2025 East Midlands Tourism Awards Celebrate Excellence: What you need to know – Travel And Tour World

The 2025 East Midlands Tourism Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of tourism businesses across the Peak District, Derbyshire, Derby, and Nottinghamshire at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the East Midlands Conference Centre. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and rising stars for a night of recognition, coinciding with English Tourism Week (14-23 March).

The awards, jointly organized by Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby, marked the first collaboration between the two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed guests, emphasizing the tourism sector’s vital £5.25 billion economic impact on the region’s economy.

Celebrating Regional Excellence

The awards, judged through a rigorous process involving shortlisting, mystery shopping, and an independent panel of experts, recognized the region’s top visitor attractions, experiences, accommodation providers, and hospitality offerings. The winners across various categories reflected the talent, passion, and dedication that have driven tourism growth in the East Midlands.

In her speech, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, praised the award participants, saying, “These businesses not only enhance the region’s appeal but also draw visitors from far and wide, showcasing the best of what we have to offer.”

Notable Winners in the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Awards

Among the key award winners were:

• Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award:
  • Gold: Matlock Farm Park
  • Silver: Millers Dale Station
  • Bronze: Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
• B&B and Guest House of the Year:
  • Gold: The Yorkshire Bridge Inn
  • Silver: Sheldon House, Monyash
  • Bronze: The Bulls Head, Foolow
• Camping, Glamping, and Holiday Park of the Year:
  • Gold: Boutique Glamping at Scaldersitch Farm
  • Silver: Darwin Forest Lodges
  • Bronze: 3Trees Glamping Ltd
• Hotel of the Year:
  • Gold: The Cavendish Hotel
  • Silver: Peak Edge Hotel
  • Bronze: Fischer’s Baslow Hall
• Taste of the Peak District Derbyshire and Derby Award:
  • Gold: The Cavendish Hotel
  • Silver: Fischer’s Baslow Hall
  • Bronze: The Maynard

Recognizing Innovation and Sustainability

The Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award was awarded to The Welcome Team, highlighting the importance of sustainability in driving the region’s tourism success. Additionally, the Experience of the Year award recognized Pub Tours Ltd, Peak District Pub Tour for offering visitors an exceptional and unique experience of the area.

The Unsung Hero Award went to Jimmy Crookes of The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, acknowledging the contributions of individuals whose hard work and dedication go unnoticed but play a crucial role in the success of the tourism industry.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, expressed her excitement over the collaboration between Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District. She said, “Bringing together finalists under one roof has provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving excellence, economic growth, and tourism quality across the East Midlands.”

The winners from the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards, along with the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards, will now have the opportunity to progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.