Celebrating Tourism in Lincolnshire
Winners announced for the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards 2024-25, accredited by VisitEngland
Over 280 people came together recently to celebrate the best of Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland’s £2.6bn visitor economy at the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards 2024-25.
Organised by Destination Lincolnshire, the 79 shortlisted businesses, gathered at the Lincolnshire Showground to find out who would be crowned the best in the region. Hosted by the wonderful Lee Peart – resident warm-up act for ITV’s Loose Women, comedian, actor and proud Grimbarian – the night was a true celebration of the homegrown talent and the immersive, inclusive experiences that await visitors heading to Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.
For winners and finalists alike, the night was a chance to gather at the venue – elegantly styled for the occasion by Mayflower & Lily – to celebrate with colleagues, catch up with old friends, discuss future plans, raise a glass to their successes and enjoy some up-close magic from Scott Perry.
Charlotte Goy, CEO of Destination Lincolnshire, said: “The Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards celebrated every aspect of the visitor economy that we are lucky to have here in our thriving region.”
“We championed the innovation, passion, dedication, resilience, and tenacity that we have seen from Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses over the past few years, it was an absolute joy to meet all the finalists and see 2025’s winners named.”
“Not only is this a priceless opportunity for our winners to fly the flag for the region and shout about their award win, but for 12 of our winners, this celebration also heralds the chance to achieve national recognition among industry peers in the VisitEngland Tourism Excellence Awards 2025.”
“Designed to celebrate and demonstrate the quality of the UK’s visitor offering, I’m thrilled to see such a strong cohort of businesses now heading to the first round of national judging. Previous years have seen Canwick’s International Bomber Command, Healing Manor Hotel and Unsung Hero, Katie Calder, head to the national VisitEngland Awards.”
This year’s winners were decided in line with VisitEngland’s scoring criteria, following three thorough and rigorous judging rounds, carried out by an expert panel of seasoned, industry-based judges.
The 2025 Winners of Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award: North Lincolnshire Museum
B&B or Guest House of the Year: Bridleway Bed and Breakfast
Camping/Glamping/Holiday Park of the Year: Ashleigh Farm Caravan and Glamping
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism: International Bomber Command Centre
Experience of the Year: Lincoln Free Walking Tour
Hotel of the Year (small and large): The William Cecil, Stamford
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Lincoln Cathedral
New Tourism Business of the Year: Meadow Lodges at Boothby Pagnell
Pub of the Year: The Horse & Groom, Lincoln
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Treetop Hideaways, Woodhall Spa
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: North Lincolnshire Museum
Taste of Lincolnshire and Rutland Award: San Pietro, Scunthorpe
Arts, Heritage and Culture Award: The Beonna, Benington
Event/Festival of the Year Award: River Light Festival, Sleaford
Homegrown in Lincolnshire and Rutland: The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company
Pride in Place Award: Horncastle
The Going Places Award: Tuan Mai Khoi Phan, University of Lincoln
The Outstanding Contribution Award: Michele Sims, Lincoln Visitor Info Centre
Award Sponsors: AVH Parks Ltd; The Choowee Cookie, Company; South Kesteven District Council; Knapton Wright; insight6; Visit Lincoln; Heart of Lincs; East Lindsey District Council; Ruddocks; Woodhall Country Park; Fantasy Island; Discover Rutland; West Lindsey District Council; Peachy Events; The Drill, Lincoln; Boston Borough Council; Nicholsons Chartered Accountants; Lincolnshire Showground.
Read the full feature at https://www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire/view-magazines?magazine=May-2025