Finalists Announced for the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards 2025

Visit East of England (VEE) is delighted to announce the finalists for the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of tourism businesses across the region. These awards recognise innovation, dedication, and excellence in the tourism sector, highlighting the vital role these businesses play in enhancing the local economy and visitor experience.

This year's awards mark a significant milestone as Visit East of England takes on the organisation of the event for the first time. Holly Oakland, Communications, Administration and Web Executive at VEE, shared her enthusiasm:
"The Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards provide an invaluable platform to showcase the region's commitment to excellence. These awards represent the very best of what our region has to offer, and it's a privilege to see so many businesses shining a light on our vibrant tourism sector."

Celebrating Excellence Across Categories

The 2025 awards feature an array of categories, from Visitor Attraction of the Year to Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award, highlighting the diversity and quality of Suffolk and Norfolk's tourism offerings.

Awards Night: A Celebration of Regional Tourism

The winners will be revealed at a prestigious Awards Night on 6th March 2025 at Norwich Castle. The evening will include networking opportunities, drinks and canapés sponsored by Larking Gowen, and the much-anticipated awards presentation.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, 6th March 2025
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
• Location: Norwich Castle

The awards also pave the way for finalists to compete on a national level at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2025, further showcasing the region's success and innovation on a national stage.

Quotes from Finalists

• “Being named a finalist in the Taste of England category is a true testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team.” – Max Moussa, General Manager, Retreat East.
• “These awards will really help put North Cottage Cromer on the map. It's a very special and coveted recognition.” – Jerry and Andrea Foulkes, Owners, North Cottage Cromer.
• “We are over the moon to have made it to the final of the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards! This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team.” – Martyn & Louise Wardle, Belle Vue Guest House & Cottage.

Finalists by Category

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award - Sponsored by Swiss Camplings

• Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum
• Eezy Bike
• Wild With Nature

New Tourism Business of the Year - Sponsored by Lovewell Blake

• East Point Pavilion
• The Dukes Lodge Earsham
• The Miller's Shed

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

• Deer's Glade Caravan & Camping Park
• The Grove Glamping
• Searles Leisure Resort
• Hippersons Boatyard

Experience of the Year

• Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
• Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
• Love Norwich Food

Visitor Attraction of the Year – Sponsored by Howes Percival

• BeWILDerwood Norfolk
• Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
• Holkham

B&B and Guest House of the Year

• Dairy Barns
• The White Hart
• Belle Vue Guest House & Cottage

Hotel of the Year - Sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants

• The Maids Head Hotel
• The Harper
• Titchwell Manor

Pub of the Year

• The Pigs
• The Langham Blue Bell
• The Suffield Arms
• Dukes Head, Somerleyton

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year - Sponsored by Hoseasons

• North Cottage Cromer
• The Suffolk Escape
• East Ruston Cottages

Taste of England Award

• The Leaping Hare
• Retreat East
• Yalm Foodhall

Unsung Hero of the Year Award – Sponsored by Greater Anglia

• Fran Hartshorne - The White Horse, Brancaster
• Sam Vallerius - Marina Theatre
• Ian Russell - Wroxham Barns

A full list of finalists can also be found on the official awards website: Visit East of England Tourism Awards.

About the Awards

The Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards were established to honour the very best of the region's tourism sector, recognising the innovation, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by local businesses. These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective strength and vibrancy of the tourism industry in Suffolk and Norfolk. From small independent businesses to larger attractions, the awards serve as a platform to showcase the incredible range of experiences the region has to offer.

Under the guidance of Visit East of England (VEE), the 2025 awards mark a new chapter of growth and opportunity. As the official tourism organisation for the East of England and an accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), VEE is dedicated to driving forward the local visitor economy. This accreditation underscores VEE's commitment to fostering sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the region remains a key destination for visitors from across the UK and beyond. By organising the awards, VEE aims to elevate the profile of Suffolk and Norfolk's tourism sector while encouraging continued innovation and excellence.

The awards also connect regional success with national recognition. Finalists and winners from the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards are eligible to compete in the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held annually in June. These national awards celebrate the best in English tourism, providing businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to gain exposure and recognition on a wider stage. Competing at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence not only highlights the quality of tourism businesses in the region but also inspires continuous improvement across the industry.

Through these awards, Suffolk and Norfolk's tourism sector has a chance to shine locally, regionally, and nationally—bringing well-deserved recognition to businesses that contribute so much to the visitor experience and the local economy.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For media enquiries, more quotes, images, or additional information, please contact:
Holly Oakland
Communications, Administration and Web Executive
Visit East of England
📧 holly@visiteastofengland.com | 📞 07598 183896

High-resolution images available here: Download Images