York’s tourism champions have been revealed.
Sixteen of York’s top tourism businesses celebrated a win in the Visit York annual Tourism Awards on Thursday night (June 21).
Marking its 21st year, the Visit York Tourism Awards celebrate individuals and companies who offer that extra special service and experience for York’s 6.9 million visitors, recognising and rewarding excellence in the city’s multi-million pound tourism sector.
There was a fantastic turnout, attended by around 400 tourism businesses.
In two of the most hotly contested categories, No.21 York scooped B&B of the Year and best hotel went to Grays Court. Restaurant of the Year title went to Hudson’s by Craig Atchinson at The Grand Hotel & Spa and The Balloon Tree Farmshop & Café won the award in the ‘Best Café or Tearoom’ category.
The ‘Tourism Champion’ crown was passed on from last year’s winner Will Zhuang to Ann Deller. Ann was recognised for her outstanding contribution to tourism and the many years of service she has given to the Association of Voluntary Guides.
So who were all the winners? We’re glad you asked…
B&B of the Year
Winner: No.21 York
Goldsborough Hall
Tower Guest House
Café or Tearoom of the Year
Winner: The Balloon Tree Farmshop & Café
The Black Swan
The Garden Room at The Principal York
Conference Venue of the Year
Winner: York Racecourse
Finalists
The Principal York
Lakeside Conference Centre
Family Friendly Experience of the Year
Winner: York Maze
Explore York Library & Archive
The Web Adventure Park
York Castle Museum – A Victorian Christmas
Energi Trampoline Park York
Guided Tour of the Year
Winner: York Cycling Tours
Finalists
Brewtown Tours
The Bloody Tour of York
Tours in a Dish
Hotel of the Year
Winner: Grays Court
Highly Commended
The Grand Hotel & Spa, York
Finalists
Doubletree by Hilton, York
The Principal York
Newcomer of the Year
Winner: Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park
Fortyfive Vinyl Café
The Rise Restaurant, Terrace and Bar at The Grand Hotel & Spa, York
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
Valhalla York
Outstanding Customer Service
Winner: Anna Bialochleb – The Whippet Inn
Nikki Hopwood – Raithwaite Hall
Wayne Brady – The Grand Hotel & Spa, York
Rhianna Smith – Hilton York
Pub or Bar of the Year
Winner: Chapter House York
The Blue Bell
The Whippet Inn Steak & Alehouse
Walmgate Ale House
Restaurant of the Year
Winner: Hudson’s by Craig Atchinson at The Grand Hotel & Spa
Finalists
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
The Gallery at The Black Swan
The Whippet Inn Steak & Alehouse
Walmgate Ale House
Self-Catering Venue of the Year
Winner: The Dovecote Barns
Highly Commended
Studford Luxury Lodges
Finalists
Goodramgate Apartments
Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges & Snug Huts
Shopping Experience of the Year
Winner: Azendi
Cuffs & Co
Rafi’s Spicebox
Visitor Attraction of the Year (Over 50K visitors)
Winner: Jorvik Viking Centre
City Cruises York
Finalist
Yorkshire Museum
Visitor Attraction of the Year (Under 50K visitors)
Winner: York Army Museum
Highly Commended
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Finalists
Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park
Barley Hall
Visitor Experience of the Year
Winner: York Racecourse
Highly Commended
The Bloody Tour of York
Finalist
Hallowscream at York Maze
Wedding Venue of the Year
Winner: National Railway Museum
Finalists
National Centre for Early Music
The Amazing Wedding Company at York Maze
York Racecourse
Visit York Tourism Champion 2018
Winner: Ann Deller
