The best of the tourism businesses in York and North Yorkshire were recognised at a major event last night.
Hundreds of guests enjoyed the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026, which took place at York Racecourse.
The awards, organised by Make it York are in their 28th year and the event recognised outstanding achievement across 17 categories.
Eligible winners across 12 of the 17 categories will be automatically put forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 for recognition on a national stage and compete for the crown of the country’s best, taking place in June. Such winners are listed below with a ‘VE’ mark.
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For the first time in the award’s history, joint winners have been selected for the Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year award category, recognising both Christmas at Castle Howard and York Proms as the judges felt unable to select one single winner as both entries scored highly in all areas.
New award categories for this year sees the Regenerative Tourism Award, which recognises commitment to delivering a regenerative tourism approach, and the International Tourism Award which recognises unforgettable experiences for international visitors.
Now in its third year, the Hospitality Hero Award, in partnership with the Hospitality Association York (HAY), was also announced on the evening.
Won by Ben Winterburn from Dean Court York, the award recognises the contributions of the individual who plays an integral role within a hospitality business, and the vital part they play within their team and in welcoming guests.
Given the exceptionally close competition between the businesses, five finalists have also been recognised with a Highly Commended status across four award categories.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “It was a fantastic evening announcing this year’s winners, whose achievements reflect the very best of what York has to offer. Each has shown exceptional dedication and care in delivering high-quality experiences that benefit both visitors and residents.”
Polly Bennett, Chair of Visit York Tourism Awards Judges and Founder of Little Vikings, said: “As judges, our role is to celebrate excellence and highlight the very best work in our field. We seek entries that demonstrate genuine impact and creativity, so that our awards recognise those who not only set the highest standards but also inspire others to push boundaries. “
Full list of the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 winners and finalists.
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by Splendid Hospitality Group: WINNER: The York Dungeon; FINALIST: Next Door But One *Highly Commended.
Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (VE) sponsored by Yorwaste: WINNER: The Riverfront York; FINALISTS: Akebar Park, Coffee Yard Apartment.
Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year sponsored by YO1 Radio and Media: JOINT WINNERS: Christmas at Castle Howard AND York Proms; FINALIST: WizardFest - The Wizard of York.
Experience of the Year (VE) sponsored by LNER: WINNER: The Wizard Walk of York; FINALIST: Mountain Goat.
Independent Business of the Year sponsored by York Cocoa Works: WINNER: The Wizard Walk of York; FINALISTS: York Gin *Highly Commended, The Riverfront York.
International Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by Expedia Group: WINNER: Castle Howard; FINALIST: The Grand, York.
Large Hotel of the Year (VE) sponsored by Streamline Taxis: WINNER: No. 1 York by GuestHouse; FINALISTS: Aldwark Manor Estate, Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, The Milner York.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE) sponsored by Shambles Market: WINNER: The York Dungeon; FINALISTS: Castle Howard *Highly Commended
JORVIK Viking Centre (York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation) *Highly Commended, Monk Park Farm, York's Chocolate Story.
New Tourism Business of the Year (VE) sponsored by Studio YCS: WINNER: The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring; FINALISTS: The Wenlock Arms, York Distillery - Home of York Gin.
Pub of the Year (VE) sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd: WINNER: The Wenlock Arms. FINALISTS: Guy Fawkes Inn, House of The Trembling Madness, Lendal, and The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub.
Regenerative Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by First Bus; WINNER: MonkBridge House; FINALISTS: Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges, York Gin.
Retailer of the Year sponsored by York BID; WINNER: Avorium; FINALISTS: York Gin *Highly Commended, Love Cheese, Villains Rum.
Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year (VE) sponsored by Booking.com; WINNER: MonkBridge House; FINALIST: Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE) sponsored by York and North Yorkshire LVEP; WINNER: Mother Shipton's Cave; FINALISTS: Sledmere House and Gardens, Stump Cross Caverns, Woldies.
Taste of England Award (VE) sponsored by Fowlers of York; WINNER: Bosun's Restaurant at The Riverfront York; FINALISTS: The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub, The Whippet Inn.
The Best of York Award sponsored by York St John University; WINNER: The York Dungeon; FINALISTS: The Milner York, The Wizard Walk of York, York's Chocolate Story.
Hospitality Hero Award in partnership with Hospitality Association York; WINNER: Ben Winterburn, Dean Court York; FINALISTS: Julia Betteridge, Middlethorpe Hall; Carolynn Foster, The Milner York; Alex McLeod, The York Dungeon.
More information about the Visit York Tourism Awards can be found at visityork.org/awards
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