SOME of the best tourist attractions and providers to the sector have been revealed by Make it York.

The promotions body has announced the finalists for the Visit York Tourism Awards 2025, which will their 27th year.

The awards, sponsored by LNER, celebrate the best in tourism, hospitality and culture, feature new categories for next year.

They include the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, which recognises businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.

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The Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award, recognises businesses who are committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment. 

Eligible winners across a number of categories will be automatically put forward to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 to compete for the crown of the country’s best.

Aldwark ManorAldwark Manor (Image: Pic supplied)

Make it York says the city has a strong history of celebrating at these national awards. In 2024, four Visit York Tourism Award winners received silver and gold awards at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.  

The winners will be announced at a spectacular evening of recognition on Thursday 20 March 2025 at York Racecourse.  

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “We’re thrilled to announce this year’s finalists, who have all shown their hard work and dedication to their business.

“The Visit York Tourism Awards are all about recognising the many organisations that go above and beyond year-round to create unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike.

“We look forward to celebrating their achievements in making York a great place to live and visit.” 

Visit York Tourism Awards Finalists 2025 

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by The Grand, York 

  • Sutton Bank National Park Centre 
  • Castle Howard 


Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (VE)* 

  • Celebration Holiday Homes 
  • Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges 
  • High Oaks Grange 
  • Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges 

Yorkshire HeartYorkshire Heart (Image: Pic supplied)


Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by First Bus 

  • Host & Stay 
  • York Gin 


Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year* 

  • Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel 
  • National Treasures: Monet in York 'The Water-Lily Pond' 
  • Hallowscream at York Maze 
  • York Pride 
  • York Proms 


Experience of the Year (VE) sponsored by LNER 

  • The Wizard Walk of York 
  • City Cruises York 
  • The Bloody Tour of York 


Independent Business of the Year sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group 

  • The Wizard Walk of York 
  • Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel 
  • The Potions Cauldron Group 
  • The Bloody Tour of York 


Large Hotel of the Year (VE) sponsored by Streamline Taxis 

  • Middletons Hotel – part of Daniel Thwaites 
  • Aldwark Manor Estate 
  • Sandburn Hall 


Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE)* 

  • York's Chocolate Story 
  • Castle Howard 
  • The York Dungeon 
  • Web Adventure Park 


New Tourism Business Award (VE)* 

  • The Old Liquor Store Restaurant & Bar 
  • Ampleforth Abbey 
  • The Riverfront York 


Pub of the Year (VE) sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd 

  • The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub 
  • Plonkers Wine Bar and Bistro 


Retailer of the Year* 

  • Avorium 
  • York Gin 
  • The Cat Gallery 
  • The Potions Cauldron 


Small Accommodation Provider of the Year (VE) sponsored by Booking.com 

  • The Pheasant Hotel 
  • Stone House Hotel 
  • Galtres Lodge 
  • MonkBridge House 


Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE)* 

  • Mother Shipton's Cave 
  • Stump Cross Caverns 
  • York Army Museum 
  • Yorkshire Heart Vineyard 


Taste of England Award (VE) sponsored by Fowlers 

  • The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub 
  • The Whippet Inn 
  • Forest 


The Best of York Award sponsored by York St John 

  • York's Chocolate Story 
  • City Cruises York 
  • The Wizard Walk of York 
  • Mad Alice 


More information about the Visit York Tourism Awards can be found at visityork.org/awards