First ever Northamptonshire-wide tourism awards to take place later this month

The brand-new awards ceremony aims to shine a spotlight on the very best of Northamptonshire’s tourism, hospitality and leisure sector.

In autumn 2025, Discover Northamptonshire invited nominations for the awards across 11 award categories ranging from ‘hotel of the year’ to ‘small visitor attraction’ and ‘pub of the year’.

More than 50 nominations were received and the shortlisted businesses have been invited to awards ceremony at Silverstone Museum on Friday February 27.

Richard Clinton, Chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, said: “These awards are about recognising the people and businesses who quietly go above and beyond every day to make Northamptonshire a great place to visit.

“From small independents to established attractions, they play a vital role in shaping first impressions, creating memorable experiences and supporting local jobs. Bringing the sector together to celebrate that contribution feels both timely and important, and I am delighted to see such a strong response to the very first Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Awards.”

The first Discover Northamptonshire awards are supported by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), through £10,000 of UK Shared Prosperity funding.

Councillor Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “Northamptonshire is a really unique place, packed full of excellent tourism attractions and hospitality. It’s only right that our local tourism businesses get the recognition they deserve and the first Discover Northamptonshire awards are designed to do just that.”

Councillor James Petter, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, added: “From our hospitality venues and attractions to the small independent operators who give the county its unique character, these awards celebrate the quality, creativity and commitment that help attract visitors, support jobs and boost our local economy.”

The 2026 awards are proudly headlined by Wilson Browne Solicitors, who play a key role in championing excellence and helping the awards raise the profile of Northamptonshire’s visitor economy, and London Northwestern Railway (LRN).

Winners of the Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Awards will progress to the national Visit England Awards for Excellence.