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Cumbria’s top tourism talent celebrated at award ceremony

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The county’s leading businesses and individuals were honoured at this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards, held at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

H&H Insurance Brokers was proud to sponsor the Wedding Venue of the Year category, which was won by Eden Barn at Kirkby Stephen, with Hidden River Barn near Longtown highly commended.

Hosted by Nigel Vardy, a speaker and mountaineer known as Mr Frostbite, the ceremony recognised excellence across the visitor economy, with 18 awards presented to standout performers in accommodation, attractions, and hospitality.

This year’s highest honour, the Bernard Gooch Award for Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the Year, went to Tracy Hodgson of The Ruskin Museum. She was commended for her long-standing efforts to secure the return of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7 to Coniston and her dedication to preserving Cumbria’s heritage.

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism managing director, said: "Every finalist and winner represents the very best of Cumbria’s world-renowned visitor economy, and every single person involved should feel incredibly proud.

"These awards are about far more than trophies, they’re about recognising the hard work, determination and passion that makes our county such a special place.

"Our tourism and hospitality industry plays a vital role in the life of Cumbria – supporting local communities, creating jobs, driving investment, and ensuring visitors return year after year.

"The Cumbria Tourism Awards continue to highlight businesses and individuals driving forward innovation, excellence and resilience - qualities that are vital to the future of Cumbria’s £4.6 billion tourism industry.”

Many of the winners will go forward to represent Cumbria at the 2026 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

The full list of 2025 Cumbria Tourism Award winners is as follows:

Congratulations to all the winners!!