Cumbria Tourism has released the list of finalists for its 2025 awards, recognizing excellence across 15 tourism categories in the region.
The awards are set to be presented on July 8 at a ceremony honoring businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to Cumbria’s visitor economy.
The selection process followed VisitEngland’s scoring criteria, which evaluate applicants based on quality, customer service, and visitor care.
Finalists now move into a second phase of judging, which includes mystery shopper visits or on-site assessments. Each category includes up to four finalists, with additional recognition given to four individuals nominated for the Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award.
Categories range from accommodation types such as B&B and guest houses to experiential offerings and food service, reflecting the breadth of Cumbria’s tourism sector.
Of particular interest to professionals in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors is the Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year category.
According to a report by Cumbria Crack, finalists in this category include Solway Holiday Park in Silloth, Park Cliffe near Windermere, The Quiet Site at Ullswater, and Ullswater Heights Holiday Home and Lodge Park in Penrith.
These properties have been recognized for providing high-quality, guest-centric outdoor stays that contribute to Cumbria’s tourism appeal.
Another category of note is the Regenerative Tourism Award, which highlights businesses adopting sustainable practices.
Among the finalists is Castlerigg Hall Caravan Camping Glamping in Keswick, recognized for efforts to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience.
These recognitions offer insight into current trends and consumer expectations around sustainability and eco-conscious travel within the outdoor accommodations sector.
The Taste of Cumbria Award, due to a high number of submissions, has been split into Fine Dining and Casual Dining subcategories for the second consecutive year, reflecting the growing culinary diversity in the region.
Other categories spotlight experiences, hotels, self-catering accommodations, pubs, and attractions, providing a comprehensive snapshot of Cumbria’s tourism landscape.
The awards not only highlight local excellence but also offer benchmarks and inspiration for business owners and operators across the UK’s wider outdoor hospitality and tourism industry.
Those attending the awards ceremony in July will see firsthand how innovation, guest experience, and sustainable practices are shaping the future of tourism in the region.