Chesterfield Champions among the winners in regional tourism awards
Exceptional tourism businesses in Chesterfield and the Peak District took centre stage as the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony.
The prestigious event was held at the East Midlands Conference Centre and brought together hundreds of guests including industry leaders, innovators and rising stars for a night of recognition and celebration during English Tourism Week (14-23 March).
The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby – joined forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, with the support of East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed guests by congratulating the outstanding achievements of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry and highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25bn of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes OBE applauded the talent, passion and innovation of the shortlisted finalists, and recognised the collaborative efforts of Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby in driving growth and excellence across the region’s visitor economy.
The awards were hotly contested and finalists – including visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers – progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s event.
In the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category, Matlock Farm Park took the coveted gold award, while Peak Edge Hotel picked up the bronze accolade.
Peak Edge also won a silver award for Hotel of the Year, while Chatsworth’s Country Fair 2024 received gold for Festival and Event of the Year.
Hosted by Donna Alos, the awards ceremony featured a vibrant atmosphere and included a three-course meal produced by Nottingham Venues that showcased suppliers from across the East Midlands.
The awards were held in partnership with VisitEngland and Gold winners of the core categories will have the opportunity to progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.
For the full list of winners from the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Awards please visit: https://visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The East Midlands’ Tourism Awards showcase the places and experiences that make life in the East Midlands so rich. We are a destination – and tonight’s participants show why. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winners and nominees, and to celebrate their ingenuity and hard work.
“I am also delighted that we are doing this as a region, for the first time. Just as the East Midlands Combined County Authority creates space for us to come together around a common cause, so too do these awards. I am committed to making the East Midlands the best region in the country to live, work, and visit, and it is by working in partnership that we can best achieve that goal.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Bringing together the finalists of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards under one roof has provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving excellence, delivering economic growth and elevating the quality of tourism across the East Midlands.
“Tourism is a major economic driver, and it is the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism sector that makes our region the world-class destination that it is – driving growth, creating jobs, and contributing billions to our economy.
“Huge congratulations to all the worthy winners as well as the shortlisted businesses and individuals!”
The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who designed and handcrafted luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.
The Awards Ceremony was jointly sponsored by Nottingham Venues and the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
If you’re planning a visit to the Peak District, be sure to experience Chesterfield during your stay.
