Shortlist revealed for 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards – as nominations launch for Festival or Event of the Year

The spotlight is officially on the area’s talented tourism businesses as the shortlist for the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards is revealed – celebrating the best of the destination’s thriving £3.58bn visitor economy.

Following a record number of entries, finalists have been unveiled across 17 awards categories recognising excellence across the area’s tourism sector – from hotels and B&Bs to attractions, pubs, cafes and unique experiences.

In addition, applications are now open for the 2026 ‘Festival or Event of the Year’ award, which champions outstanding events and festivals held in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Whether it's a well-established celebration or a new addition to the cultural calendar, eligible events are encouraged to submit an entry or be nominated for a chance to gain prestigious recognition.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 26 October 2025, with a shortlist of finalists announced shortly after. A public vote will then run from 1 to 30 November 2025, with the finalist receiving the highest number of votes crowned the winner of the coveted title.

To apply or nominate for the 2026 Festival or Event of the Year award, visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

Finalists in all other categories will now progress to the final round of independent judging, which includes a series of mystery visits to determine the winners. The awards will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony held in spring 2026.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each core category will go on to represent the region at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2026 – the highest national accolade in English tourism.

The 2026 awards are proudly sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will handcraft bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “These awards are a celebration of the people, businesses and experiences that make our destination such a memorable place to visit. Our 2026 finalists represent the very best in innovation, quality and customer experience – it’s an honour to recognise their work and we can’t wait to celebrate with them next spring.

“The visitor economy plays a vital role in supporting jobs, attracting investment and sustaining local communities across the Peak District and Derbyshire. By championing excellence in tourism, we’re helping to strengthen the region’s reputation as a must-visit destination – and ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.”

Martyn Wright of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches says: “As a proud Derbyshire business with a passion for craftsmanship and quality, we’re delighted to sponsor the 2026 Tourism Awards. It’s an honour to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our region’s tourism sector and to present bespoke, handcrafted awards to this year’s Gold winners.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2026 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
The Cupola Café-Bar-Pizza-Grill

B&B and Guest House of the Year

The Boot, Repton
The Bull’s Head, Foolow
The Dragon, Willington

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Hartington Hills, near Hartington
Rivendale Lodge Retreat, near Ashbourne
Sandybrook Lodges, Ashbourne

Dog Friendly Tourism Business of the Year

Bike & Boot, Hope
Rivendale Lodge Retreat, near Ashbourne
Thornbridge Estate, Ashford-in-the-Water

Experience of the Year

Buxton Pottery Painting
Peak Walking Adventures
PeakePedals Ltd

Family Friendly Tourism Business of the Year

Bluebell Dairy Ltd, near Derby
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
Thornbridge Estate, Ashford-in-the-Water

Hotel of the Year

Morley Hayes, near Derby
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
The Peacock at Rowsley

New Tourism Business of the Year

Langley Meadows, near Kirk Langley
The Torr Vale Tap, New Mills
Wild & Other, near Chesterfield

Pub of the Year

The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
The Boot, Repton
The Tickled Trout, Barlow

Regenerative Tourism Award

Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Morley Hayes, near Derby
Wild & Other, near Chesterfield

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

Brosterfield Farm, Foolow
Darley House, Darley Dale
The Cupola Café-Bar-Pizza-Grill, Stoney Middleton

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award – Café and Tea Room

Hackney House Café and Deli, Barlow
Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
On the Bridge, New Mills

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award – Restaurants

Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
The Garden Room at Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne
The Peacock at Rowsley

Team of the Year

Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre Volunteers
The Arkwright Society Team, Cromford Mill
The Wheatsheaf Pub & Pantry, Bakewell

Tourism Young Achiever Award

Dylan Torr – Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust
Grace Medhurst – Yorkshire Bridge Inn
Melissa Collins – Bluebell Dairy

Unsung Hero Award

David Brown – Hoe Grange Holidays
Jamie Parker – The Cupola Café-Bar-Pizza-Grill
Vivienne Smith – National Stone Centre

Visitor Attraction of the Year

Bluebell Dairy Ltd, near Derby
Denby Pottery Village
National Trust – Calke Abbey

Details of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards can be found at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

ENDS

High resolution image attached: Gold winners at the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

For press enquiries, please contact Amy Noton at 07387 141590 or amy.noton@visitpeakdistrict.com. 

Notes

About Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s mission is to develop and grow a successful and sustainable tourism economy, working closely with a wide range of partners to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is the lead partner of the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), in collaboration with Visit Derby.
For more information visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry
Inspiration on things to do and where to stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire is available at www.visitpeakdistrict.com

About Visit Derby
Visit Derby‘s mission is to develop and improve as a sustainable, competitive visitor destination based on a growing reputation for providing a quality experience across all aspects of the visitor journey.
For the latest industry information see www.visitderby.co.uk/derby-tourism-industry
For inspiration about what to see and do in Derby and where to stay see www.visitderby.co.uk