UNESCO Designations did the double on the attraction front, with both the 'Large Attraction of the Year' and 'Small Attraction of the Year' Gold Awards being scooped by venues in UNESCO Designations:
Black Country Living Museum - Large Attraction of the Year 2025 GOLD
Located of course within the 'Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark', you're assured a bostin' day out here exploring over 250 years of history through living interpretation. . With 80 authentically recreated historic buildings, the museum brings history to life. Look out for classic vehicles, take a vintage bus ride, or brave an Edwardian school lesson, but be careful not to get the cane, bab!
No.1 Royal Crescent - Small Attraction of the Year 2025 GOLD
Based within the double-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site of 'City of Bath' and 'Great Spa Towns of Europe', this is a magnificently restored Georgian town-house museum showcasing fashionable life in 18th-century Bath. This inventively curated experience combines period furnishings with immersive audio-visual technology that changes seasonally, placing visitors in the shoes of former occupants. As immersive experiences rotate, visitors can use their admission ticket to revisit the museum throughout the year free of charge and enjoy each one.
Meanwhile, other notable UNESCO related winners and runners up, were:
The Farmers Arms - Pub of the Year GOLD
Located in the 'North Devon UNESCO Biosphere', this is a thoughtfully restored Grade II listed pub with a modern culinary twist. They have reimagined British classics crafted from home-grown produce and meats from their own 150-acre farm. The bar programme features seasonal cordials and infused spirits showcasing harvested ingredients, while the menu supports local ale producers, fisheries and foragers. Part of The Collective at Woolsery, the pub represents owners Michael and Xochi Birch's passion for preserving local heritage while creating exceptional dining experiences that celebrate Devon's agricultural bounty.
Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement - Business Events Venue of the Year SILVER
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019, Jodrell Bank's state-of-the-art facility can host up to 500 guests, features a planetarium, immersive exhibitions, a restaurant, and outdoor spaces – all of which make it a versatile venue for corporate events.
The prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been running for more than 30 years. This year’s winners were selected from hundreds of tourism businesses across England. The awards were presented at an evening ceremony on 4 June hosted by VisitEngland Advisory Board Chairman, Lady Victoria Borwick, at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, itself within the The Living Coast Biosphere!
