Cumbria’s tourism superstars proudly took centre stage last night, Tuesday 8 July, as the county’s leading businesses and individuals gathered to celebrate their outstanding achievements at the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Held at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal – and sponsored by Electricity North West – the glittering awards ceremony was a countywide celebration of the hard work, dedication and creativity of those working across the visitor economy to deliver exceptional experiences to visitors and residents alike.
A total of 18 awards were handed out, recognising a wide range of tourism businesses and individuals, from accommodation and attractions to food, drink and other tourism services.
The 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards winners are:
- B&B and Guest House of the Year: Lindeth Fell Country House
- Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year: Park Cliffe (The Quiet Site was also Highly Commended)
- Experience of the Year: Shed One Distillery – Make Your Own Distilled Spirit
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre
- Makers and Producers Award: Pure Lakes Skincare
- New Tourism Business of the Year: Grange Bridge Cottage
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: The Dock Museum (Bendrigg was also Highly Commended)
- Pub of the Year: The Brackenrigg Inn
- Regenerative Tourism Award: Castlerigg Hall Caravan Camping Glamping
- The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award: Peter Hill, Cumbrian Heavy Horses
- Taste of Cumbria – Casual Dining Award: Bassenthwaite Lake Station
- Taste of Cumbria – Fine Dining Award: SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Quaker Tapestry Museum
- Wedding Venue of the Year: Eden Barn Ltd (Hidden River Barn was also Highly Commended)
- Small Hotel of the Year: Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant
- Large Hotel of the Year: Another Place, The Lake
- Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Netherby Hall
To round off the night, the Bernard Gooch Award for ‘Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the Year’ – the highest honour given by Cumbria’s tourism sector – was awarded to Tracy Hodgson from The Ruskin Museum. She was recognised for her remarkable dedication and long-running efforts to secure the return of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7 to Coniston, and for her continued work to preserve and promote Cumbria’s rich heritage.
Many of last night’s winners are now in with a chance of representing Cumbria at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, says: “It was a truly fantastic evening, filled with pride, celebration and a genuine sense of togetherness. Every finalist and winner represents the very best of Cumbria’s world-renowned visitor economy, and every single person involved should feel incredibly proud.
“These awards are about far more than trophies, they’re about recognising the hard work, determination and passion that makes our county such a special place. Our tourism and hospitality industry plays a vital role in the life of Cumbria – supporting local communities, creating jobs, driving investment, and ensuring visitors return year after year.
“The Cumbria Tourism Awards continue to highlight businesses and individuals driving forward innovation, excellence and resilience – qualities that are vital to the future of Cumbria’s £4.6 billion tourism industry.
“It’s wonderful to see so many talented individuals and businesses celebrated tonight, and I hope they all take away not only their awards but a huge sense of pride in their achievements.”
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2025 were hosted by inspirational speaker and record-breaking mountaineer Nigel Vardy, also known as Mr Frostbite. Renowned for his remarkable adventures in some of the world’s most extreme environments, Nigel shared his own powerful story of determination and resilience before helping to announce the winners.
This year’s awards were supported by headline sponsor Electricity North West, along with a range of category sponsors including Burnetts, Colliers, Christie & Co, Cumberland Council, Dodd & Co, H&H Insurance Brokers, Harrison Drury, Lake District National Park, Lamont Pridmore, Napthens, Reeds, The Cumberland, Thomson Hayton Winkley Westmorland & Furness Council, and event partners including Lawson Design, Castle Green Hotel, Mr & Mrs Jones, Carlsberg Britvic and Virgin Experience Days.
For the full list of winners and more information about the awards, visit: www.cumbriatourism.org/awards