Northamptonshire’s Northants tourism sector took centre stage at Silverstone Museum as businesses across the county were recognised at the first Northamptonshire Tourism Business Awards.
The event, held on 27 February, brought together organisations from across the county’s visitor economy to celebrate excellence in hospitality, attractions, accommodation and food and drink. The ceremony highlighted the businesses helping to drive tourism growth and economic activity across Northamptonshire.
Hosted by John Griff, the evening marked a milestone for the county’s tourism industry. In total, 11 awards were presented, recognising both established operators and emerging businesses contributing to the region’s reputation as a destination for visitors.
The awards were organised by Discover Northamptonshire and supported by North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the county’s local tourism offer and raise its national profile.
Richard Clinton, chair of Discover Northamptonshire’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership, said the event celebrated businesses that continue to innovate despite challenging conditions for the visitor economy.
“This has been a challenging year for many across our visitor economy, which makes the achievements of our finalists and winners even more remarkable,” said Richard. “Their resilience and creativity help create memorable experiences for visitors and showcase the very best of Northamptonshire.”
Tourism award winners
Winners recognised at the tourism awards ceremony included:
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Boughton House & Estate
- Highly Commended: Revival Rum
- New Tourism Business of the Year: Yoke Hill Leisure
- Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year: New Lodge Farm
- Highly Commended: Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
- Experience of the Year: Llama Trekking, Catanger Llamas
- Hotel of the Year: Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa
- Highly Commended: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa
- Pub of the Year: The Tollemache Arms
- Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: The Wheatsheaf and The Menagerie, Towcester
- Taste of England Award: The Palmichael
- Highly Commended: Hibiscus Fine Dining
- Accessible Tourism Award:
- Highly Commended: Catanger Llamas
- Unsung Hero Award: Nick Wilson, Disabled Adventurer
- Highly Commended: Ken Hodgson, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
- Highly Commended: Declan Lightly, Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
Council leaders said the awards highlighted the depth of talent across Northamptonshire’s tourism sector.
Greg Wilcox, executive member for communities at North Northamptonshire Council, said the event showcased the range of attractions across the county.
“Every nomination represents something special that helps make Northamptonshire unique. These businesses play an important role in attracting visitors and supporting local economic growth,” Greg said.
James Petter, deputy leader and cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said the awards demonstrated the strength of the county’s hospitality and tourism businesses.
“From attractions and accommodation to food and customer service, the quality across our tourism sector is outstanding,” James said. “These businesses help showcase Northamptonshire on both a regional and national stage.”
Sector support and national recognition
The awards were supported by £10,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and backed by sponsors including Wilson Browne Solicitors, London Northwestern Railway and the South Midlands Growth Hub.
Winners will now be automatically entered into the VisitEngland National Awards for Excellence, giving Northamptonshire businesses an opportunity to gain wider recognition for their contribution to the UK tourism sector.
The evening also raised more than £1,300 for Northamptonshire Health Charity through a fundraising raffle.
Discover Northamptonshire confirmed the awards will return in 2026 as the organisation continues its work to support the county’s growing Northants tourism sector and strengthen the regional visitor economy.
Main Image ©Nick Freeman Photography
