Northumberland’s visitor economy has been recognised on the national stage, with three businesses securing top honours at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
Held at Aerospace Bristol on 3 June, the awards celebrate the very best of English tourism, bringing together finalists from across the country following success at regional level.
Northumberland was strongly represented after standout performances at the North East Tourism Awards, with three businesses progressing to the national finals.
The county’s success was led by The Tempus at Charlton Estate, operated by The Doxford Group, which was awarded Gold in the Small Hotel of the Year category. Since opening in 2023, the design-led hotel has reimagined former farm buildings near Chathill to create one of England’s most distinctive accommodation experiences, combining contemporary style with a strong sense of place.
Also achieving Gold was The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford, which was named Pub of the Year. Situated beside the South Tyne River, the pub has been recognised for its high-quality food offering, rooted in sustainable, farm-to-fork principles, alongside its strong community focus and welcoming atmosphere.
Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery in Wooler was awarded Silver in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category. The attraction brings together a reimagined Anglo-Saxon Great Hall with a working English whisky distillery, offering visitors a distinctive blend of heritage and modern craftsmanship that continues to gain national acclaim.
Congratulations also go to our Taste of Northumberland partner, Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle, for winning Bronze in the Taste of England Award.
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said, "We're thrilled to see all three shortlisted Northumberland businesses achieve fantastic results at a national level. A huge congratulations to The Tempus, The Kirkstyle Inn and Ad Gefrin who are an exemplary representation of Northumberland's first class visitor offering. These national accolades highlight the quality, diversity and ambition of Northumberland’s tourism offer, from innovative hospitality and destination dining to immersive cultural experiences, the county continues to demonstrate its ability to compete and succeed at the highest level."
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence are widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition for tourism businesses in the country, drawing from hundreds of regional winners to identify the very best operators across multiple categories. Success on this stage reflects the passion, dedication and innovation of businesses across Northumberland, and reinforces the county’s growing reputation as a leading destination for visitors seeking authentic, high-quality experiences.
The achievements of The Tempus, The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest and Ad Gefrin represent a significant moment for Northumberland. Collectively, they demonstrate how businesses across the county are delivering exceptional visitor experiences rooted in local character while meeting national standards of excellence.
These results provide a powerful platform to showcase Northumberland as a destination that continues to evolve, innovate and inspire, with a visitor economy that confidently competes on the national stage.
