Over 70 finalists were shortlisted by industry-expert judges, with 16 winners recognised for their excellence and contribution to the Worcestershire visitor economy.
Winners will now be put forward to the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence, in the hope of being named a national finalist after going through an additional judging process led by a VisitEngland panel.
The glamorous awards evening was held at Three Counties Showground and was hosted by TV presenter and food expert, Chris Bavin. The event attracted over 370 attendees from across the business community.
Guests enjoyed a taste of Worcestershire with a locally sourced menu and accompanying local wine and spirits, celebrating the best of the county’s produce.
Lorna Robinson, Visitor Economy and Destination Manager at Visit Worcestershire said: “What can I say except – wow! The awards have been an amazing celebration of Worcestershire’s incredible tourism sector. Every single finalist and winner should feel truly proud of their achievements. The standard of excellence across our county is nothing short of amazing, and it’s this dedication that makes Worcestershire such a thriving and welcoming destination.”
“While we crowned 16 winners on the evening, everyone in the room was a winner – the passion, innovation, resilience and hard work of our tourism businesses make a real difference to our local economy and visitor experience. We can’t wait to see some of these outstanding businesses represent Worcestershire on the national stage at the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence. Congratulations to all!”
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel celebrated a double win at the awards, retaining its title as Business Events Venue of the Year and securing Large Hotel of the Year. Judges commended the hotel’s exceptional hospitality, high standards of service, and the dedication of its outstanding team.
Redditch-based Attwell Farm Park also took home two awards — Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and the Accessible and Inclusive Award. The attraction was recognised for its significant efforts in improving accessibility, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of ability, can enjoy a seamless and welcoming experience.
A special award completed the ceremony, acknowledging an outstanding contribution to tourism and Worcestershire.
Mark Glossop, who ran the Cathedral Ferry in Worcester for over 40 years, was awarded the final award for his exceptional years of service to the community. The volunteer-led attraction has not only preserved an important part of Worcester’s heritage but also added to the visitor experience in the city for decades. Whilst also raising money for local charities through a small fee to cross the river.
The event also raised vital funds for local charity, Midlands Air Ambulance, with a prize draw raffle filled with Worcestershire prizes generously donated by tourism businesses.
Over £3,500 pounds was raised to support the charity’s lifesaving work in Worcestershire and the wider region.
Entries for next year’s awards open next month, and Visit Worcestershire encourages tourism and hospitality businesses to get involved. The awards offer valuable recognition, increased visibility, and a chance to showcase the best of Worcestershire’s visitor economy on a national stage.
Further details will be published on the Visit Worcestershire trade website – visitworcestershire.org/trade
Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 24/25 Winners
Accessible and Inclusive Award
Winner
Attwell Farm Park
Highly Commended
West Midlands Safari Park
Business Events Venue of the Year
Winner
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
Highly Commended
Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
Winner
Plum Tree Glamping
Highly Commended
Hopley's Family Camping
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Award
Winner
Treeopia
Highly Commended
All Things Wild
Experience of the Year
Winner
Piston Distillery
Highly Commended
Morgan Experience
Festival & Event of the Year
Winner
RHS Spring Festival
Highly Commended
The Battle of Evesham
Large Hotel of the Year
Winner
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
Highly Commended
The Cottage in The Wood, Malvern
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Winner
Attwell Farm Park
Highly Commended
Severn Valley Railway
New Tourism Business of the Year
Winner
Wagtail Retreat
Highly Commended
Watersedge
Pub of the Year
Winner
The Kings Arms
Highly Commended
The Swan Inn & The Chequers at Crowle
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Winner
Rowley Farm Holidays
Highly Commended
Elsies Cottage, Secret Bolthole and Treeopia
Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year
Winner
Abbots Grange Manor House
Highly Commended
Brockencote Hall Hotel
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Winner
Avoncroft Museum
Highly Commended
Aztec Adventure
Taste of Worcestershire Award
Winner
Canary & Kitchen
Highly Commended
Unwined Bistro
Worcestershire’s Tourism Unsung Hero
Andrew Hurley, Avoncroft Museum
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and Worcestershire Award
Mark Glossop, Cathedral Ferry
