In association with SP Electricity North West
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026 are now open, celebrating the outstanding businesses and individuals who help make Cumbria one of the UK’s most popular visitor destinations.
Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the county are being invited to enter this year’s awards, which recognise excellence, innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences. The awards provide an opportunity for businesses to step back, reflect on their achievements, and gain independent feedback to support future development.
Entries are open across 17 categories, showcasing the full breadth of Cumbria’s visitor economy, from accommodation and attractions to food and drink, experiences and individual contribution.
Finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel, with shortlisted businesses progressing through the judging process ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony later in the year. Eligible category winners will also go on to represent Cumbria on the national stage at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2027.
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026 are delivered in association with SP Electricity North West, alongside the support of individual category sponsors.
Award categories for the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Sponsored by Cumberland Council - B&B and Guest House of the Year
(Includes smaller serviced accommodation businesses, such as inns, pubs or restaurants with rooms)
Sponsored by Harrison Drury - Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Sponsored by Burnetts - Regenerative Tourism Award
Sponsored by Westmorland and Furness Council - Experience of the Year
Sponsored by Reeds - Large Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Christie and Co - Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available - Makers and Producers Award
Sponsorship opportunity available - New Tourism Business Award
Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley - Pub of the Year
Sponsored by Napthens - Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available - Small Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Colliers - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available - Taste of Cumbria Fine Dining Award
(Businesses offering an exceptional dining experience in an exclusive setting, with a strong focus on culinary skill and creativity)
Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore - Taste of Cumbria Casual Dining Award
(Businesses offering great value for money and consistently high standards in a relaxed and welcoming setting)
Sponsored by Dodd and Co - The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award
(For individuals working or volunteering in a tourism business) - Wedding Venue of the Year
Sponsored by H&H Insurance Brokers
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, commented: “The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate the businesses and individuals who help make Cumbria such a strong and distinctive visitor destination.
“Entering the awards is not just about winning an accolade. It gives businesses the opportunity to benchmark themselves against national criteria, receive constructive and independent feedback, and reflect on how they can continue to strengthen what they offer.
“Many past entrants tell us the process itself is one of the most valuable aspects, helping them build confidence, motivate their teams and focus on continuous improvement. I would encourage any tourism business that takes pride in what they do to consider entering.”
To support businesses planning to enter, Cumbria Tourism is running a free, practical awards workshop aimed at those who are new to the awards or looking for guidance on writing a strong entry.
The workshop takes place on 5 February 2026, 10.00am to 11.30am (arrive from 9.45am) at the Cumbria Tourism Office, Staveley. Places are limited and attendance is restricted to one person per business where possible. Businesses can book their free place here.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 20 February.
Full details, including how to enter, category criteria and costs can be found at cumbriaawards.co.uk.
Businesses do not need to be a member of Cumbria Tourism to apply, however would need to join if they became shortlisted finalists.
The Cumbria Tourism Awards 2026 are organised by Cumbria Tourism and made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, including headline sponsor SP Electricity North West, category sponsors, and partners supporting the event itself, including Lawson Design and the Castle Green Hotel.