A much-loved Crewe hotel has double the reason to celebrate after the finalists for the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2025/26 were today revealed.

Organised by Marketing Cheshire (and previously known as the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards), the event celebrates excellence across the region's £3.9bn visitor economy, with finalists competing in 18 categories.

From iconic attractions and boutique stays to unforgettable events and outstanding hospitality, the shortlist shines a spotlight on the very best from across Cheshire and Warrington.

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa has double the reason to celebrate, competing in the Large Hotel of the Year, and Business Events Venue of the Year categories.

This year saw a record number of entries, particularly in the Visitor Attraction of the Year category, which proved so popular it has now been split into two: Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Walton Hall and Gardens – itself a triple finalist. The historic estate, once home to Lord and Lady Daresbury, is nominated in the Best Event or Festival category for the Daresbury Festival (with Walton Live), as well as for Wedding Venue of the Year and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Also celebrating three nominations is Chester Zoo, a finalist in Team of the Year, Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, and the Regenerative Tourism Award.

Meanwhile, Cheshire West & Chester is guaranteed to claim the title of New Tourism Business of the Year, with all five contenders – Rooftop Social Club, 744 Experience, The Seven Chester, The Hole in Wand, and Axt Haus – based in and around the city.

Jamie Christon, Chair of Marketing Cheshire, said: "Tourism in Cheshire and Warrington is truly world-class, supporting 38,000 jobs and welcoming over 56 million visitors each year. It's fantastic to see such a bumper crop of entries once again, showcasing the trailblazing businesses and inspirational individuals driving the region's success.

"The judges have an unenviable task this year – the standard has been exceptional."

Some category winners will automatically qualify for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where they'll represent Cheshire and Warrington on the national stage.

The full list of categories and finalists can be found below.

Confirmed finalists   

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Circus Starr, Congleton

The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall

VR Warehouse Ltd, Runcorn

Best Event or Festival

Boodles May Festival, Chester Racecourse

Chester Festival of Ideas, University of Chester

Deva Fest, Cholmondeley Estate

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Storyhouse

The Brit Fest Cheshire, Ashley Hall

Walton Hall and Gardens Daresbury Festival, in partnership with Walton Live

Business Events Venue of the Year

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Chester

Mere View Farm, The Farm Club Group

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Lady Heyes Holiday Park, Frodsham

Overwater Marina, Audlem

Experience of the Year

Dunham Massey

Hover Force, Frodsham

Walking Food Tours UK - The Taste of Chester Experience

Wild Shore Delamere

Large Hotel of the Year

Champneys Mottram Hall

Cottons Hotel & Spa, Knutsford

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

Nunsmere Hall Hotel, Tarporley

Peckforton Castle

The Queen at Chester

New Tourism Business of the Year

744 Experience, Tattenhall

Axt Haus, Chester

Rooftop Social Club, Chester

The Hole In Wand Chester

The Seven Chester

Pub of the Year

Davenport Arms, Woodford

The Fishpool Inn, Delamere

The Fox and Hounds at Sproston

The Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall

Regenerative Tourism Award

BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Chester Zoo

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

ABC Boat Hire - Nantwich Canal Basin

Cheshire Barns, Northwich

Cheshire Boutique Barns, Nantwich

Cheshire Boutique Bathhouse, Nantwich

The Hollies Retreats, Tarporley

Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year

Oddfellows Chester

Stone Villa, Chester

The Bear's Paw, Warmingham, Sandbach

The Chester Townhouse

The Parr's Bank Hotel, Warrington

Taste of Cheshire Award

1851 Restaurant, Peckforton Castle

The Bear's Paw

Team of the Year

Champneys Mottram Hall - Event Sales Office

Chester Zoo - Heart of Africa Team

Tatton Park Charitable Trust - Bookshop Volunteers

The Bridge team, Prestbury

The Hollies Farm Shop, Little Budworth

The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall

Visit Northwich

Wild Shore Delamere – Crew

Unsung Hero Award

Derek Jenkinson, Groundsman, Lady Heyes Holiday Park

Eva Cooper, Assistant Financial Controller, Champneys Mottram Hall

Jayne Chapman, Farm Manager, Tatton Park

Rachel Watson, Sales & Marketing Executive, Combermere Abbey

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Chester Zoo

Dunham Massey

Storyhouse, Chester

Walton Hall and Gardens

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Escapism Chester

The Hole In Wand Chester

VR Warehouse Ltd, Runcorn

Wild Shore Delamere

Wedding Venue of the Year

Combermere Abbey Weddings

Inglewood Manor, Ellesmere Port

Larkspur Lodge, Knutsford

Nunsmere Hall Hotel, Tarporley

Old Palace Chester

Peckforton Castle

Walton Hall and Gardens