VisitEngland Honors Excellence Winners

VisitEngland celebrated the winners of its Awards for Excellence during a ceremony hosted by comedian Sue Perkins at the Hilton Waldorf in London on April 24. 

The annual awards honor the best of the best in the tourism industry by recognizing businesses and individuals who have raised the bar in tourism over the year.

“This year’s awards were fiercely contested and we had some terrific applications, showcasing not only the excellence on offer within English tourism but also the outstanding innovation and the sheer diversity of experiences throughout the country,” said VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe.

Tourism is one of England's most important industries, bringing in £106 billion annually to the country. This year's winner for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism, the Premier League, illustrates this perfectly. 

More than 800,000 overseas visitors attended a football match while visiting Britain in 2014, spending £684 million. 

There are 25 categories that range from Afternoon Tea of the Year to Sustainable Tourism Award. Finalists were announced in March and now the winners have been officially recognized.

READ MORE: Iconic Literary Places to Visit in England 

Here is the complete list of VisitEngland Awards for Excellence winners:

—Glamping Provider of the Year: The Dandelion Hideaway, East Midlands 

—Self-Catering Property of the Year: Cottage in the Dales - The Byre, Yorkshire 

—Sustainable Tourism Award: Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, North East 

—Guided Tour of the Year: Shiverpool, North West 

—Afternoon Tea of the Year: Countess of York, Yorkshire 

—Business Tourism Award: Warwick Conferences, West Midlands

—Family Friendly Accommodation of the Year award - sponsored by Family Traveller: Bosinver Farm Cottages, South West 

—Family Friendly Food & Drink Business of the Year - sponsored by Family Traveller: Chester Zoo, North West 

—Family Friendly Attraction of the Year - sponsored by Family Traveller: Thames Rockets, London 

—Bed & Breakfast of the Year Award: St Cuthbert’s House, North East 

—Tourism Superstar: Duane Dibartolomeo, owner, Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich 
 
—Boutique/Guest Accommodation of the Year award: Glazebrook House Hotel, South West 

—Visitor Information Provider of the Year: Gloucester Tourist Information Centre, South West 
 
— GREAT China Welcome of the Year – sponsored by Ping Pong Digital and Destination Britain: Blenheim Palace, South East  

—Tourism Pub of the Year: The Anchor Inn, South West  

—Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Monkey Haven, South East 

—Dog-Friendly Business of the Year: Letheringham Water Mill Holiday Cottages, East of England 

—Taste of England Award: The Art School, North West 

—Holiday Park/Holiday Village of the Year: Trethem Mill Touring Park, South West 

—Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year: Blakelow Farm Holiday Cottages, East Midlands 
 
—Inclusive Tourism Award - sponsored by Barclay: Eden Project, South West  

—Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Waddesdon Manor, South East  

—Hotel of the Year: Northcote, North West 

—The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award: The Premier League 

—Services to Tourism Award: Viscountess, Penelope Cobham CBE