The prestigious Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards 2026 officially open for applications on Monday 9th June, inviting businesses, individuals, and organisations from across the county’s visitor economy to step forward and showcase their excellence.
Delivered by Visit Nottinghamshire, the awards shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Nottinghamshire such a vibrant destination to visit, stay, and explore. With just a two-month window to enter, applicants are encouraged to act quickly to be in the running for regional recognition — and the chance for national glory at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Celebrating the Best of Nottinghamshire
The awards champion success across the full spectrum of the tourism, hospitality, leisure, and cultural sectors — from accommodation providers and attractions to pubs, restaurants, and festivals.
There are 14 core categories, many of which feed directly into the national VisitEngland Awards. New for 2026, the “Taste of Nottinghamshire” category has been split to separately recognise Restaurant and Casual Dining venues, offering more opportunities to celebrate the diversity of the local food and drink scene.
In addition, four regional categories will spotlight Nottinghamshire’s homegrown talent and community-focused venues, with some awards set to include a public voting stage to engage local audiences.
Confirmed Categories for 2026
Core Categories
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Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
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B&B of the Year
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Business Events Venue of the Year
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Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
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Experience of the Year
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Hotel of the Year
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New Tourism Business Award
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Pub of the Year
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Regenerative Tourism Award
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Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
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Taste of Nottinghamshire – Restaurant
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Taste of Nottinghamshire – Casual Dining
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Unsung Hero Award
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Visitor Attraction of the Year
Regional Categories
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Entertainment Venue of the Year
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Family Friendly Attraction of the Year
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Festival & Event of the Year
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Team of the Year
The Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards 2026 ceremony will take place in early 2026, bringing together hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the region for a night of celebration and connection.
Last year’s ceremony, held in spring 2025, was a night to remember — with inspiring stories, emotional moments, and outstanding achievements. The event was attended by key figures from across the industry, including Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands Combined Authority, who praised Nottinghamshire’s tourism sector as a driving force in the region’s cultural and economic success.
A Few of Our 2024/25 Gold Winners
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Nottingham Playhouse stood out as a beacon of inclusion and sustainability, scooping two Gold Awards for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism, reflecting their continued commitment to broadening access to the arts.
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DropWorks Rum Distillery, based in the heart of Sherwood Forest, wowed judges with their immersive tours and visitor experience, earning Gold for Experience of the Year and later going on to represent Nottinghamshire nationally.
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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, believed to be England’s oldest inn, claimed Gold for Pub of the Year, showcasing how heritage can be powerfully paired with hospitality excellence.
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Southwell Minster, one of Nottinghamshire’s most iconic landmarks, was awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year, praised for its warm welcome, engaging events, and outstanding visitor engagement.
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Woodborough Hall received two Golds, for B&B of the Year and Team of the Year, cementing their reputation as a high-quality, customer-focused destination.
Free for Members, Small Fee for Non-Members
Participation in the awards is free for Visit Nottinghamshire members, while non-members are welcome to enter for a small administration fee. Whether you’re a long-standing tourism business or a new player in the market, the awards are an excellent opportunity to gain recognition and elevate your profile.
Get Involved
Entries open on Monday 9th June 2025 and will close in early August. All businesses working in the tourism, hospitality, and events sectors in Nottinghamshire are encouraged to apply and you can your business into more than one category!
For full details on how to enter, award criteria, and judging processes, please contact the Visit Nottinghamshire team or visit The Visit Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards webpage on Monday 10th of June.
Posted on 05 June 2025
