

  • Castle Howard 
  • The Forbidden Corner 
  • North Yorkshire Moors Railway 

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – York (VE)  

  • JORVIK Viking Centre 
  • The York Dungeon 
  • York Art Gallery 
  • York’s Chocolate Story 

New Tourism Business of the Year (VE) 

  • Staycation York Limited 
  • York Distillery – a home of York Gin 
  • York Witch Walk 

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

  • The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub 
  • Guy Fawkes Inn 
  • The Wenlock Arms 

Retailer of the Year sponsored by York BID  

  • Avorium 
  • Love Cheese 
  • York Gin 

Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year – North Yorkshire (VE) in partnership with Visit North Yorkshire 

  • Ashes Farm Holiday Accommodation  
  • La Rosa Hotel  
  • Yorebridge House  

Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year – York (VE)  

  • Guy Fawkes Inn 
  • Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel 
  • Hotel Clementine 

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – North Yorkshire (VE) in partnership with Visit North Yorkshire 

  • Filey Zoo 
  • Ripon Museum Trust 
  • Stump Cross Caverns 

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – York (VE) sponsored by Shambles Market 

  • The Deathly Dark Tour 
  • The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring 
  • York Army Museum 

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

  • Ate O’Clock 
  • The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub 
  • Yorebridge House 

Unsung Hero (VE) in partnership with Hospitality Association York 

  • Paul Brockbank, Grand Opera House York
  • Fiona Hyde, JORVIK Viking Centre 

The Best of York Award sponsored by York St John University  

  • Grand Opera House York 
  • JORVIK Viking Centre 
  • Wizard Walk of York 
  • The York Dungeon 

  

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

  

END  

Notes to Editors  

PRESS RELEASE: 1 October 2026 

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(VE) = These categories are eligible to go forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2027. Find more details: https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/visitengland-awards-excellence  

Limited sponsorship opportunity available. Businesses can get in touch for further details: awards@makeityork.com   

Find the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 winners and finalists: https://visityork.org/itineraries/visit-york-tourism-awards-2026-winners 

Source of data: 2025 STEAM report by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd 2025. Find out more: https://www.makeityork.com/news/2026/08/yorks-economy-continues-to-grow/ 

  

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