The winners of the 2026 Cumbria Tourism Awards have been revealed.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 8, at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.
The prestigious awards are a celebration which shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of the people and businesses setting the standard for quality, creativity and service.
The winners of the 18 awards were announced at the ceremony hosted by Tom Speight, cultural podcast host and former BBC journalist, at a black-tie event which brought together 260 of the county’s leading businesses, individuals and their supporters.
The winners were selected following a robust judging process for offering exceptional levels of care to our visitors and demonstrating business excellence in their digital and online present, product, marketing and inclusive and sustainable practices.
The award winners were presented with a fused glass award, handcrafted by Jo Vincent Glass, and all the finalists received a framed certificate.
Many of the winners will now go forward to represent Cumbria at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2027.
Netherby Hall Ltd, near Longtown, won the Regenerative Tourism Award. It was a double success on the night, with Pentonbridge Inn also named winner of the Taste of Cumbria Fine Dining Award.
Kim Capstick, director of operations at Netherby Hall, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have been recognised in this way, and it reflects the hard work and the long-term commitment made by the whole team right across our business.
“Making a positive difference is at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s supporting local suppliers, creating employment opportunities, investing in environmental projects or encouraging visitors to stay longer and discover more of north Cumbria.
“We believe businesses like ours can strengthen rural economies and support communities, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Mountain Goat won the Experience of the Year category.
Robin Tyson, managing director, said: “This award belongs to every member of our team, whose enthusiasm and commitment create memorable experiences for thousands of visitors every year.”
The Bernard Gooch Award for Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the Year was awarded to Sarah Dunning for her leadership of Westmorland.
It is the highest accolade collectively given by the industry and Sarah was recognised for the contribution Westmorland has made to the county’s visitor economy through its focus on local produce, rural enterprise, sustainability and community, and the role the business has played in showcasing Cumbria’s food culture and hospitality to a national audience.
Winners
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
- Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
B&B and Guest House of the Year
- Grange Manor Luxury B&B, Grange-over-Sands
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
- Holgates Holiday Parks, Silverdale Site
Experience of the Year
- Mountain Goat – Mountain Passes and Muncaster Castle
Large Hotel of the Year
- Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Windermere Jetty Museum
Makers and Producers Award
- Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall, Penrith
New Tourism Business Award
- The Edge – Whitehaven
- Highly commended: Cartmel Old Grammar Hotel and Wedding Venue
Pub of the Year
- The Wheatsheaf in Beetham
Regenerative Tourism Award
- Netherby Hall LTD, Carlisle
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Dandelion & Hoglet Holiday Cottages, Dalston
Small Hotel of the Year
- Borrowdale Gates Hotel, Keswick
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
- The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
- Highly commended: Lakeland Motor Museum
Taste of Cumbria – Casual Dining Award
- BAHA, Bowness-on-Windermere
Taste of Cumbria – Fine Dining Award
- Pentonbridge Inn, Carlisle
The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award
- Adrian Jones, Forestry England Whinlatter
Wedding Venue of the Year
- Town Head Estate, Newby Bridge
The Bernard Gooch Award for Tourism Personality of the Year 2026
- Sarah Dunning, Westmorland
