Tourism businesses from Devon, Cornwall and Exmoor brought home eight national awards, including three Golds, at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, at Aerospace Bristol last night.
The prestigious awards recognise the very best tourism businesses in England and this year brought together winners from twenty-one regional competitions, with 369 businesses put forward for national recognition.
The South West winners were:
- Gold Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall
- Silver Large Hotel of the Year – Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
- Silver New Tourism Business of the Year – The Story of Emily, Cornwall
- Gold Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon
- Gold Large Hotel of the Year – Bovey Castle, Devon
- Silver B&B and Guest House of the Year – One Drake Road and Apartments, Devon
- Bronze International Tourism Award – Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Devon
- Bronze New Tourism Business of the Year – Flora and Fauna, Exmoor
VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes, said, “The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world leading. I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.”
Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism, said, “To reach the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is a huge achievement. Businesses first must impress independent judges in their regional Tourism Awards before going forward to compete against the very best from across England. We are incredibly proud of all eight winners. They represent the quality, innovation and passion that make the South West one of England’s leading visitor destinations.”
Speaking of the award, Claire Corbett, Head of Marketing at The Story of Emily, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the VisitEngland Silver Award for New Tourism Business of the Year. To be recognised at a national level among so many outstanding tourism businesses is an incredible achievement and a testament to the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team. Since opening our doors, we have been committed to creating a truly unique visitor experience that shines a light on Emily Hobhouse’s extraordinary story, and this award is a wonderful recognition of that ambition.”
Elsabé Brits, Curator at The Story of Emily, added: “This award marks a significant milestone for The Story of Emily and for Cornwall’s tourism sector. To receive recognition from VisitEngland so early in our journey demonstrates the impact the attraction is having on visitors from across the UK and beyond. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited about the future.”
