Northumberland stole the show in the North East Tourism Awards 2024, achieving gold in an amazing nine of the available fourteen categories. So, if you want to know
where to stay,
what to do and
where to eat in Northumberland, look no further than the latest award winners in the county:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award - The Alnwick Garden
Built to be unconventional,
The Alnwick Garden is a unique, contemporary garden in the beautiful town of
Alnwick, where you can lose yourself in the mysterious Bamboo Labyrinth, explore the perils of The Poison Garden or picnic by the Grand Cascade. Awarded for their outstanding accessibility and inclusivity, The Alnwick Garden team embed inclusivity into every decision they make, including in the design features, activities, events and more. From being a completely
wheelchair accessible attraction and offering free use of mobility scooters on-site (pre-bookable), to offering sensory maps and braille signage, they ensure that every single visitor feels welcome, comfortable and has a fantastic experience.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year - Hadrian’s Wall Campsite
Hadrian’s Wall Campsite is a fantastic
campsite less than a mile from
Hadrian’s Wall, with incredible sweeping views of
Northumberland National Park, sunsets and
dark skies that will make you want to stay up all night gazing at the sky, and nearby
historical sites that you may struggle to fit into one stay. They offer everything from grass pitches, most of which offer electric hook up, to a variety of self-catering options all the way up to their shepherd’s hut and The Bunkbarn. Admired by judges for its spectacular customer service and staggering surroundings, you can pitch yourself here for Hadrian’s Wall hikes, immersing yourself in nature and enjoying other
nearby attractions Northumberland has to offer.
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award - Northumberland Zoo
Home to over 80 species, from tiny Harvest Mice to fluffy Snow Leopards, Northumberland Zoo is a fantastic place for a family day out in Northumberland. Offering private experiences with different animals, as well as a Zookeeper Experience, the zoo wasn’t only recognised for its outstanding offer for visitors, but also its ethical, responsible and sustainable values and practices. Owners are passionate about creating a North East hub for wildlife conservation and they participate in conservation breeding programmes and much more. They also ensure that sustainability is ingrained into every detail of the business, including using wood for their exhibits from their local sawmill, the use of solar panels, having their own borehole as their water source and sourcing the animals’ fruit and veggies from their local market as well as onsite from their own polytunnels.
Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours is a repeat winner in the North East England Tourism Awards AND has been announced as a finalist in the national awards in London.
The Farne Islands are a small group of islands a few miles off the coast of the Northumberland village of
Seahouses where adorable puffins return every year, from May to September, for mating season. Serenity’s purpose-built catamarans are the perfect platform for viewing the Farne Islands and their
spectacular wildlife, with easy access on and off the boat, wheelchair access (when the tides are right), a toilet on board and 360 degree views. The decks are all one level so it’s easy to walk around, and their wildlife guides go the extra mile to make the experience a special one. This award-winning experience is not to be missed when you visit Northumberland.
Whitehouse Farm Centre is Northumberland’s largest, family-run farm attraction spread over 40 acres, located south of
Morpeth. Whitehouse is a great place for families, school and group visits of all ages enabling visitors to see, handle and feed a wide variety of animals from traditional breeds to more unusual and exotic species. As well as animals and activities, there are indoor and outdoor play areas to discover and explore, so there is always fun to be had whatever the weather, and parents can relax with a hot drink in hand from The Hungry Pig Cafe.
New Tourism Business of the Year - The Hiddle Hut
Despite being a Northumberland newbie,
The Hiddle Hut has already stolen the show at the North East Tourism Awards. Situated under the
Northumberland Dark Sky Park and immersed within breath-taking views of the countryside, their two-storey, luxury cabin offers a completely unique, bespoke hideaway. The second-floor bedroom mezzanine is linked to the ensuite bathroom via a bridge, where the roll-top bath of dreams awaits beside a window looking out onto stunning views of the surrounding rural landscape. The roaring log-burner means you can while the nights away in front of a relaxing open fire, and the star-gazing roof window over the King-sized hand-built bed means you can stargaze until you fall asleep.
Pub of the Year - The Beresford Arms
The Beresford Arms is a restored coaching inn turned into a beautiful, cosy blend of original stone walls, exposed beams, and an open fireplace. In summer, choose between the sun-drenched front beer garden and spacious rear garden to enjoy an al fresco drink or meal, and in winter snuggle up in the dog friendly bar area. Based in the stunning
Northumberland countryside,
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens and
Cragside House are within easy reach, and you can rest your head in one of their lovely bedrooms tucked away in the former stables blocks.
Nowhere feels like more of an escape from reality than staggering
Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages. Sitting 1400 feet above sea level deep in Northumberland National Park, the mind-blowing views and complete, blissful silence, other than the sound of chirping birds and scurrying wildlife, will make you never want to leave. Their selection of luxury cottages and barn conversions offer a variety of features including warming log burners, panoramic private terraces and dark skies equipment to embrace the
Gold Tier-rated dark skies above. Offering an off-grid experience without compromising on luxury, the cottages operate sustainably and are powered by solar trackers and wind turbines, water is pumped from two bore holes and filtered on site and in-cottage products are locally sourced.
This award picks out an individual who is integral to Northumberand’s tourism industry and Duncan Wise, the
Northumberland National Park's Visitor Development and Tourism Officer, scooped the Unsung hero award for his tireless efforts to establish Northumberland as the country's leading
Dark Skies reserve and his contribution to firmly establishing the park as a place to enjoy nature. The incredible Northumberland National Park is home to fascinating
wildlife, a huge chunk of
Hadrian’s Wall,
Roman Forts, some of the darkest skies in Europe and fantastic views to be enjoyed on its endless hiking routes and challenging bike trails.
Northumberland Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended Awards:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
SILVER: Northumberland National Park Authority
BRONZE: Spectrum Holidays
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Vindomora Country Lodges
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
SILVER: Vindomora Country Lodges
BRONZE:
Woodland Chase Glamping
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
SILVER: Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages
Experience of the Year
BRONZE: Athey’s Moor Flying School
Large Hotel of the Year
SILVER:
Matfen Hall
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
BRONZE: Northumberland Zoo
Pub of the Year
SILVER: The Joiners Arms
BRONZE:
Twice Brewed Inn
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
SILVER: Honeybee Cottage
BRONZE:
Chesters Stables
Small Hotel of the Year
SILVER:
Langley Castle Hotel
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
SILVER:
Kielder Observatory
BRONZE: Falconry Days
Taste of North East England Award
SILVER: The Old Boathouse
BRONZE: The Lord Crewe
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award
Vera: TV Series and Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera book series
Author: Jenni Meikle