Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards Winners 2024
Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2024 – Winners
Broadcaster Jules Hudson announces winners of the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards
Writer and broadcaster Jules Hudson announced the winners of the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards at a glamorous gala dinner held on the 26 February 2025 at Lyde Court near Hereford. Over 60 finalists were shortlisted by expert judges in 2024, with 13 different winners being awarded for their service to the tourism sector across 14 different categories. The Riverside at Aymestrey was also awarded a special accolade: Visit Herefordshire’s Business of the Year after winning the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism category and the Taste of Herefordshire category. 200 local business leaders, industry representatives and dignitaries attended the event which celebrated and recognised a broad range of different tourism businesses. All the award winners from the event will automatically be shortlisted for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence later in the year.
Jules Hudson, who lives with his family in Herefordshire and is probably best known as the leading face of the BBC’s rural property flagship Escape to the Country as well as and co-host of Channel 5’s This Week on the Farm, was delighted to host proceedings and champion the county’s tourism superstars. He commented: “It was a privilege to be involved in the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards. The dedication of tourism providers across the county was evident in every category, and the quality being delivered is exceptionally high. Visitors taking a short break, weekend away or holiday in Herefordshire are in safe hands!”
Diane Mansell, CEO of Herefordshire County BID/Visit Herefordshire, commented: “The creativity and innovation across Herefordshire’s tourism industry was celebrated in style at the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards event. All our finalists offer something incredibly special to their guests and it was wonderful to recognise and celebrate these businesses. We wish all the category winners success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence later this year.”
Walking With The Wounded, the official Event Charity – The proceeds of the raffle held at the gala dinner came to £1,360 and will be donated to Walking With The Wounded, a charity which supports military veterans, and the official charity of the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards.
1. Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
- The Courtyard
2. B&B and Guest House of the Year
- The Temple Bar Inn
3. Business Events Venue of the Year
- The Left Bank Village
4. Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Small Breeds Farm
5. Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
- The Riverside at Aymestrey
6. Experience of the Year
- Oldfield Forge
7. International Tourism Award
- Hereford Cathedral
8. Hotel of the Year
- Old Downton Lodge
9. New Tourism Business of the Year
- Newton Court
10. Pub of the Year
- The New Inn
11. Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
- Rookery Woods
12. Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Trevase Cottages
13. Taste of England
- The Riverside at Aymestrey
14. Unsung Hero of the Year
- Simon Lockett – Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
15. Visit Herefordshire’s Business of the Year
- The Riverside at Aymestrey
16. Judges Commendation – Restoration of the Year
- Rowden Mill Station
17. Judges Commendation – Taking Herefordshire to the World
- The Beefy Boys
18. Judges Commendation – Off the Grid Pioneer
- The Fold
19. Judges Commendation – Innovative Accessibility
- One Acre Wood
20. Judges Commendation – Accessibility Community Champion
- Ali Allen, The Walking Hub
21. Judges Commendation – Conversation Community Champion
- Rowan Griffiths, Hergest Croft Gardens
