in Northumberland.
Every year, the best of the North East’s tourism industry are recognised in
the North East Tourism Awards, and every year Northumberland steals the
show. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next Northumberland
trip, you might as well start with the very best, so here is our round up of
the Northumberland gold award winners of the North East Tourism Awards
2024.
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award – The Alnwick Garden
Built to be unconventional, The Alnwick Garden is a unique, contemporary
garden in the beautiful town of Alnwick, where you can lose yourself in the
mysterious Bamboo Labyrinth, explore the perils of The Poison Garden or
picnic by the Grand Cascade. Awarded for their outstanding accessibility and
inclusivity, The Alnwick Garden team embed inclusivity into every decision
they make, including in the design features, activities, events and more.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – Hadrian’s Wall
Campsite
Hadrian’s Wall Campsite is a special campsite less than a mile from Hadrian’s
wall, with incredible sweeping views of Northumberland National Park,
sunsets and dark skies that will make you want to stay up all night gazing at
the sky, and nearby historical sites that you may struggle to fit into one stay.
They offer everything from grass pitches, most of which offer electric hook
up, to a variety of self-catering options all the way up to their shepherd’s hut
and The Bunkbarn.
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award – Northumberland
Zoo
Home to over 80 species, from tiny Harvest Mice to fluffy Snow
Leopards, Northumberland Zoo is a fantastic place for a family day out
in Northumberland. Offering private experiences with different animals,
as well as a Zookeeper Experience, the zoo wasn’t only recognised for its
outstanding offer for visitors, but also its ethical, responsible and sustainable
values and practices.
Experience of the Year – Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours is a repeat winner in the North East England
Tourism Awards AND has been announced as a finalist in the national awards
in London. The Farne Islands are a small group of islands a few miles off the
coast of the Northumberland village of Seahouses where adorable puffins
return every year, from May to September, for mating season. Serenity’s
purpose-built catamarans are the perfect platform for viewing the Farne
Islands and their spectacular wildlife.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Whitehouse Farm Centre
Whitehouse Farm Centre is Northumberland’s largest, family-run farm
attraction spread over 40 acres, located south of Morpeth. Whitehouse Farm
is a great place for families, school and group visits of all ages enabling visitors
to see, handle and feed a wide variety of animals from traditional breeds to
more unusual and exotic species.
New Tourism Business of the Year – The Hiddle Hut
Despite being a Northumberland newbie, The Hiddle Hut has already
stolen the show at the North East Tourism Awards. Situated under the
Northumberland Dark Sky Park and immersed within breath-taking views of
the countryside, their two-storey, luxury cabin offers a completely unique,
bespoke hideaway.
Pub of the Year – The Beresford Arms
The Beresford Arms is a restored coaching inn turned into a beautiful, cosy
blend of original stone walls, exposed beams, and an open fireplace. In
summer, choose between the sun-drenched front beer garden and spacious
rear garden to enjoy an al fresco drink or meal, and in winter snuggle up in
the dog friendly bar area.
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages
Nowhere feels like more of an escape from reality than staggering
Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages. Sitting 1400 feet above sea level deep in
Northumberland National Park, the mind-blowing views and complete,
blissful silence, other than the sound of chirping birds and scurrying wildlife,
will make you never want to leave.
Unsung Hero – Duncan Wise, Northumberland National Park Authority
This award picks out an individual who is integral to Northumberand’s
tourism industry and Duncan Wise, the Northumberland National Park’s
Visitor Development and Tourism Officer, scooped the Unsung hero award
for his tireless efforts to establish Northumberland as the country’s leading
Dark Skies reserve and his contribution to firmly establishing the park as a
place to enjoy nature.
Use this as a guide for your next Northumberland getaway and visit the very
best of the county
