A PRESTIGIOUS evening ceremony at Norwich’s newly renovated Castle has seen 11 businesses and individuals crowned with top accolades in this year’s Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards.
Celebrating the very best tourism and hospitality attractions, venues and experiences from across Norfolk and Suffolk, the awards are the first major celebration since it was announced that Visit East of England (VEE, the official tourism body for Suffolk and Norfolk and organisers of the awards) has been accredited as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) by national tourism body VisitEngland.
Winners and one runner up from all but two categories, then automatically go forward to compete on a national level in June, in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The Suffolk & Norfolk ceremony, hosted by TV presenter David Whiteley, was opened with an address by Executive Director of Visit East of England, Pete Waters.
He spoke of the exceptional standard of candidates for this year’s awards, and what a tough task it had been for the judges across each category.
Reflecting on the opportunity that LVEP status offers Suffolk and Norfolk, he said that while it was clear that these are challenging times for the whole sector, he felt positive and heartened by the incredible tenacity and entrepreneurialism that continues to be shown within the tourism industry.
The full list of winners (with comments from judges) is as follows:
B&B and Guest House of the Year Winner: Belle Vue Guest House & Cottage
Sponsor: Out of Office Events
JUDGES SAID: The care and attention to detail throughout the property are evident in every corner, making it impossible to find anything to criticise.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year Winner: Hippersons Boatyard Sponsor: Ronaldo Ices
JUDGES SAID: The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home.
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award Winner: Wild With Nature Sponsor: Swiss Camplings
JUDGES SAID: Perfect for couples or solo travellers, this is eco glamping at its best, where all elements of comfort and convenience have been carefully considered and where sustainability is embedded into everything they do.
Experience of the Year Winner: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park Sponsor: Ginger Pickle
JUDGES SAID: The experience was immersive, well-structured, and undeniably memorable.
Hotel of the Year Winner: Titchwell Manor Sponsor: Ensors
JUDGES SAID: All elements work in harmony to make it an outstanding place to stay, a place that guests want to return to and a hotel that introduces visitors to the unique charm of the North Norfolk coast.
New Tourism Business of the Year Winner: The Miller’s Shed Sponsor: Lovewell Blake LLP
JUDGES SAID: With glowing five-star reviews, a seamless booking process, and a dedication to supporting the local community, The Miller’s Shed exemplifies excellence in new tourism.
Pub of the Year Winner: The Pigs (Edgefield)
JUDGES SAID: The Pigs has a great reputation and lives up to this with the fantastic venue and team of staff.
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Winner: North Cottage Cromer Sponsor: Hoseasons
JUDGES SAID: The house is stunning and the accommodation spacious, inviting and beautifully maintained. The accommodation works incredibly well for large groups with excellent shared spaces.
Taste of England Award Winner: Yalm Foodhall Sponsor: Holidays Matter 2 Us
JUDGES SAID: A standout dining destination in Norwich, offering an exceptional food experience through its curated selection of independent kitchens.
Visitor Attraction of the Year Winner: Holkham Sponsor: Howes Percival LLP
JUDGES SAID: A world-class visitor attraction that seamlessly blends history, nature, and modern amenities.
Unsung Hero Award Winner: Fran Hartshorne (at The White Horse, Brancaster) Sponsor: Greater Anglia
JUDGES SAID: Fran’s contributions extend beyond her kitchen. Her focus on sustainability, local engagement, and mentorship significantly impacts her team, her diners, and the broader culinary community. Her quiet yet impactful leadership style makes her an inspiring role model.
Commenting on the significance of these awards, Pete Waters said:
“The Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards celebrate the passion and innovation driving our region’s tourism industry forward.
Each winner exemplifies excellence in their respective categories, offering visitors unforgettable experiences and exceptional hospitality.”
Sponsors involved in this year’s event included companies such as Ensors, Lovewell Blake, Larking Gowen, Swiss Camplings, Greater Anglia, Howes Percival, Hoseasons and Ginger Pickle.
PHOTOGRAPHY
All labelled photography can be accessed here Awards Night Photography
This depository will be updated post event with further images.
Please credit Visit East of England.
For specific images or details feel free to contact the team as above.
CONTACTS
Media: Deborah Watson, Lexia Agency. deborah@lexiaagency.co.uk
07974 359001
We kindly request you contact Lexia in advance of contacting individual winners, so as to avoid them receiving multiple calls and communications in a busy trading period. Any emailed requests should be accompanied with a clear outline of your requirement and deadline.
About the Awards
The Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards were established to honour the very best of the region’s tourism sector, recognising the innovation, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by local businesses. These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective strength and vibrancy of the tourism industry in Suffolk and Norfolk. From small independent businesses to larger attractions, the awards serve as a platform to showcase the incredible range of experiences the region has to offer.
Under the guidance of Visit East of England (VEE), the 2025 awards mark a new chapter of growth and opportunity. As the official tourism organisation for the East of England and an accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), VEE is dedicated to driving forward the local visitor economy. This accreditation underscores VEE’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the region remains a key destination for visitors from across the UK and beyond. By organising the awards, VEE aims to elevate the profile of Suffolk and Norfolk’s tourism sector while encouraging continued innovation and excellence.
The awards also connect regional success with national recognition. Finalists and winners from the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards are eligible to compete in the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held annually in June. These national awards celebrate the best in English tourism, providing businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to gain exposure and recognition on a wider stage. Competing at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence not only highlights the quality of tourism businesses in the region but also inspires continuous improvement across the industry.
Through these awards, Suffolk and Norfolk’s tourism sector has a chance to shine locally, regionally, and nationally—bringing well-deserved recognition to businesses that contribute so much to the visitor experience and the local economy.
https://www.visiteastofengland.com/tourism-awards/2025-winners
