A NUMBER of local businesses have been shortlisted for a regional tourism accolade.
The National Memorial Arboretum, Drayton Manor, Lichfield Cathedral, Thyme Kitchen and Poms are among the finalists in the 2025 Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards.
The winners of the 19 categories will be announced at a ceremony in March – with winners going on to represent the region at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2025.
Cllr Philip White, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The tourism awards are all about shining a light on our fantastic hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses and the amazing people working in them.
“The competition is a great way of recognising the diverse range of attractions, accommodation and food and drink businesses that continue to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
“The awards ceremony itself is also a brilliant event that I’m looking forward to. It gives us a great opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate.
“I’d like to congratulate all those businesses shortlisted in this year’s awards and wish them luck in the final.”
The finalists are:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award:
- Alton Towers Resort
- Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- National Memorial Arboretum
- Trentham Estate
Business Events Venue of the Year, sponsored by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce:
- Alton Towers Resort
- Drayton Manor Resort
- Keele University Events & Conferencing
- Weston Park
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year:
- Hales Hall Caravan & Camping Park
- Quarry Walk Park
- Secret Cloud House Holidays
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award, sponsored by University of Staffordshire:
- Alton Towers Resort
- Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Dorothy Clive Garden
- Eagle House, Eccleshall
- Hoar Cross Hall
Experience of the Year, sponsored by University of Staffordshire:
- Distillery Experience, Nelson’s Distillery & School, near Uttoxeter
- Dusk Beaver Safari, Trentham Estate
- Tower Tours, Lichfield Cathedral
- Tranquillity Spa Day, Moddershall Oaks Spa
- Serenity Spa Stay, Hoar Cross Hall
International Tourism Award
- World of Wedgwood
Large Hotel of the Year:
- CBeebies Land Hotel, Alton Towers Resort
- Courtyard by Marriott, Keele
- Doubletree by Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent
- Drayton Manor Hotel, Drayton Manor Resort
- Hoar Cross Hall, near Burton upon Trent
- The Tawny Hotel, near Leek
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year:
- Alton Towers Resort
- Drayton Manor Resort
- National Memorial Arboretum
- Peak Wildlife Park
- The Trentham Estate
- Waterworld Leisure Resort
- World of Wedgwood
New Tourism Business of the Year:
- Adventure Mini Village
- Hockerhill Playbarn
- Jurassic Creek Adventure Golf
- Lowe’s on Carter Street
Pub of the Year:
- Den Engel, Leek
- Fitzherbert Arms, Swynnerton
- The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
- The Knot Inn, Rushton Spencer
Rising Star, sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent College:
- Daniel West – The Upper House Hotel
- Kirsty Holland – Alton Towers Resort
- Max Croston – Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group
- Orion Hunte – Courtyard by Marriott Keele
- Patrick Brown – Peak Wildlife Park
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year:
- ABC Boat Hire, Kings Orchard Marina, Lichfield
- Consall Valley Lodge, near Leek
- Eagle House Apartment, Eccleshall
- Ford Wetley Cottage, near Leek
- Weston Park Holiday Cottages, Weston-under-Lizard
Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year:
- Eagle House, Eccleshall
- The Little George, Eccleshall
- Walnut House at The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:
- Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Dorothy Clive Garden, near Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent
- Tamworth Castle, Tamworth
Taste of England – Casual Dining Award:
- The Grosvenor Restaurant at Hales Hall, Cheadle
- The Star at Cotton, near Cheadle
- Thyme Kitchen, near Lichfield
- Ye Olde Rock Inn, near Leek
Taste of England – Restaurant of the Year:
- Lowe’s on Carter Street, Uttoxeter
- Lunar Restaurant, Barlaston
- The Oak House at Moddershall Oaks, near Stone
- The Plumicorn at the Tawny, near Leek
- Willow, Trentham Estate
Taste of England – Tea Room and Coffee Shop of the Year:
- Denstone Hall Farm Café, Denstone near Uttoxeter
- Poms Lichfield
- The Little George, Eccleshall
- World of Wedgwood Tea Room, Stoke-on-Trent
Team of the Year:
- Brampton Museum Team
- Doubletree by Hilton – Revenue, Sales and Marketing Team
- Lowe’s on Carter Street Team
- Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group – Riverbank Restaurant Team
Unsung Hero Award:
- David Hunter – Nelson’s Distillery & School
- Jodie Knapper – Trentham Estate
- Jonathan Fowler – Thyme Kitchen
- Stephen Waring – Alton Towers Resort