Northumberland stole the show in the North East England Tourism Awards 2025, achieving gold in an amazing seven categories and dominating four 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:
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year - Tranwell Farm Campsite
Tranwell Farm Campsite is a sustainable self-catering, camping and glamping accommodation based on Tranwell Farm. Based just two miles from the historic market town of Morpeth, and within easy walking distance of a lovely country pub, their dog-friendly accommodation sits in the heart of wildlife and caters for families and couples who are looking for peace and tranquillity, as well as the perfect base for exploring all that Northumberland has to offer.
Northumberland College Zoo boasts over 150 species of animals including ring tailed and ruff lemurs, marmosets, meerkats, asian leopard cats, kookaburra and more, as well as a wide range of domestic, exotic and avian species including their amazing hornbills. Visitors can meet the keepers and learn about the animals and their habitats, and there is also a myriad of activites for kids to enjoy, including activities and play areas, garden walks, picnic areas and a zoo kiosk with a selection of hot and cold drinks and packaged food items ready for when the family needs to fuel up after an exciting day. *Northumberland College Zoo is open weekends and Northumberland school holidays only.
Whitehouse Farm Centre is Northumberland’s largest, family-run farm attraction spread over 40 acres, located south of
Morpeth. Whitehouse Farm 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.
Ad Gefrin offers a varied and fascinating experience, offering visitors both a whisky distillery and an Anglo-Saxon museum, celebrating the Golden Age of Northumbria. In the recreated Great Hall, the stories of the kings and queens of Northumbria and brought to life alongside a number of artefacts both found at the original site, and on loan from leading international museums and collections. Also home to Northumberland’s First Single Malt Whisky, crafted from the finest malting barley grown by local farming partners, tours and tasting of the whole process can be experienced when you visit. To top it all off, they also have a bistro which celebrates fresh, local produce.
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.
Self-Catering Provider of the Year - The Glebe Retreat
The Glebe Retreat sits remotely in the midst of a four and a half acre site in the heart of Northumberland's stunning countryside. Perfectly placed between Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland coast, the location is so staggering that it was actually used as the backdrop to the official film poster for The Hobbit. Wholly designed to offer a "close to nature" experience for guests, the cocoon-like, timber structure offers outdoor bathing in a huge stone bath, wildlife spotting from the deck, a hanging lava chair and, of course, the perfect spot for stargazing.
The Rising Star Award celebrates an indivudal who is new to the industry, whether they have just completed their training or are exploring tourism as a new career. This fantastic accolade was awarded to Ellie Robson from the Northumberland County Show team, and highlights her as the most exciting new talent in the region's visitor economy, having already made a real impact through her work with the show.
Northumberland Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended Awards:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
BRONZE – The Alnwick Garden
B&B and Guest House of the Year
SILVER – Old School House, Haltwhistle
BRONZE – Wydon Farm B&B
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
SILVER – Walkmill Campsite
BRONZE – Vindomora Country Lodges
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
SILVER – Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping
BRONZE – Battlesteads
Experience of the Year
BRONZE – Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
Large Hotel of the Year
SILVER – Matfen Hall
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
SILVER – Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery
BRONZE – Bamburgh Castle
New Tourism Business of the Year
SILVER – Northumberland Nook
BRONZE – The Tempus
HIGHLY COMMENDED – Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden
Pub of the Year
SILVER – The Beresford Arms
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
SILVER – Doxford Cottages
BRONZE – Chesters Stables
Small Hotel of the Year
SILVER – Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland
BRONZE – Marshall Meadows Manor House
HIGHLY COMMENDED – The Greenhead Hotel
Taste of North East England
BRONZE – The Beresford Arms Whalton
Volunteer of the Year Award
BRONZE – Sarah Davidson, Northumberland County Show
The Rising Star Award
Ellie Robson, Northumberland County Show
Author: Jenni Meikle