The shortlist was announced today (Monday 28 September) by Experience North East England. The awards celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals who make the region's visitor economy thrive, and this year's entries showed the breadth of talent, innovation and experiences on offer across the North East.
The shortlist reflects the variety of the county's visitor offer. It includes landmark attractions such as Alnwick Castle and Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum, historic hotels such as Langley Castle, and newer businesses such as The Coliseum Bouldering Centre.
Several businesses have double reasons to celebrate. Bailiffgate Hotel is shortlisted for both Large Hotel of the Year and New Tourism Business of the Year. Hadrian's Wall Campsite features in both the Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park and Regenerative Tourism categories. Kielder Observatory is up for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, and team member Adam Shore is nominated for the Unsung Hero award.
Hadrian's Wall Country is especially well represented, with Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort, Roman Vindolanda, Hadrian's Wall Campsite and Herding Hill Farm all shortlisted. Northumberland also takes three of the four places in Self Catering Accommodation of the Year and fills the entire Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park shortlist.
Shortlisted finalists will now go through a second round of judging by independent assessors, with winners revealed at a ceremony in spring 2027. Winners in the core categories will then go forward to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Northumberland's shortlisted businesses
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award: Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year: Clear Sky Lodge Park & Clear Sky Caravan Motorhome Park; Hadrian's Wall Campsite; Herding Hill Farm
Experience of the Year: Curius Compass; Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum
Large Hotel of the Year: Bailiffgate Hotel
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Alnwick Castle
New Tourism Business of the Year: Bailiffgate Hotel; The Coliseum Bouldering Centre
Pub of the Year: The Highlander Ponteland; The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest
Regenerative Tourism Award: Hadrian's Wall Campsite; Northumberland Nook
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year: Hiddle Hut; Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages; Stay On The Hill
Small Hotel of the Year: Langley Castle Hotel & Restaurant; The Tempus
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Hepple Wilds; Kielder Observatory
Unsung Hero: Adam Shore, Kielder Observatory
Congratulations to all our shortlisted businesses, and good luck in the next round of judging.
