Tourism awards

Chesterfield Champions to be showcased in the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards has been revealed, with several Chesterfield Champion organisations featured amongst the finalists.

The annual awards shine a spotlight on excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s £2.89bn tourism sector.

Champions included in the shortlist include Matlock Farm Park, Peak Edge Hotel and Chatsworth.

Following a record number of entries, finalists have been unveiled in 15 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.

In addition, public voting has officially opened for the new ‘Festival or Event of the Year’ category which champions quality events and festivals that have taken place in the Peak District and Derbyshire – from country shows and music festivals to unique exhibitions and arts trails.

There are 9 finalists competing to take the title of Festival or Event of the Year 2025, with voting open until 1 December 2024. The finalist with the largest number of votes will secure the crown. Check out the events and festivals in the running and to cast your vote.

Shortlisted businesses in the remaining categories will now go forward to the final round of independent judging, including a series of mystery shopping visits, before the winners are selected ahead of a joint Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire awards ceremony held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Thursday 20 March 2025.

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby and Visit Nottinghamshire – are joining forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, with the support of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The ceremony will be hosted by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, and is set to be a stunning showcase of the value and quality of the region’s combined £5.25bn visitor economy, celebrating the exceptional talent and innovation across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the core categories will progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting bespoke awards for all Gold winners. The joint awards ceremony is sponsored by Nottingham Venues.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of our vibrant tourism industry and its enormous contribution to the local and regional economy. As we look forward to celebrating with finalists and partners at our landmark joint Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire awards ceremony in 2025, it’s an extra-special time to not only celebrate individual businesses, but to also recognise the importance of the visitor economy in delivering growth, supporting jobs and driving economic prosperity across the East Midlands.

“Our 2025 finalists are a fantastic mix of diverse, innovative and passionate businesses from across the county who deliver consistently high quality, memorable experiences for some of the 42 million visitors who come to the area each year. It will be a privilege to bring all the finalists together next March to mark their achievements and we wish every shortlisted finalist the very best of luck.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2025 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Matlock Farm Park
Peak District National Park Authority
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

B&B and Guest House of the Year
The Bull’s Head, Foolow
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford
Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Boutique Glamping at Scaldersitch Farm
Darwin Forest Lodges
3Trees Glamping Ltd

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Host & Stay
Morley Hayes
The Welcome Team

Experience of the Year
Thornbridge House Tour
Great British Car Journey, Drive Dad’s Car
Pub Tours Ltd

Festival or Event of the Year – public vote now open
Eat in the Park
Bakewell Country Festival
Chatsworth Country Fair
Bustler Market: On The Road
The Peak District Highland Games
Haddon Hall Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market
Buxton International Festival
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Bearded Theory Festival

Hotel of the Year
Fischer’s Baslow Hall
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

New Tourism Business of the Year
The Cupola Café – bar – pizza – grill
The Ashford Arms, Ashford-in-the-Water
3Trees Glamping Ltd

Pub of the Year
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
The George, Hathersage
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Foxlow Grange by Muse Escapes
Bolehill Farm Cottages, Bakewell
Atlow Mill, Ashbourne

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award
The Maynard, Grindleford
Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

Team of the Year
Belper North Mill Volunteers Association
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn Front of House Team
Bike and Boot Hotel, Hope

Tourism Young Achiever Award
Oliver Curl – The Barrel Inn
Ben Barber – The Maynard
Dylan Hunt – Atlantik Inns

Unsung Hero Award
Charlotte Uwins – The Scotsman’s Pack
Ian Fairbrother – Thornbridge Estate
Jimmy Crookes – The Yorkshire Bridge Inn

Visitor Attraction of the Year
Thornbridge Estate
Bluebell Dairy Farm Park
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury

For more details on the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards.

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Regional tourism awards to be celebrated next spring

Shining stars of the East Midlands’ vibrant tourism industry will be celebrated at a prestigious joint awards ceremony hosted by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, next spring.

It has been announced that the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards will be revealed at a glittering joint awards ceremony held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on 20 March 2025.

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby – are joining forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement across the tourism sector and give local businesses an opportunity to share their success stories, generate valuable publicity and reach new customers.

From B&Bs and visitor attractions to hotels, campsites and unique experiences, the diverse award categories reflect the breadth of the region’s tourism landscape.

The awards are held in partnership with VisitEngland and Gold winners will have the opportunity to progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

The awards ceremony is supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to celebrate the success of local tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25BN of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.

The evening will bring together 500 guests from across the region’s tourism, leisure, culture and hospitality industries, including shortlisted businesses from 30 overall awards categories plus local MPs, partners and stakeholders.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “One of my priorities is to boost tourism and celebrate our region’s heritage, vibrancy, culture and natural beauty through my Visit East Midlands campaign. This joint awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellence in all aspects of tourism across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and I’m delighted to host and support these awards.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re excited to be joining forces with our LVEP partners in Nottinghamshire to deliver a glittering joint awards ceremony celebrating the very best of tourism in the East Midlands next spring.

“The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer. Not only do these awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism products, but they also highlight the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in driving growth, creating jobs, and making the region such a great place to live, work and visit.

“The visitor economy is a vital yet often underappreciated asset of the East Midlands, and this event will help us harness the industry’s full potential so we can truly start to punch above our weight”.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “It’s great to see these two amazing Awards come together, ramping up the impact and value of entering for tourism businesses in Nottinghamshire, Peak District and Derbyshire.  These areas have truly outstanding national winners, and we look forward to welcoming the regional award winners to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025. I wish all of those who enter the very best of luck.”

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners. The Awards Ceremony is sponsored by Nottingham Venues.

For more details on the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards.

Derbyshire and Derby tourism awards

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Applications open for 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

Visitor economy businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being encouraged to share their successes by applying for a prestigious awards ceremony.

Applications for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are now open. The awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s £2.5 billion tourism sector and give local businesses an opportunity to share their success stories, generate valuable publicity and reach new customers.

Attractions, pubs, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, campsites and experience providers are amongst those encouraged to enter in one or more of 14 awards categories covering different aspects of the tourism industry.

The awards are organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the region’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in collaboration with Visit Derby, and are held in partnership with the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the awards process itself provides businesses with the unique opportunity to develop and improve their offer through valuable feedback and insights.

Success at the awards also helps businesses to gain a marketing edge over competitors, increase staff pride and motivation, and secure high-profile media coverage across local, regional and potentially national publications.

Businesses have until 23:59 on Monday 26th August 2024 to enter the awards. The shortlist will be revealed this autumn and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony next spring.

Winners in most categories will automatically be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, giving them the chance to emulate the success of recent national competition finalists Wildhive Callow Hall, Pure Outdoor, Darwin Forest Lodges and Hoe Grange Holidays, who this year won Gold at national level.

The full list of categories for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Team of the Year (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever (Local Award)

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of our tourism industry and provide a high-profile opportunity for businesses to showcase their successes, achievements and commitment to quality and excellence.

“Tourism plays a vital role in making the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby such a great place to live, work and visit, and these awards offer the chance for businesses to gather valuable feedback and insights on how they can continue to grow for the future.

“Entering the local awards is also the only way for businesses to qualify for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, unlocking valuable PR opportunities and earning recognition that places them on the map as one of England’s finest tourism businesses.”

The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are free to enter for members of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Visit Derby. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category.

Entrants must be based in Derbyshire, the city of Derby, or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Details of all the categories and how to apply are available at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

Derbyshire and Derby tourism awards

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Chesterfield Champions among the shortlist for Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

Chesterfield Champions, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel have been nominated as finalists for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

The full shortlist has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.

Matlock Farm Park has been shortlisted for a total of three awards, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Team of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Chesterfield’s Peak Edge Hotel has been nominated for the coveted Hotel of the Year award.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby on Thursday 7th March 2024.

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the 2024 awards celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism experiences to visitors from across the country, but they also serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in making the destination such a great place to live, work and visit.

“We’ve received a record number of applications this year and reaching this impressive lift of finalists is an achievement in itself. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2024.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2024 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • The Coach House, Derby
  • Sheldon House, Monyash
  • Underleigh House B&B, Hope

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock
  • Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, nr Buxton
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Bakewell
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Experience of the Year

  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne

New Tourism Business of the Year

  • The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn, nr Buxton
  • Muse Escapes Ltd, Buxton
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Great Longstone
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Stainsborough Hall Ltd, Carsington
  • Waterside Barn, Bradbourne

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Award

  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • The Patternmakers, Duffield

Team of the Year

  • The George, Hathersage
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Muse Escapes, Buxton

Tourism Young Achiever

  • Helena Smith Parucker, The Museum of Making
  • Steph Taylor, Atlantik Inns
  • Emma West, Longbow Bars and Restaurants

Unsung Hero

  • Adrian Gagea, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Alan Hobson, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Jane Redfern, Wildhive Callow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • The Museum of Making, Derby

For more details see: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDDTourismAwards.

Peak Edge Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Matlock Farm Park

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Shortlist revealed for 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the 2023 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a fantastic celebration of the passionate, hardworking and distinctive businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism offer to visitors and investors from across the country, but they also highlight the rewarding careers available in the industry and serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy.

“Reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and we look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2023.”

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Casa Hotels Group, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards at Casa Hotel for the second year in a row. The tourism awards are a great way to celebrate success across the area’s unique hospitality and tourism sector, and we’re thrilled to have been nominated for three awards this year alongside many other top-class businesses.

“Global Brands is also pleased to be sponsoring the reception drinks for this prestigious occasion and we look forward to celebrating with finalists on Thursday 2nd March 2023!”


Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2023 Shortlist


Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
  • Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor

Experience of the Year

  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne

New Tourism Business Award

  • Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne
  • The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

Team of the Year

  • Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Hattersley Wines
  • The Maynard Team

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat
  • Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDTourismAwards.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Casa Hotel support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to apply for Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

Applications for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are now officially open, with businesses urged to enter for the chance to gain prestigious local and national recognition.

Organised for the third year by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, the awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism sector.

There are 16 categories in total covering different aspects of the visitor economy, from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to visitor attractions, unique experiences and delicious local food and drink.

The awards also recognise the hardworking teams and individuals behind local businesses and a new Young Chef of the Year category has been introduced for 2023 to shine a light on the talented young people pursuing careers in hospitality.

Applications for the awards are open until 1st September 2022 and finalists will be revealed in October. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2023, with Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories progressing on to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the chance to achieve national glory.

Categories for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Resilience and Innovation Award
  • Team of the Year (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever (Local Award)
  • Young Chef of the Year (Local Award) NEW – COMING SOON

Businesses interested in applying for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards can learn how to increase their chances of success by attending a dedicated application writing workshop on 12th July 2022.

The funded online workshop, led by multi-award-winning local business Hoe Grange Holidays, will include top tips on how to write a quality awards application together with insights on what the judges will be looking for.

Full details of how to apply, and more information on the application writing workshop, can be found at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/tourism-awards

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are supported by the European Regional Development Fund and C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of our incredible tourism industry and the wonderful array of tourism businesses who are so deserving of recognition.

“Tourism plays a vital role in making the Peak District and Derbyshire such a special place to live, work and visit, and these awards also provide a perfect opportunity to recognise the teams and individuals who work hard to provide visitors with experiences to remember.

“Entering these locally aligned awards is the only way to qualify for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, so we strongly encourage tourism businesses to submit their entries and help us to celebrate the best of what the destination has to offer.”

Chris Sellors, Managing Director of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, says: “As a business that prides itself on promoting quality and celebrating our Derbyshire heritage, C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches is delighted to be once again producing bespoke awards for the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards. Good luck to everyone who applies!”

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary and must be part of the visitor economy.

For the latest updates follow Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire on Facebook and LinkedIn, @mpddindustry on Twitter and follow #PDDTourismAwards.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Matlock Farm Park in double success at Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

Shining stars of the local tourism industry were celebrated at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards last week, with Matlock Farm Park taking two gold awards on the night.

Designed to recognise and reward excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector, the awards brought together 41 finalists in 15 categories for a glittering ceremony at Chesterfield’s four-star Casa Hotel.

Some of the area’s finest pubs, restaurants, attractions, experiences and accommodation providers were amongst those recognised at the awards evening, organised for the second year by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

In recognition of the exceptional challenges faced by tourism businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories were added for 2022: the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ and the ‘Resilience and Innovation Award’.

Two new local awards – ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Tourism Young Achiever’ – were also added to recognise the thousands of jobs supported by tourism across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Demonstrating the variety and quality of tourism businesses in the area, awards were hotly contested and nominees progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s awards ceremony.

Host Andy Miller compered the event as Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners were revealed. Gold winners were each presented with hand-crafted awards, designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners each received a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will now progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Following two years of unprecedented challenges, we’re delighted to recognise the inspirational businesses and passionate individuals who continually raise the bar of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s world-class visitor offer.

“Not only does our tourism industry offer incredible experiences for those who holiday here, it supports thousands of local jobs and makes a vital contribution to the local economy, helping to make the Peak District and Derbyshire such a great place to live, work and visit.

“This year’s awards are also a timely reminder of the determination, innovation and commitment of our local businesses who have worked incredibly hard to adapt and rebuild, and to continue to provide visitors with a first-class welcome.”

Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022: THE WINNERS

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • GOLD: Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • GOLD: Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Silver: Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • GOLD: Landal Sandybrook, Ashbourne
  • Silver: Boutique Camping at Scaldersitch Farm, Sheen
  • Bronze: Beech Croft Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Taddington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • GOLD: Pure Outdoor Ltd
  • Silver: Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Bronze: Fischer’s Baslow Hall

Experience of the Year

  • GOLD: Pure Outdoor Ltd
  • Silver: myGuidedWalks
  • Bronze: Drive Dad’s Car, Great British Car Journey

Hotel of the Year

  • GOLD: Rafters at Riverside House, Ashford-in-the-Water
  • Silver: The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
  • Bronze: Casa Hotel, Chesterfield

New Tourism Business Award

  • GOLD: Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
  • Silver: Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Bronze: Country Luxe Derbyshire

Pub of the Year

  • GOLD: The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley
  • Silver: The Prince of Wales, Baslow
  • Bronze: The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • GOLD: Stainsborough Hall, near Wirksworth
  • Silver: Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
  • Bronze: Oaker Farm Holidays, Hope

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • GOLD: Fischer’s Baslow Hall
  • Silver: The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
  • Silver: The George, Alstonefield

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • GOLD: Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Silver: Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton
  • Bronze: Bluebell Dairy Ltd, Spondon

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • GOLD: Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Silver: White Peak Distillery, Ambergate
  • Bronze: Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • GOLD: Luke Henshaw, Great British Car Journey
  • Silver: George Finlay, Matlock Farm Park
  • Bronze: Jack Boam, Tagg Lane Dairy

Team of the Year Award

  • GOLD: The Welcome Team Ltd
  • Silver: Pinelodge Holidays Ltd
  • Bronze: Rafters at Riverside House

Unsung Hero Award

  • GOLD: Rob Hattersley, Longbow Bars & Restaurants
  • Silver: John Whelan, Rafters at Riverside House

Matlock Farm Park, Casa Hotel and Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay shortlisted for national tourism award

Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay is celebrating after being announced as one of ten finalists in the running for the title of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2022.

Organised by national tourist board VisitEngland and supported by The Mirror, the Tourism Superstar competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.

The competition invites members of the public to visit mirror.co.uk/travel to watch a short film created for each of the ten finalists and then to vote for their favourite.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, is now leading the campaign to encourage votes for George using the social media hashtag #VOTEGEORGE.

At just 22 years old, George goes above and beyond in his role at one of Derbyshire’s leading tourist attractions to ensure visitors have amazing and unforgettable experiences.

As Farm Supervisor at Matlock Farm Park, George’s responsibilities include running daily animal-based activities for the public – such as meerkat talks and wallaby encounters – looking after the health and welfare of animals and engaging with visitors around the park.

George is particularly passionate about sharing his love for animals with young audiences and he was nominated to be VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2022 because of the enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and dedication that he brings to his role – attributes that win him regular praise on TripAdvisor from visitors from across the UK.

As well as shining a spotlight on individuals who go the extra mile for tourists in the UK, this year’s Tourism Superstar competition also recognises the efforts made by teams across the industry in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, during the first Covid-19 lockdown when tourism businesses were closed to the public, George was inspired to create behind-the-scenes social media videos and a YouTube series to bring the farm park to visitors’ homes through the click of a button.

Matlock Farm Park TV has since reached thousands of views online, giving visitors the chance to go behind-the-scenes with entertaining and educational episodes that encourage young people to have a love for animals.

George Finlay, Farm Supervisor at Matlock Farm Park, says: “I am absolutely delighted to be representing the Peak District and Derbyshire in the national finals and to be nominated as Tourism Superstar is an amazing honour.

“I feel incredibly lucky to work in a job where I can share my passion for animals with visitors of all ages from across the UK and Europe, helping them to have rewarding experiences.

“Our amazing destination has so much to offer visitors, and if nothing else, I hope to shine a spotlight on the Peak District and Derbyshire and all it has to offer.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “With his knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication to giving visitors of all ages a great experience, George is a fantastic ambassador for the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism sector, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see him reach the final.

“This award recognises the people on the ground whose consistent vision and dedication ensures that visitors have a great experience and we encourage local residents, businesses and visitors alike to get behind him using #VOTEGEORGE.”

Watch George Finlay’s nomination video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmwQU0uKq8.

Vote for George Finlay in the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition at mirror.co.uk/travel.

The voting closes on 22 March 2022 and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced on 26 March 2022 at the end of English Tourism Week 2022 (18-27 March).

Follow the campaign progress on Facebook and Instagram at @visitpeakdistrict and on Twitter at @vpdd – and use the social media hashtag #VOTEGEORGE.

Matlock Farm Park and Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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