Discover The Best Of Cumbria: Tourism Awards Celebrate Top Attractions And Hospitality – Travel And Tour World

The picturesque Cumbria, whose landscapes are beautiful and whose heritage runs deep, has just come together in recognition of the best in its tourism industry at the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards. At the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal on July 8, the event unveiled the brilliant talent and creativity behind the £4.6 billion tourism business in the region. From the ancient castles to the local distilleries, the winners showcase the very lifeblood of the burgeoning visitor economy in Cumbria.

This year’s ceremony, chaired by renowned mountaineer and speaker Nigel Vardy, was a night of pride and recognition for the winners. Cumbria Tourism Managing Director Gill Haigh referred to the importance of the tourism and hospitality sector in Cumbria, noting how it contributes to local communities, creates jobs, and keeps Cumbria at the forefront of tourists’ minds.

“It was just a brilliant night, with pride, commemoration, and feeling all being in one place at once,” Haigh said. “These awards are about more than trophies; they show the dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm that make Cumbria the special place it is.”

Tracy Hodgson Wins the Bernard Gooch Award for Tourism Personality of the Year

The highlight of the night was the announcement of the eminent Bernard Gooch Award for Tourism Personality of the Year. The recipient, Tracy Hodgson of The Ruskin Museum, was rewarded for her tireless efforts to bring Donald Campbell’s fabled Bluebird K7 back to Coniston, in the process acquiring an integral part of Cumbria’s heritage. Hodgson’s dedication to local heritage has earned her general respect and recognition in the tourism industry.

Her prize entry is the ultimate in how Cumbria’s tourism experts take business pride, but more than anything, in ensuring the area’s wonderful cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come.

Shed One Distillery Wins Experience of the Year Award

The Experience of the Year Award was awarded to Shed One Distillery, as it amazed guests with its hands-on experience where tourists were creating their very own distilled spirit. The imaginative and interactive means of doing tourism are one of the means by which the region’s attractions are evolving to offer one-of-a-kind and memorable experiences to tourists. The success story of the distillery highlights the trends in the field of experiential tourism, giving tourists the opportunity to experience the culture and industries of the locality firsthand.

The Shed One Distillery prize was a fair recognition for the efforts it made in building a brand and experience to lure local and foreign tourists to Cumbria.

Other Notable Winners Are Muncaster Castle and The Dock Museum

The Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award was claimed by Muncaster Castle, Gardens, and the Hawk & Owl Centre. Through its stunning gardens, thrilling educational activities, and thrilling falconry shows, Muncaster Castle continues to appeal to families and history enthusiasts in general. The award recognizes the commitment of the castle to providing an enjoyable and diverse visitor experience.

The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness won the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award for its achievement in promoting inclusive tourism for all. The commitment to being inclusive by the museum is the inspiration for the rest of the local attractions to enable everyone to enjoy Cumbria’s most renowned places’ history and beauty.

Strong Performances for the Hospitality and Accommodation Industry

Hospitality was also prominent in the 2025 awards, and there were some clear winners in the accommodation categories. The B&B and Guest House of the Year award was won by Lindeth Fell Country House, and the Camping, Glamping, and Holiday Park of the Year award by Park Cliffe. The latter was also highly recommended in the same category for its progressive ideas for outdoor tourism, where the experience for tourists is one they never forget, amidst natural beauty.

Meanwhile, Grange Bridge Cottage won the New Tourism Business of the Year title, showing the area’s surging business enthusiasm for tourism. Others to claim trophies were the Brackenrigg Inn, which won the Pub of the Year title, and the recipient of the Regenerative Tourism Award in the form of Castlerigg Hall Caravan Camping Glamping.

Culinary Expertise: From Luxury to Comfort Cuisine

The restaurant scene in Cumbria was showcased to full advantage at the awards, with two standout winners in the Taste of Cumbria section. Bassenthwaite Lake Station won the Casual Dining Award because it has such a relaxed atmosphere and locally-sourced menu featuring the very best of Cumbrian produce. For high-end dining, SOURCE at the Gilpin Hotel topped its section, delivering the absolute best in fine dining with its focus on fresh seasonal produce and first-class service.

Honoring the Unsung Tourism Heroes

The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award for those who have quietly contributed considerably to Cumbria’s tourism landscape was awarded to Peter Hill of Cumbrian Heavy Horses. Hill’s passion for preserving and promoting the local horse heritage has produced a lasting legacy in Cumbrian tourism by providing tourists with the memorable experience of working horses in situ.

Looking to the Future: Cumbria at National

As winners of the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards, look back on the glory of success, many will go on to proudly fly the flag for Cumbria at the 2026 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. The accolades these businesses and individuals have been found to receive are not just the product of hard work but also indicative of the timeless and quality nature of Cumbria’s tourism product. Whether a Castle for the family, a whisky-infused distillery, or a warm and character B&B, these awards demonstrate the variety and quality that make Cumbria one of the premier places to visit. The night concluded on a high for the future of Cumbria’s visitor economy. With the abundance of dedicated professionals and world-class attractions, the tourism sector within the county has the potential to continue to thrive in the following years. In the words of Haigh, “These awards reflect the passion and commitment behind innovation, excellence, and resilience—the qualities that will make Cumbria a world-class destination for future generations.”

(Source: Cumbria Tourism, Castle Green Hotel, Muncaster Castle, Shed One Distillery, The Dock Museum, Pure Lakes Skincare)