Celebrating the winners of the first ever countywide Tourism Awards
Northamptonshire’s visitor economy came together in style on Friday 27th February at Silverstone Museum as the county celebrated the winners of the inaugural Northamptonshire Tourism Business Awards, recognising the outstanding organisations, attractions and individuals who make the county such a vibrant and welcoming destination.
The awards brought together businesses from across Northamptonshire to honour excellence in hospitality, attractions, accommodation, customer service, accessibility, and food and drink. Hosted by John Griff, the evening marked a major milestone for the county’s tourism sector, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication that drives Northamptonshire’s growing visitor appeal.
A total of 11 awards were presented, celebrating both team excellence and individual successes that help to make Northamptonshire a must-visit destination.
The independent judging panel faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an extremely high calibre of entries, a testament to the incredible businesses and attractions that call our county home.
Winners (W) and Highly Commended (HC):
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
• W: Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
• W: Boughton House & Estate
• HC: Revival Rum
New Tourism Business of the Year
• W: Yoke Hill Leisure
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
• W: New Lodge Farm
• HC: Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
Experience of the Year
• W: Llama Trekking,
Catanger Llamas
Hotel of the Year
• W: Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa
• HC: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa
Pub of the Year
• W: The Tollemache Arms
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
• W: The Wheatsheaf and The Menagerie, Towcester
Taste of England Award
• W: The Palmichael
• HC: Hibiscus Fine Dining
Accessible Tourism Award
• HC: Catanger Llamas
Unsung Hero Award
• W: Nick Wilson, Disabled Adventurer
• HC: Ken Hodgson, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
• HC: Declan Lightly, Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
Richard Clinton, Chair of the Discover Northamptonshire LVEP, said during the ceremony: “This has been a challenging year for so many across our visitor economy, which makes the achievements of our finalists and winners even more remarkable.
Their resilience, creativity and sheer determination deserve huge respect. They are the people who create unforgettable experiences, who welcome visitors with pride, and who make others fall in love with Northamptonshire. Tonight is about celebrating them and recognising the vital role they play in bringing our county to life.”
The awards were delivered by Discover Northamptonshire, supported by both North and West Northamptonshire Council and industry partners, and form part of a wider commitment to championing the county’s visitor economy and raising its profile regionally and nationally, with winners from the evening automatically being entered into the VisitEngland National Awards of Excellence. The awards were supported by both councils, through £10,000 of UK Shared Prosperity funding.
Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “The evening really highlighted the wonderful tourism organisations, attractions, and individuals we have across the whole of Northamptonshire. Every single nomination represents a hidden gem in the county – something that makes the area special and we should celebrate these 365 days a year.
“For the winners and those who were highly commended, it truly is a huge achievement to be recognised at this level, and we want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone once again.”
Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “These awards are a fantastic celebration of the creativity, dedication and hospitality that make Northamptonshire such a special place to visit.
“From attractions and accommodation to food, drink and customer service, the talent on display across our county is remarkable.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees – your hard work helps to showcase Northamptonshire on the regional and national stage, and we’re proud to support this inaugural celebration of our visitor economy.”
Discover Northamptonshire would like to extend a massive ‘thank you’ to all the 2025 Sponsors and Partners, whose generous support made this event possible. Without their support, this would not be possible.
• Headline Sponsor: Wilson Browne Solicitors
• Category Sponsors: London Northwestern Railway, South Midlands Growth Hub, Silverstone Museum, Wilson Browne Solicitors
• Venue Sponsor: Silverstone Museum
• Event Sponsors: Video Inn Production, Snapsea, Tangerine Red, Northants Sings Out
• Charity Partner: Northamptonshire Health Charity
• Media Partner: BusinessTimes
The evening also featured a charity raffle in support of Charity Partner, Northamptonshire Health Charity raising over £1,300 to help fund their Sensory Spaces Appeal.
