One Liverpool Attraction Named Amongst Best in England
16th April 2026 – VisitEngland has announced the finalists for the tourism industry’s national Awards for Excellence, and one Liverpool attraction has made the shortlist.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been championing the best in England’s tourism industry for more than 35 years and celebrate quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service. Finalists represent the very highest standards across accessibility, accommodation, attractions, experiences, food and drink, and business events, showcasing the strength and diversity of English tourism.
Fresh from winning Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and receiving the International Tourism Award at the Liverpool Tourism Awards, The Beatles Story, located at the Royal Albert Dock, has now been shortlisted for a national award.
Established in 1990, the museum is the largest of its kind and has immersed millions of visitors in the story of The Beatles over its 36-year history using a combination of recreated sets and impressive historic artefacts. The attraction is guaranteed a Bronze, Silver or Gold award in the International Tourism Award category at June’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence ceremony and is hoping to repeat last year’s Gold success in the same category.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“These awards honour the very best businesses and individuals in tourism, who are the driving force in an industry that delivers growth to local economies across England. I thank them for their dedicated service, congratulate them on achieving finalist status and wish them every success.”
The Beatles Story’s General Manager, Mary Chadwick, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be confirmed as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 in the International Tourism Award category. Having won Gold in the same category last year, to once again be recognised at a national level, and to be the only business in the Liverpool City Region shortlisted this year, is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for our whole team. This recognition reflects the passion, commitment and hard work that goes into delivering a world‑class experience for our international visitors every day, and we are honoured to see that effort celebrated on a national stage.”
VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 Finalists:
International Tourism Award:
- The Beatles Story, Liverpool
- Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Devon
- Castle Howard, York
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award:
- Hoe Grange Holidays, Peak District, Derbyshire
- Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham
- Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire
B&B and Guest House of the Year:
- Holly Lodge Boutique Bed & Breakfast, Norfolk
- One Drake Road and Apartments, Devon
- MonkBridge House, York
Business Events Venue of the Year:
- The Catalyst, Newcastle
- Nottingham Venues, Nottingham
- Warwick Conferences, Warwick
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year:
- Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon
- Kaya at Blackhill Farm Ltd, Herefordshire
- Bredon View Glamping Retreats, Worcestershire
Experience of the Year:
- Make Your Own Distilled Spirit, Shed One Distillery, Cumbria
- Blacksmithing Experience Days, Oldfield Forge Ltd, Herefordshire
- The Wizard Walk of York, York
Large Hotel of the Year:
- The Grand Brighton, Brighton
- Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
- Bovey Castle, Devon
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year:
- Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
- Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk
- Attwell Farm Park, Worcestershire
New Tourism Business of the Year:
- Flora and Fauna Exmoor, Exmoor
- The Story of Emily, Cornwall
- One Acre Wood, Herefordshire
Pub of the Year:
- The Tollemache Arms, Northamptonshire
- The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Northumberland
- The Tickled Trout, Barlow, Derbyshire
Regenerative Tourism Award:
- Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire
- Gladwins Farm – Self Catering Holiday Cottages, Suffolk
- Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year:
- Cedar Hollow @ The Oaks, Oxfordshire
- Bosinver Farm Cottages, Cornwall
- Rowley Farm Holidays, Worcestershire
Small Hotel of the Year:
- Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Cumbria
- The Tempus, Northumberland
- Peak Edge Hotel, Derbyshire
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:
- Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, Northumberland
- National Justice Museum, Nottinghamshire
- Morgan Experience, Worcestershire
Taste of England Award:
- Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire
- Blackfriars, Newcastle
- Carriages Restaurant, Herefordshire
Unsung Hero Award:
- Jayne Chapman – Tatton Park, Cheshire
- Andy Black – Horses and Ponies Protection Association, Lancashire
- Viv Smith – National Stone Centre, Derbyshire
Travel Content Award:
- Rhiannon Batten, The Guardian – ‘From farms to fork: a food-lover’s cycle tour of Herefordshire’
- Emily-Ann Elliott, The i Paper – ‘North Yorkshire’s spa holidays are still the best – and cost less than £225’
- Chris Leadbeater, The Telegraph – ‘This charming Herefordshire town is the real star of Hamnet’
Awards
The Beatles Story is an award winning attraction. We work hard to provide the best possible experience for our visitors and work with key partners to achieve this.