Stars of tourism and hospitality honoured at annual awards

The iconic King George’s Hall in Blackburn played hosted to a special evening dedicated to celebrating the stars of the Lancashire tourism and hospitality sector.

The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2023 featured guest presenter John “Gilly” Gilmore, a radio broadcaster of more than 30 years who himself won the title of Tourism Superstar at the 2015 event.

Vikki Harris, marketing and partnerships director of Marketing Lancashire opened the event and proudly addressed the audience, sharing with them the news of the Lancashire LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) status that places “the Lancashire pin firmly in the national tourism map” She continued “it is businesses like yours, the very best in the Lancashire, that can help us to do this by continuing to  provide exceptional and distinctive experiences for your guests.”

Closing her speech Vikki said: “There is absolutely no shortage of pride, passion and ambition in this county, and we are always so impressed by the achievements of Lancashire’s business community and so very proud to champion all aspects of living, working and investing in Lancashire.”

Full list of winners

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism*  
The Estuary Riverside Chalets, Hambleton 

Business Events Venue*  
Winter Gardens Blackpool, Blackpool

Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park*  
The Secret Garden Glamping, Holland Moss, Skelmersdale

Cultural Venue / Organisation  
The Dukes, Lancaster 

Dog Friendly Business  
The Lawrence Hotel, Padiham

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism*  
Moss Wood Caravan Park, Cockerham

Experience of the Year*
Black Knights Parachute Centre, Cockerham 

Family Owned / Run Business
Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Hambleton 

Hotel Wedding Venue  
Holland Hall, Up Holland 

Hospitality & Tourism Student
Kirsty Helme, Blackpool & The Fylde College

Large Event
Vintage by the Sea, Morecambe

Large Hotel *
Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley

Pub of the Year* 
The Pendle Inn, part of Daniel Thwaites, Barley

New Tourism Business*  
The Rum Fox, Grindleton

Resilience & Innovation*
Blackpool Transport Service Ltd, Blackpool 

Self-Catering Accommodation* 
The Estuary Riverside Chalets, Hambleton 

Small Event
Music in the Park, Leyland

Lancashire Perfect Stay – Small Serviced Accommodation Provider* 
The Lawrence Hotel, Padiham 

Visitor Attraction* 
Windmill Animal Farm, Burscough

Taste Lancashire*
La Locanda, Gisburn

Taste Lancashire Producer
Sandgrown Spirits, Lytham

Unsung Hero
Joanne Denton, Head of Weddings, Holland Hall

Wedding Venue 
West Tower Wedding Venue, Aughton 

The Judges’ Award – selected from all of this year’s finalists for special recognition
Hotel Sheraton, Blackpool

* The winners of these categories will have the opportunity to represent Lancashire in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023 competition – subject to meeting criteria.