From luxury Peak District hotels and countryside retreats to Nottingham’s cultural heavyweights and family attractions, the East Midlands’ tourism stars are preparing for a battle of the best.
The shortlist for the 2027 Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards has officially landed, putting the spotlight on dozens of businesses helping make Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire two of England’s most exciting destinations to visit, stay and explore.
Bringing together the counties’ tourism awards programmes under a single regional banner for only the second year, the awards celebrate the hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and hospitality teams going above and beyond for visitors.
And there’s plenty to shout about.
Tourism is worth a combined £6.1 billion to the two counties, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and powering everything from world-famous heritage sites and forest adventures to independent food businesses and luxury spas.
Nottinghamshire’s big hitters make the cut
Nottinghamshire’s shortlist is packed with familiar names and emerging stars.
Sherwood Forest is well represented, with Sherwood Pines shortlisted in two categories, while the National Justice Museum, Clumber Park and the National Trust Workhouse & Infirmary all feature among the county’s leading attractions.
In hospitality, The Orchard Hotel, Leonardo Hotel and Holiday Inn Nottingham are battling it out for Hotel of the Year, while newcomers Sherwood Observatory and Nottingham Forest Museum & Stadium Tours are among those competing for New Tourism Business of the Year.
Foodies aren’t left out either. Malt Cross has earned a double nomination, while Cleaver & Wake, Bramleys Restaurant and Nōshi are all in the running for top restaurant honours.
Peak District favourites flying the flag for Derbyshire
Across the border, Derbyshire’s shortlist reads like a who’s who of Peak District tourism.
Luxury destinations including Wildhive Callow Hall, The Cavendish at Baslow and The Peacock at Rowsley all feature prominently, while attractions such as Carsington Water, Museum of Making and The Children’s Country House at Sudbury are competing for Visitor Attraction of the Year.
The county’s celebrated food and drink scene is also strongly represented, with Morley Hayes, The Peacock at Rowsley and Peak Edge Hotel’s Red Lion Restaurant shortlisted for restaurant accolades.
Meanwhile, experiences ranging from Thornbridge Estate tours to spa breaks at Buxton Crescent and guided adventures with Pub Tours Ltd highlight the growing demand for memorable visitor experiences.
One night, two counties, regional bragging rights
After a final round of mystery visits and independent judging, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire finalists will come together at the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards ceremony on 10 March 2027 at Crowne Plaza Nottingham.
Full East Midlands Tourism Awards 2027 Shortlist
Nottinghamshire
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism
- National Trust Workhouse & Infirmary
- Nottingham Playhouse
- Forestry England – Sherwood Pines
B&B / Guest House of the Year
- Dukeries Lodge
- Woodborough Hall
- The Chestnuts Country House Boutique B&B
Business Events Venue of the Year
- Nottingham Venues
- Motorpoint Arena Nottingham & National Ice Centre
- Eastwood Hall
Camping / Glamping / Holiday Park of the Year
- Wolds Wine Estate
- Wild Acre at Sundown Adventureland
- Southwell Retreat Glamping Pods
Experience of the Year
- Aqua Sana Forest Spa
- Eden Hall Day Spa
- Ezekial Bone Nottingham Tours
Hotel of the Year
- Leonardo Hotel Nottingham
- Holiday Inn Nottingham
- The Orchard Hotel
New Tourism Business of the Year
- Sherwood Observatory
- Nōshi
- Nottingham Forest Museum & Stadium Tours
Pub of the Year
- The Four Bells, Woodborough
- Malt Cross
- Hearty Goodfellow
Regenerative Tourism
- Nottingham Playhouse
- Norwood Park
- The Welbeck Estate – Cuckney House
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- The Welbeck Estate – Cuckney House
- Norwood Park
- Village Holidays
Taste of Nottinghamshire – Casual Dining
- Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates
- Malt Cross
- Cosy Club
Taste of Nottinghamshire – Restaurant
- Bramleys Restaurant
- Nōshi
- Cleaver & Wake
Team of the Year
- trentbarton
- The Welbeck Estate
- Hilton East Midlands Airport
Visitor Attraction of the Year
- National Justice Museum
- Forestry England – Sherwood Pines
- National Trust – Clumber Park
Derbyshire
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism
- Carsington Water, Ashbourne
- Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
- Rosliston Forestry Centre & Environmental Education Project, Swadlincote
B&B / Guest House of the Year
- The Ashford Arms, Ashford-in-the-Water
- Underleigh House B&B, Hope Valley
- The George, Hathersage
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year
- Hartington Hills, near Buxton
- 3Trees Glamping, Wirksworth
- Darwin Forest, Matlock
Experience of the Year
- Thornbridge Estate, Ashford-in-the-Water
- Pub Tours Ltd
- Buxton Crescent – Champneys, Buxton
Hotel of the Year
- The Peacock at Rowsley
- The Cavendish at Baslow
- Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne
New Tourism Business of the Year
- The Outside-Inn, Wirksworth
- Havendale, Chesterfield
- Poms, Ashbourne
Pub of the Year
- The Ashford Arms, Ashford-in-the-Water
- The George, Hathersage
- The Bull’s Head, Foolow
Regenerative Tourism
- Mulino Lodge – Farm & Retreat, Ashbourne
- Morley Hayes, Derby
- Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Raven House Farm, Tibshelf
- Derbyshire Staycations, Bakewell
- Muse Escapes, Buxton
Taste of Derbyshire – Café / Tearoom
- On the Bridge, New Mills
- The Penny Pot Café, Edale
- Village Green, Eyam
Taste of Derbyshire – Restaurant
- The Peacock at Rowsley
- The Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge, Chesterfield
- Morley Hayes, Derbyshire
Team of the Year
- New Bath Hotel Lido, Matlock Bath
- The Peacock at Rowsley Team
- Matlock Farm Park
Tourism Young Achiever
- Jaimee Truss-Clarke, Derby Museums
- Angel Williamson, Pub Tours Ltd
- Ethan Torr, Buxton Civic Association
Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Carsington Water, Ashbourne
- The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
- Museum of Making, Derby
