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 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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