Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards 2025: Full shortlists revealed as event returns
The Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards are back for their fourth year as we celebrate the achievements of the region’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, theme parks and visitor attractions – and most importantly the people behind them.
Hundreds of nominations were entered for this year’s event, with the winners being announced at a black-tie event at the New Dock Hall in Leeds on December 1.
Here is a full list of those shortlisted this year.
Best Fine Dining
FIFTY TWO: FIFTY TWO was designed to inject fun into fine dining. A fresh new concept for the Yorkshire Dining Scene, the restaurant has received rave reviews since opening.
Chartwell at Aldwark Manor Estate: Chartwell opened less than 18 months ago and swiftly earned Michelin recognition and 3AA Rosettes. Seasonal menus and refined service deliver an exceptional, ever-evolving dining experience in luxurious surroundings.
Josh Barnes: Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes offers refined, sustainable fine dining on Yorkshire’s Swinton Estate, with seasonal, estate-grown produce, immersive service, and MICHELIN-acclaimed cuisine rooted in innovation, craft, and connection.
Rafters Restaurant - Sheffield: Rafters Restaurant has remained the iconic go to Restaurant in Sheffield for 30 years now since opening in 1993 and continues to grow and innovate to remain at the top.
The Box Tree Restaurant: The Box Tree is a renowned fine dining restaurant in Ilkley, established in 1962, known for its refined modern British cuisine, fine wines, and luxurious, antique-filled dining rooms.
Pignut & The Hare: Pignut and The Hare offers an intimate, seasonal tasting experience celebrating Yorkshire’s landscape. Exceptional cooking, sustainable sourcing and genuine hospitality come together in a beautifully restored country inn with rooms.
Boutique Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms)
The Inn South Stainley: The Inn is a uniquely independent & stylish Yorkshire Inn with 12 bedrooms, country pub dining, function room and cocktails, offering a wonderful overnight experience.
Grantley Hall: Grantley Hall is a family-owned, independent Yorkshire retreat combining heritage, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality, delivering world-class luxury, sustainability, and community impact, making it a true Boutique Hotel of the Year.
Hotel Victoria: Occupying an iconic location at the top of Robin Hood’s Bay, the Hotel Victoria is a boutique 30-bedroom hotel offering stylish accommodation, unique dining experiences and entertainment spaces.
The Weston Hotel: The Weston combines Victorian elegance with modern boutique charm. Featuring individually designed bedrooms, award-winning dining at Cecil’s, and heartfelt Yorkshire hospitality, it offers a truly distinctive and luxurious coastal escape.
Yorebridge House: Yorebridge House delivers heartfelt, personalised service that consistently exceeds expectations. Through empathy, innovation, and guest loyalty, it sets the benchmark for hospitality excellence in Yorkshire and beyond.
Unsung Hero Award (New for 2025)
Kim Richardson: Kim Richardson, Aldwark Manor Estate’s heart and anchor for over a decade, delivers exceptional service, compassion, and dedication—creating unforgettable experiences and embodying the very essence of Yorkshire hospitality.
Laura Thackery: Laura is the heart of the Emmerdale Village Tour - a dedicated, inspiring duty manager whose positivity, care and quiet leadership ensures every guest and teammate has the best experience.
Katie Taylor (MBE): Drewton’s Farm Shop celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025 and, to mark the occasion, owner Katie Taylor recently completed an ambitious £350,000 investment and expansion project.
Nicola Lambert, The Pheasant Hotel: Dedicated, humble, and always going the extra mile, Nicola works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every guest experience is exceptional, making a quiet but powerful impact every day.
Small Tourist Attraction of the Year: Under 75k visitors per year
World of James Herriot: World of James Herriot offers a truly singular experience. Original home and surgery of Alf Wight OBE (James Herriot), a unique place for fans of All Creatures Great and Small.
The Hole In Wand York: The Hole In Wand York is one the most magical attraction in Yorkshire. The Magical mini golf offers visitors a world of mystery and a tasty potion surprise.
Yorkshire Ghost Tours: Local ghost tours in Otley, Skipton and Leeds City Centre. Yorkshire Ghost Tours offers an entertaining blend of theatre, ghost stories, and local history to public audiences every weekend.
Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum: The Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum in Wellington Place, Leeds, transforms a historic railway tower into a free, engaging space celebrating Leeds’s industrial heritage, achieving over 20,000 visitors a year.
Dumble Farm: Uniquely different, Excitingly immersive. Factually fascinating and completely cow cuddly. Dumble Farm ‘Cow Cuddling and Highland Cow Experience’ offers the ultimate in hands-on, cow based, farm experience.
Bridlington animal park: Bridlington Animal Park offers an engaging family experience with diverse animals, hands-on encounters, spectacular bird displays and friendly staff, promoting wildlife conservation, education and memorable days out in a Yorkshire.
The Forbidden Corner: The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and follies in the Yorkshire Dales, delighting over 120,000 visitors annually with creativity, mystery, and family fun.
Large Tourist Attraction of the Year: Over 75k visitors per year
Stockeld Park: Stockeld Park, a leading Yorkshire attraction, where adventure and imagination combine across a stunning location offering an immersive Enchanted Forest, award-winning play areas and unforgettable seasonal experiences for all ages.
Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre: Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Wensleydale Creamery’s Visitor Centre welcomes 350,000 visitors annually to the UK’s flagship Cheese Experience, offering an authentic and unforgettable taste of Yorkshire.
The York Dungeon: The York Dungeon offers visitors to York a thrilling journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history, bringing together iconic characters, immersive sets and thrilling special-effects.
Castle Howard: Castle Howard welcomes 300,000 annual visitors with world-class exhibitions, award-winning Christmas events, restoration projects, nature initiatives, and inclusive access, sustaining heritage while enriching Yorkshire’s cultural, economic, and environmental landscape.
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Grantley Hall: At Grantley Hall, exceptional customer service is a shared identity that unites every team member. From once-in-a-lifetime gestures to the smallest daily details, every colleague contributes to creating unforgettable experiences.
Fish & Forest: Committed to excellent customer service highlighted by thorough weekly training and updates on how every product in the building is produced, prepared & served.
Hull Truck Theatre: We are nominating Hull Truck Theatre for Customer Service, highlighting our commitment to our core values on Innovation, Inclusion and Integrity ensuring to inspire a wide range of audiences.
Gill Galway, The Weston Hotel: Gill Galway leads The Weston Hotel with warmth, expertise, and hands-on care, inspiring exceptional service across all departments and creating unforgettable, personal guest experiences that set the hotel apart.
Yorebridge House: Yorebridge House blends luxurious design, exceptional service, and unique guest experiences in the Yorkshire Dales, earning national acclaim and guest loyalty as a leading boutique hotel destination.
Howgill Lodge: Howgill delivers exceptional, heartfelt service through personal touches, innovation, and Yorkshire warmth, creating unforgettable stays where guests feel truly cared for, connected to nature, and part of the Howgill family.
Culture Award
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture: Bradford 2025 is a year-long celebration of Bradford city and district, taking place across its city, towns, villages and greenspaces - with local people at its heart.
Harrogate International Festivals: A cultural cornerstone and one of the north’s leading arts organisations, offering a year-round programme of festivals and events, plus outreach work across the north. 2026 is HIF’s 60th anniversary.
Freedom Festival 2025: Freedom Festival 2025 brought 60,000 people to the city of Hull to experience a weekend of engaging and thought-provoking artistic experiences, amplifying the city as an international cultural destination
The Art House: The Art House is a pioneering, inclusive arts centre in Wakefield, redefining culture through creativity, care, and community - championing underrepresented artists and making art accessible to everyone
WOVEN in Kirklees: WOVEN celebrates Kirklees’ textile heritage and innovation through inclusive, community-led events, blending tradition and creativity to foster pride, wellbeing, and cultural identity across the district.
Best Pub Award
• The Inn South Stainley: The Inn is a uniquely independent & stylish Yorkshire Inn with 12 bedrooms, country pub dining, function room and cocktails, offering a wonderful overnight experience.
• The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub: The multi award winning Drovers Arms, set in a picturesque village of Skipwith ten miles south of York, offering outstanding Yorkshire hospitality and locally sourced food.
The Tan Hill Inn: The Tan Hill Inn attracts many tourists but is still at the heart of a community. With its unique position comes challenges it overcomes to provide quality food and drink.
White Horse Farm Inn: White Horse Farm Inn is a 15th Century Inn with 17 rooms, nestled in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors in Rosedale Abbey.
Newcomer of the Year
Grantley Arms: In just a few months since opening, the Grantley Arms has delivered a compelling blend of commercial success, outstanding guest experience, and community-rooted authenticity.
White Cloth Hall: White Cloth Hall has reimagined a historic building, creating a vibrant food and drink destination. With four kitchens and two bars, it is now a favourite on Leeds food scene.
CrowdedHouse: CrowdedHouse, Leeds’ newest rooftop destination, blends elevated dining, panoramic views and a laid-back atmosphere to create a distinctive independent venue that brings something genuinely new to the city.
Hawnby Stores and Tea Room: The historic Hawnby Stores and Tea Room has only been open since July but has already received a raft of stellar reviews and is a treasured part of village life.
Sustainable Tourism Award
Swinton Estate: The Swinton Estate has sustainability at its core, which is demonstrable through a multitude of investments, ongoing initiatives, and projects, many of which are detailed below.
SEALIFE Scarborough: In December 2024, Merlin Entertainments invested in a new solar roof for SEALIFE Scarborough. The total investment was £450,000. We now have 40 panels supporting our sustainability agenda.
Broadgate Farm Cottages: Carbon neutral and regenerative, Broadgate Farm Cottages demonstrates sustainable tourism. Restoring heritage buildings, reducing CO₂ emissions, supporting local enterprise, and offering eco-luxury experiences that nurture wellbeing and the natural environment.
Pignut & The Hare: Pignut and The Hare champions sustainable fine dining through hyper-local sourcing, foraging, and zero-waste practices, supporting Yorkshire producers and creating an elegant, environmentally responsible experience rooted in community and seasonality.
MonkBridge House: MonkBridge House is an award winning guest House in York. We are committed to delivering a sustainable experience for our guests.
Holiday Park / Caravan Park of the Year
Prospect House Farm: A peaceful, family-run glamping and camping retreat on the North Yorkshire coast, offering space, simplicity, and sustainability through our philosophy of slow living and “the art of being lazy.”
Angrove Country Park: Angrove Country Park offers stunning natural beauty, great lodges, and exceptional service creating an unforgettable retreat that blends comfort with countryside charm. A true gem for nature lovers and luxury.
High Oaks Grange: High Oaks Grange is a collection of 5* graded Cottages, Lodges and Glamping Pods located near Pickering in the North York Moors national park.
Akebar Park: Akebar Park is a leading Yorkshire Dales holiday destination, offering luxury holiday homes, scenic golf, and award-winning dining — delivering exceptional experiences and warm hospitality in every season
Howgill Lodge: Howgill Lodge is a 5-star caravan park offering outstanding facilities, warm hospitality, sustainable practices, and unforgettable views and experiences, making it a much-loved destination for families, couples, and touring guests.
Event of the Year
Live at The Piece Hall: Live at The Piece Hall 2025: a stellar summer season bringing international music stars and a 185,000 audience to this Northern market town putting Halifax on the global tourist map!
Calderdale Pride: Calderdale Pride at Dean Clough united thousands in a colourful celebration of inclusivity, music and community spirit, boosting Halifax’s economy and enhancing Yorkshire’s tourism offer with creativity, joy and pride.
LightFest: This innovative four-day family friendly festival captivated over 3,000 visitors, transforming complex quantum research into fun, accessible exhibits while significantly boosting Sheffield’s cultural and economic profile.
Bradford Literature Festival 2025: Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse literature festivals. In 2025, BLF delivered an acclaimed international programme to record-breaking audiences.
Christmas at Castle Howard: Castle Howard’s award-winning Christmas events attract 105,000+ visitors with immersive storytelling, inclusive access, premium retail partnerships, and award-winning marketing, boosting regional tourism and seasonal employment while celebrating heritage and creativity.
Best Casual Dining
Bundobust: Bundobust - Leeds’ OG Indian Street Food & Craft Beer bar, combining modern Indian sharing spreads with award-winning craft beers from Bundobust Brewery with their signature casual, lively vibe.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park: The Weston delivers exceptional informal dining through locally-sourced seasonal menus, impeccable service, and unique setting that enhances accessibility, sustainability, and visitor experience -all in the shadow of world class art.
Elsworth at the Mill: This nominee creates inclusive, story driven dining experiences that celebrate Yorkshire’s food, people, and suppliers, blending sustainability, community, and heartfelt hospitality to turn every event into a lasting memory.
Cedarbarn Cafe: The Cedarbarn casual dining offering comprises an 80 seater table service café, a dog friendly outdoor covered terrace and an Airstream Trailer serving home made pizzas and barista coffees.
The Old Liquor Store Restaurant & Bar: A fabulous brunch cafe during the day and a highly regarded restaurant & bar by night. All Set in the grade 2 listed former Terry’s Chocolate Orange Factory.
Large Hotel of the Year: (over 50 bedrooms)
Aldwark Manor Estate: Aldwark Manor Estate blends heritage, innovation, and heartfelt service to create unforgettable experiences. A luxury Yorkshire destination where sustainability, excellence, and genuine hospitality define every moment. Never Ordinary. Always Aldwark.
Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena: A bold, colourful Yorkshire themed hotel where design meets hospitality. Ibis Styles Leeds showcases the city’s spirit through creativity, comfort, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
Hotel Indigo York: Hotel Indigo York delivers exceptional hospitality through locally inspired design, outstanding service, and sustainable innovation—celebrating York’s heritage while offering guests an unforgettable and community-driven hotel experience.
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa: The Bannister Family have been welcoming guests to The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, nestled in their 1,000-acre private Yorkshire Dales estate, for almost 30 years.
Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection By Hilton: Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection By Hilton is a luxury boutique hotel in York, and on 10th June 2024 converted to a branded hotel, part of Hilton hotels group worldwide.
Best Self-Catering Accommodation
West Acre Lodge: Nestled in the North Yorkshire Moors, West Acre Lodge blends country charm with contemporary luxury, providing guests with exceptional comfort, bespoke touches and a tranquil escape designed for unforgettable moments.
Bugthorpe Grange: Bugthorpe Grange Glamping offers a sustainable Yorkshire retreat where comfort, community and nature combine to create unforgettable escapes and set a new benchmark for self-catering hospitality in the countryside.
Kingfisher Cabin: A secluded woodland cabin overlooking a private lake, with its own woodland spa and fireside stargazing. Every detail designed for calm and complete privacy.
Broadgate Farm Cottages: Broadgate Farm Cottages delivers the very best in self-catering: luxurious yet sustainable, inclusive yet stylish, personal yet professional. Exceptional facilities, a guest-focused ethos, and magical natural surroundings, inspiring lasting memories.
Howgill Lodge: Howgill Lodge combines luxury self-catering timber lodges with private hot tubs, locally inspired award-winning interior design, and immersive Dales experiences, delivering a distinctive, tranquil Yorkshire escape with style and warmth.
Catgill Farm Camping & Glamping: Catgill Farm’s award-winning glamping pods (4.85/5, 94% recommendation) combine hot tubs, family- and dog-friendly design, and breathtaking Dales views for an unforgettable self-catering experience.
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Cast: Cast champions accessibility and inclusion in every aspect of its work, offering barrier-free arts experiences through innovative facilities, community partnerships, and staff training that ensures everyone feels welcome and represented.
The Art House: The Art House is a pioneering, inclusive arts centre in Wakefield, redefining culture through creativity, care, and community - championing underrepresented artists and making art accessible to everyone
Broadgate Farm Cottages: Broadgate Farm Cottages delivers the very best in self-catering: luxurious yet sustainable, inclusive yet stylish, personal yet professional. Exceptional facilities, a guest-focused ethos, and magical natural surroundings, inspiring lasting memories.
Castle Howard: Castle Howard, a world-renowned Yorkshire estate, champions accessibility with inclusive events, BSL tours, multilingual guides, Calm Sessions, and volunteer Access Champions, ensuring all visitors enjoy its historic and cultural experiences.
The York Dungeon: The York Dungeon offers visitors to York a thrilling journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history, bringing together iconic characters, immersive sets and thrilling special-effects.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax: Eureka! The National Children’s Museum is the North’s favourite family day out. Eureka! continues to excel in customer service, inclusion, accessibility and of course learning through play for everyone!
B&B or Guest House of the Year
Bay Tree Harrogate: An inviting and charming atmosphere, immaculate cleanliness and warm, attentive service. Tasteful decor, comfort, and thoughtful amenities add to the appeal. Exceptional breakfasts and luxurious touches enhance the overall experience
Broom House at Egton Bridge: Nestled in the North York Moors National Park, the award‑winning, family‑run Broom House in Egton Bridge offers a warm welcome and a peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life.
Ann’s Cottage & The Old Smithy: Ann’s Cottage and The Old Smithy, Rosedale offer consistently unparalleled hospitality, exceptional service, and award-winning accommodation, making them perfect candidates for this award.
Brickfields Farm Bed and Breakfast: Brickfields Farm is a boutique B&B offering luxurious, sustainable accommodation and award-winning dining amid 14 acres of tranquil Yorkshire countryside, combining rural seclusion, local flavour, and heartfelt hospitality.
MonkBridge House: MonkBridge House is an award winning guest House in York. We are committed to delivering a sustainable experience fro our guests.
The Farrier: The Farrier in Cayton blends historic charm with modern luxury, offering award-winning hospitality, exquisite dining, and boutique accommodation—making it a standout destination pub on the North Yorkshire coast.
People’s Choice Award: “Best Yorkshire Experience”
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum: Eureka! has been a Yorkshire favourite for over 30 years! If you grew up in the North, you will almost certainly have a great memory of a visit to Eureka!
Stockeld Park: Stockeld Park, a leading Yorkshire attraction, where adventure and imagination combine across a stunning location offering an immersive Enchanted Forest, award-winning play areas and unforgettable seasonal experiences for all ages.
Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre: Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre delivers an engaging Yorkshire experience, featuring artisan cheese, interactive cheesemaking demonstrations, family-friendly activities and locally inspired foods, showcasing its rich heritage and provenance.
Dumble Farm: Uniquely different, Excitingly immersive. Factually fascinating and completely cow cuddly. Dumble Farm ‘Cow Cuddling and Highland Cow Experience’ offers the ultimate in hands-on, cow based, farm experience.
York’s Chocolate Story: York’s Chocolate Story celebrates the city’s chocolate legacy through immersive tours, interactive workshops, and authentic storytelling - an inclusive, award-winning attraction delivering memorable experiences that make York proud.
The York Dungeon: The York Dungeon offers visitors to York a thrilling journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history, bringing together iconic characters, immersive sets and thrilling special-effects.
Bridlington animal park: Bridlington Animal Park offers an engaging family experience with diverse animals, hands-on encounters, spectacular bird displays and friendly staff, promoting wildlife conservation, education and memorable days out in a Yorkshire.
Emmerdale Village: The Emmerdale Village Tour welcomes thousands of guests each weekend to the iconic soap village at the heart of the Dales, where they can walk in the footsteps of stars.