WORCESTERSHIRE’S tourism sector is celebrating a standout achievement after a record six finalists were announced at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, marking a proud moment for the county on the national stage.
The finalists were put forward following their success at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards, representing the strongest showing the county has ever had at the national awards and underlining the quality, ambition and growing reputation of Worcestershire’s visitor economy.
The achievement comes against strong national competition, with 369 eligible local winners across 21 competitions in 16 categories competing for the highest accolades in English tourism.
Leading the way is Attwell Farm Park, which has been shortlisted in two categories, Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
The dual nomination recognises the attraction’s rapid growth in recent years, alongside its strong commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming experiences for all visitors, placing it among some of the country’s most respected visitor attractions.
Worcestershire’s accommodation sector is also well represented, with two countryside businesses shortlisted.
Bredon View Glamping Retreats has been named a finalist for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year, while Rowley Farm Holidays, a dog-friendly farm stay, is in the running for Self Catering Accommodation of the Year.
The nomination marks Rowley Farm Holidays’ second appearance at the national awards, having previously secured a Bronze award in 2022, reflecting the county’s growing appeal for high-quality rural breaks.
Rounding off the finalists is the Morgan Motor Company, with the Morgan Experience, including its iconic factory tours in Malvern, shortlisted for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.
The experience offers visitors a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the heritage and hand-built production process behind the world-famous British sports cars, bringing one of Worcestershire’s most recognisable brands to life for visitors from across the UK and beyond.
The announcement follows further national recognition for the county, with Mick Hurst of the Battle of Evesham Events recently named VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar, an award decided by public vote. Mick will also be formally presented with his award at the national ceremony.
Lorna Robinson, visitor economy and destination manager at Visit Worcestershire, said: “This is a phenomenal achievement for Worcestershire.
“To see a record five businesses progress from our local Tourism Awards to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is something we are incredibly proud of. I’m absolutely thrilled and genuinely buzzing for our businesses, it’s a true reflection of the quality, passion and collaboration across our visitor economy.
“Alongside our Tourism Superstar, Mick Hurst, it’s shaping up to be a bumper night for Worcestershire, and we’ll be cheering on Team Worcestershire all the way.”
All Worcestershire finalists will receive either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award when the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence take place on Wednesday June 3 at Aerospace Bristol.
