Every year the cream of the crop in tourism in North East England are celebrated at the North East England Tourism Awards. This year’s awards were no exception with yet again an incredibly high standard of entrants, including many new businesses entering for the first time.
The finalists all gathered at the Ramside Hall for a special awards ceremony hosted by Gary Philipson and Lisa Shaw from Real Radio’s Breakfast Show.

Impeccable service and stylish surroundings right at the heart of the city. The hotel’s stunning setting overlooking the river Tyne puts it within easy walking distance of The Sage Gateshead, BALTIC: Centre for Contemporary Art and the Millennium Bridge, as well as a dazzling choice of shops, restaurants and theatres.
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Presiding over its own 12-acre woodland estate, this 14th-century castle has been painstakingly restored to offer guests a pampering experience they’ll never forget. Sumptuous bedchambers, crackling log fires and an acclaimed restaurant making the most of Northumberland’s fresh local produce. What more could you ask?
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This 200-year-old former church is full of character and offers an unusual and beautiful base from which to explore Northumberland. Set in the traditional fishing village of Seahouses, it lies close to the scenic beach and the harbour, from which you can take a boat trip to the Farne Islands.
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You’d never know this sumptuous getaway was formerly a cow byre! Nowadays it offers large families and groups of friends every conceivable comfort, from a full-sized pool table to a huge corner bath, all on an organic farm just a few minutes’ drive from some of Northumberland’s most beautiful beaches.
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Holiday home owners and touring guests alike are sure of a welcoming and relaxing stay at this 40-acre country park in Northumberland’s Border Country. Be sure to work up an appetite in the fresh air, as the 18th-century clubhouse is known for its excellent restaurant and bar.
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History doesn’t get more hands on than at Killhope. Taking the award-winning mine tour in this fully-restored 19th-century lead mine involves putting on a hard hat and venturing underground to experience for yourself the working lives of the miners, before surfacing for a delicious home-cooked lunch in the café.
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It’s not surprising that the kings of ancient Northumbria chose this breathtaking coastal setting to be their home. The present castle is the ancestral seat of the Armstrong family and was completely restored in 1900 to showcase the fascinating collections of art, furniture and armour in fine Victorian style.
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Set between the quiet villages of Croft and Hurworth-on-Tees, this beautifully renovated luxury hotel offers every comfort you could imagine. With a state-of-the-art spa, world-class golf course and country house comforts, you may find it hard to go further than the grounds!
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No visit to North East England is complete without tasting Colmans’ fish and chips! Run by the same family for four generations, this character-packed restaurant is as adept at netting national and regional awards as it is at serving up the very best of the local catch.
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With ten unique Durham venues at her fingertips, Lucy has the knowledge and attention to detail to make any event – be it an international conference, formal banquet or wedding reception – a resounding success. It’s all down to the friendly service, tailored to each client’s individual needs.
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Originally built as a farmstead in 1747, this 4-star inn and restaurant is certainly wowing 21st-century visitors, having also won Best Pub and Best Green Pub in the Great British Pub of the Year Awards 2010. Enjoy the wonderful food and drink – all either grown on site or sourced locally.
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There’s enough family fun to be had on this friendly hill farm to keep you smiling long after the journey home. Donkey rides, trailer rides, puppet shows and a play area compete for attention with a host of animals from chicks, goats and deer to llamas, ponies and highland cattle.
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On Saturday 13th March 2010 over 1000 volunteers raised their flaming torches and lit this 73-mile World Heritage Site from coast to coast, blazing their way into the world’s media and the history books at the same time. A momentous experience, it will be remembered forever by everyone who saw it.
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This world-class nature reserve in Tees Valley is home to a variety of wildlife from colourful butterflies and orchids to such diverse bird species as common tern and peregrine falcon. Walks and hides are designed for accessibility – and don’t miss the wildlife garden designed by celebrity garden designer Chris Beardshaw.
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Established for over 30 years, Durham City Tourist Information Centre is now located in the stylish Gala Theatre at the heart of this historic city. The friendly staff are always happy to help, whether you’re after advice on accommodation or information on events, places to eat or things to do.
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