Steve Gibson's Rockcliffe Hall in running for North East England's top tourism award

Steve Gibson's Rockcliffe Hall is in the running for a top tourism award
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Steve Gibson's Rockcliffe Hall is in the running for North East England's top tourism award.

The North East England Tourism Awards are set to showcase a variety of businesses, including the Boro boss's luxury hotel and golf course on the edge of Darlington. The 5* hotel, in Hurworth, is home to an 18-hole championship golf course, which previously underwent a £400k redevelopment, as well as being the base for Middlesbrough FC's training facilities and a leisure resort.

The shortlist for the awards has been announced, highlighting the region's diverse range of hotels, restaurants, pubs and attractions. For over two decades, the event has celebrated the North East's thriving tourism and hospitality sector, which is worth millions. This year, organisers have reported a record number of entries across 15 categories, with many businesses entering for the first time.

The awards, organised by Destination North East England, will see shortlisted businesses compete at both regional and national levels. Winners will be eligible for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence next summer.

Over 130 entrants have been narrowed down to the final shortlist, featuring a mix of restaurants, attractions, hotels and experiences. Organisers have noted a significant increase in applications for the 'ethical, responsible and sustainable' and 'accessible and inclusive' categories, indicating a commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

An award for outstanding contribution to tourism will also be presented at the ceremony to an individual or business that has significantly impacted the industry and the region. Past winners include TV personality Robson Green and Vera creator Ann Cleeves, reports Chronicle Live.

John Marshall, Chair of Destination North East England, praised the region's offerings: "Whether it's experiencing our dramatic coastlines, tranquil countryside or our vibrant towns and cities, visitors really can access it all here in North East England and I am pleased to see such a fantastic representation of all we have to offer in the Destination North East England Tourism Awards shortlist.

"Each of the businesses who will be competing at next year's ceremony demonstrate the excellence and quality we are rightly proud to showcase in the region and on behalf of Destination North East England, may I wish each and every shortlisted finalist the very best of luck."

The 2025 Destination North East England Tourism Awards shortlist:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Durham Cricket

The Alnwick Garden

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Whitehouse Farm Centre

BandB and Guest House of the Year

Old School House, Haltwhistle

The Beresford Arms

Wydon Farm BandB

Business Events Venue of the Year

Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter

Event Durham, Durham University

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Venues at Northumbria University

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Tranwell Farm Campsite

Vindomora Country Lodges

Walkmill Campsite

Experience of the Year

Blackfriars Cookery School

Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours

The Escape Key

Triple A Food Tours

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

Battlesteads

Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

Maldron Hotel Newcastle

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Large Hotel of the Year

Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond

INNSiDE Newcastle

Matfen Hall

Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery

Bamburgh Castle

Hall Hill Farm

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

New Tourism Business of the Year

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery

Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden

Northumberland Nook

The Tempus Hotel

Pub of the Year

Full Circle Brew Co

South Causey Inn

The Beresford Arms

The Seaburn Inn

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

Chesters Stables

Doxford Cottages

The Glebe Retreat @ Glebe Holidays Northumberland

Small Hotel of the Year

Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland

Marshall Meadows Manor House

Seaham Hall

The Greenhead Hotel

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum

Diggerland Durham

Northumberland College Zoo

Tanfield Railway

Taste of North East England

Dobson and Parnell

My Delhi Streetery

The Beresford Arms Whalton

Unsung Hero Award

GHOST Northeast (Steve Watson)

Malhotra Group (Alice Middleton)

The Escape Key (Caitlin Brown)

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