Winners of the Visit York Tourism Awards 2024 Revealed

Last night (14 March), the winners of the Visit York Tourism Awards were revealed at a prestigious awards ceremony at York Racecourse. The Visit York Tourism Awards, sponsored by LNER, recognise and celebrate the best of York’s businesses across tourism, hospitality and culture with the chance to win one of 17 awards.

Hosted by Chris Marsden and Claire Pulpher at YO1 Radio, the awards will then see eligible winners across a number of categories automatically put forward for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024.

This year’s winners include The Grand York, who take Large Hotel of the Year with judges commenting on the ‘exceptionally high standards’ of luxury across the hotel and their ability to create ‘memorable and enjoyable moments for guests’. Small Hotel of the Year then went to The Pheasant Hotel, for their ‘luxurious’ rooms and dinner menu of ‘excellent quality.’

Elsewhere in accommodation, MonkBridge House took the award for B&B and Guest House of the Year, with judges commenting on their ‘clear passion for their business’ which has led to ‘excellent customer service’ for visitors. Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year was awarded to 101 House At The End, with judges saying how the business ‘operates with huge care and attention to detail.’

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year was awarded to High Oaks Grange, with Judges praising the overall atmosphere of the site and saying ‘Nick and his team can be proud of what they have achieved.’

Pub of the Year was awarded to The Lime Tree Inn, which was praised for being ‘in a lovely setting, very relaxing and beautifully furnished.’

Legacy at The Grand was the winner of the Taste of England Award, with judges describing the restaurant as ‘consistently outstanding’ with a team that had ‘excellent knowledge of the food and drink.’

This year’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year went to The York Dungeon, with judges commenting to say the ‘actors were superb’ and it was ‘one of the best attractions I’ve ever visited’. The Small Attraction of the Year winner was World of James Herriot, with judges praising how the team can be ‘proud of how unbelievably clean, pristine and well-presented it is throughout.’

New to this year, the Wizard Walk of York has taken both the New Tourism Business Award and The Best of York Award, with judges calling the tour ‘pure feel-good' and commenting that they ‘haven’t smiled and laughed continually so much in ages.

Experience of the Year was awarded to The Deathly Dark Tours, with judges commenting that there was ‘no room for improvement’ and the overall ‘experience was fantastic.’ The Deathly Dark Tours also went on to win Independent Business of the Year, as judges ‘loved the approach’ and the ‘entertaining features that also inform and educate’.

The Potions Cauldron took Retailer of the Year, with judges praising their ‘excellent growth’ and ‘impressive’ performance.

Business Event Venue of the Year was won by The Guildhall, York with judges commenting that the ‘ambience of the building is excellent’ and it ‘provides business event delegates with a calming feelings in high-quality surroundings.

Christmas at Castle Howard was awarded the Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year award with judges calling it ‘an opulent and magical event in a stunning setting.’

New to this year in partnership with the Hospitality Association York (HAY), the Hospitality Hero award was won by Indra Petersone from Hilton, York.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “A huge congratulations to our thoroughly deserving winners and finalists at this year’s Visit York Tourism Awards. Every business and organisation nominated tonight have helped establish York as the incredible, award-winning, world-class city that we’re recognised to be. The Visit York Tourism Awards really do celebrate the best in tourism, hospitality and culture, congratulations to everyone involved.”

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Congratulations to the winners at this year’s Visit York Tourism Awards and those who were shortlisted. York has a huge amount to offer visitors and continues to be one of the most popular destinations on the LNER route. We’re therefore very proud to continue to support the awards which shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that work tirelessly to make the city a brilliant place to visit.”

Adam Wardale, Chair of Hospitality Association York says: “What a night! We we’re delighted to see so many incredible businesses being celebrated, we’re incredibly proud to be part of a city providing such amazing experiences. A special mention to the winner of our Hospitality Hero Award, Indra, and to our highly commended finalist Julia – who seamlessly demonstrate everything our industry represents! On behalf of all of my HAY colleagues, huge congratulations to all winners and businesses.”