The annual ceremony, sponsored by train operator LNER and now in its 24th year, brought over 450 businesses, regional and national leaders together at Newcastle’s Civic Centre for a celebration of the North East’s visitor economy.
Judges whittled down hundreds of entries as part of a rigorous judging process that involved mystery shop visits and stringent expert assessments to decide who would take home a Highly Commended, Bronze, Silver or Gold accolade.
Newcomer, Northumberland-based Warksburn Old Church triumphed with two gold awards for New Tourism Business of the Year and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year.
Bishop Auckland’s nighttime spectacular Kynren picked up the Group Volunteer of the Year Award for their army of ‘Archers’ and went on to win the public vote for Tourism Event and Festival of the Year.
Newcastle’s Life Science Centre secured both the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award. The UK’s oldest dining room Blackfriars was recognised with the Taste of North East England Award, with its popular cookery school achieving Experience of the Year.
Organised in association with the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, the event was once again hosted by journalist and presenter Charlie Charlton. Winners from the regional finals now have the opportunity to compete nationally at the VisitEngland Awards in June.
19 awards were revealed in total, including the Unsung Hero Award, which was presented to Wendy Smith, Creative Director at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music and member of the band Prefab Sprout. Wooler’s Ad Gefrin Anglo‑Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery followed their 2025 Gold New Tourism Business of the Year by winning this year’s Gold for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.
This year’s Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award went to business leader John Marshall, whose varied work constantly uplifts, supports and champions the region. After nearly three decades at Dickinson Dees LLP (now Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP), he moved into a range of influential non‑executive roles. As Chair of NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Destination North East England, John has been a leading voice in shaping strategy to grow inbound tourism, strengthen regional partnerships and unlock new funding opportunities.
For the very first time, the awards introduced a stunning, live orchestral performance created for the event by Sunderland‑based global entertainment provider ISG. The orchestra performed a specially arranged medley celebrating iconic North East artists, from Jade Thirlwall to Sting.
Reflecting the year gone by in the visitor economy, organisers screened an inspiring video featuring clips from blockbuster 28 Years Later which is set and was filmed in the region, alongside footage Sam Fender’s momentous Mercury Prize win, the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Sunderland and an emotional goodbye to Brenda Blethyn’s much-loved detective Vera. Students from Newcastle College gained valuable work experience supporting the Civic Centre team in the kitchen and Gateshead College students roamed the foyer dressed as ‘infected’ from the Danny Boyle film.
The full list of Gold winners is as follows:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award - Life Science Centre
B&B and Guest House of the Year – The Lord Crewe Bamburgh
Business Events Venue of the Year - The Catalyst
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year - Tranwell Farm Holidays
Regenerative Tourism Award - Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors
Experience of the Year - Blackfriars Cookery School
Large Hotel of the Year - Rockliffe Hall
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year - Life Science Centre
New Tourism Business of the Year - Warksburn Old Church
Pub of the Year - The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman's Rest
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year - Warksburn Old Church
Small Hotel of the Year - The Tempus
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year - Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery
Taste of North East England Award – Blackfriars
Unsung Hero Award - Wendy Smith - The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Individual or Group Volunteer Award - Kynren's Archers
Rising Star Award - Elizabeth Cowell - The Vindolanda Trust
Tourism Events and Festival of the Year - Kynren
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism - John Marshall
The Destination North East England Tourism Awards are made possible through the support of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham as well as a plethora of private sector sponsors.
2025 was a truly landmark year for North East England. From delivering the Mercury Prize to record-breaking Women's Rugby World cup matches and a starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster, our tourism and hospitality superstars have been there every step of the way, ensuring the region firmly took its place in the spotlight. "All of our finalists represent the best of the best and their commitment to delivering excellence, quality and that world-famous welcome shone through the hundreds of entries we received. We often talk about how lucky we are to call this place home, and it is safe to say, if the quality of tonight's roster of winners is anything to go by, visitors will feel privileged to experience all we have to offer too. My heartfelt congratulations to all of our finalists - there truly has never been a better time to visit North East England.
The North East region is incredibly important for LNER with our services connecting key destinations. These awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate the area’s finest experiences. With firstclass attractions and exceptional hospitality, coupled with a warm welcome, we are proud to our part in bringing millions of people here each year. Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and the winners.
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