More than 70 finalists were shortlisted by an expert panel of industry judges, with 15 winners recognised for their outstanding excellence and contribution to the county’s visitor economy.
All winners will now be put forward to the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence, where they will have the opportunity to compete at a national level following a further round of judging by a VisitEngland panel.
The prestigious awards evening took place at Three Counties Showground and was hosted by speaker and coach David James. The event welcomed over 380 guests from across the region’s business community.
Attendees enjoyed a true taste of Worcestershire, with a locally sourced menu and regional wines and spirits showcasing the county’s best produce. This year’s Narnia-themed event also celebrated the county’s heritage, inspired by Malvern’s connection to C.S. Lewis and the upcoming film release of The Magician’s Nephew.
West Midlands Safari Park was a standout winner, securing three awards: Business Events Venue of the Year, Experience of the Year, and the Worcestershire Tourism Unsung Hero Award for Angela Potter; alongside a Highly Commended in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category. The attraction was recognised for its strong commitment to accessibility and conservation, delivering a welcoming experience for all visitors.
Severn Valley Railway won the Tourism Resilience Award, recognising its strength, adaptability and commitment during challenging times. Judges praised the organisation for continuing to innovate and prioritise the visitor experience, while protecting and celebrating a much-loved part of the county’s heritage through the dedication of its team.
The event also raised vital funds for local charity Acorns Children’s Hospice through a prize draw raffle featuring Worcestershire-themed prizes generously donated by tourism businesses. In total, more than £3,900 was raised the highest amount ever achieved at the Tourism Awards providing invaluable support for the charity’s work.
Lorna Robinson, Destination Tourism Manager, for Visit Worcestershire said, “It was a truly fabulous evening celebrating Worcestershire’s wonderful tourism sector. I’m incredibly grateful to all our brilliant suppliers who went above and beyond to make the night so special, as well as to our dedicated sponsors and judges. A huge congratulations to all of our winners and shortlisted finalists, the standard gets higher every single year, and it’s amazing to come together and celebrate such excellence in our visitor economy.
“It’s no secret that the past few years have been challenging for the tourism sector, but the commitment, resilience, and sheer love that this sector pours into what it does is undeniable. We are now proudly a £1bn visitor economy, and that success is down to the passion and hard work of the businesses and people we celebrated tonight.
“I can’t wait to see who goes on to shine at the national VisitEngland Awards. Worcestershire will be cheering them on!”
Entries for next year’s awards will open next month, with Visit Worcestershire encouraging tourism and hospitality businesses to get involved. The awards provide valuable recognition, increased visibility, and the opportunity to showcase the very best of Worcestershire on a national stage.
Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 25/26 Winners
Accessible and Inclusive Award
Winner
Attwell Farm Park
Highly Commended
West Midlands Safari Park
National Trust Croome
Business Events Venue of the Year
Winner
Safari Venues at West Midlands Safari Park
Highly Commended
Bank House Hotel and Spa
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Winner
Rowley Farm Holidays
Highly Commended
Hop Pickers Rural Retreats
Well Furlong Retreats
Hotel of the Year
Winner
The Lygon Arms Hotel
Highly Commended
Eckington Manor
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
Winner
Bredon View Glamping Retreats
Highly Commended
Offenham Park and Touring Park
Experience of the Year
Winner
West Midlands Safari Park: Wild Keeper Retreat Package Big Cat Experience
Highly Commended
Morgan Experience: Factory Tour
Broadway Museum & Art Gallery: Butter Churning Experience
New Tourism Business of the Year
Winner
Lakeside Adventures
Highly Commended
The Crown
Social Sticks
Regenerative Tourism Award
Winner
Astley Vineyard
Highly Commended
The Angel Inn Hotel
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Winner
Morgan Motors
Highly Commended
Aztec Adventure
Honeybourne Pottery
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Winner
Attwell Farm Park
Highly Commended
National Trust Croome
Pub of the Year
Winner
The Fleece Inn
Highly Commended
The Queen Elizabeth Inn
Taste of Worcestershire Award
Winner
Canary & Kitchen
Highly Commended
Madresfield Butchers and Grill
Festival & Event of the Year
Winner
The Battle of Evesham
Highly Commended
The great Waddle of Worcester
Worcestershire’s Tourism Unsung Hero
Angela Potter, West Midlands Safari Park
Tourism Resilience Award
Severn Valley Railway