Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards – Three local names shortlisted
Three Buxton businesses are celebrating after being shortlisted for the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards, which recognise the very best in the region’s £3.58bn visitor economy.
The shortlist, announced this week, showcases excellence and innovation across the area’s vibrant tourism sector – from accommodation providers and attractions to food, drink, and experience-based businesses.
Buxton Finalists Announced
Buxton is proudly represented by three outstanding finalists:
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Buxton Pottery Painting – Experience of the Year
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Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre Volunteers – Team of the Year
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Dylan Torr, Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust – Tourism Young Achiever Award
These local nominees stand among a record number of entries submitted for the 2026 awards, which feature 17 categories celebrating excellence across all aspects of tourism.
Festival or Event of the Year – Entries Now Open
Applications are also open for the 2026 Festival or Event of the Year Award, honouring the region’s most memorable cultural celebrations. From well-established festivals to exciting new additions, organisers are encouraged to apply or nominate eligible events for the chance to gain prestigious recognition.
Entries close at midnight on Sunday 26th October 2025, with finalists announced shortly after. A public vote will then run from 1st – 30th November 2025, determining the overall winner of this coveted title.
Next Steps and National Recognition
All shortlisted finalists now progress to the next stage of independent judging, which includes a series of mystery visits to determine the ultimate winners. The awards will culminate in a prestigious ceremony in spring 2026.
Following the event, Gold winners in each core category will represent the region at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2026 – the highest national accolade in English tourism.
Celebrating Excellence in Tourism
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said:
“These awards are a celebration of the people, businesses and experiences that make our destination such a memorable place to visit. Our 2026 finalists represent the very best in innovation, quality and customer experience – it’s an honour to recognise their work and we can’t wait to celebrate with them next spring.
The visitor economy plays a vital role in supporting jobs, attracting investment and sustaining local communities across the Peak District and Derbyshire. By championing excellence in tourism, we’re helping to strengthen the region’s reputation as a must-visit destination – and ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.”
The full shortlist:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
The Cupola Café-Bar-Pizza-Grill
B&B and Guest House of the Year
The Boot, Repton
The Bull’s Head, Foolow
The Dragon, Willington
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Hartington Hills, near Hartington
Rivendale Lodge Retreat, near Ashbourne
Sandybrook Lodges, Ashbourne
Dog Friendly Tourism Business of the Year
Bike & Boot, Hope
Rivendale Lodge Retreat, near Ashbourne
Thornbridge Estate, Ashford-in-the-Water
Experience of the Year
Buxton Pottery Painting
Peak Walking Adventures
PeakePedals Ltd
Family Friendly Tourism Business of the Year
Bluebell Dairy Ltd, near Derby
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
Thornbridge Estate, Ashford-in-the-Water
Hotel of the Year
Morley Hayes, near Derby
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
The Peacock at Rowsley
New Tourism Business of the Year
Langley Meadows, near Kirk Langley
The Torr Vale Tap, New Mills
Wild & Other, near Chesterfield
Pub of the Year
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
The Boot, Repton
The Tickled Trout, Barlow
Regenerative Tourism Award
Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Morley Hayes, near Derby
Wild & Other, near Chesterfield
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Brosterfield Farm, Foolow
Darley House, Darley Dale
The Cupola Café-Bar-Pizza-Grill, Stoney Middleton
Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award – Café and Tea Room
Hackney House Café and Deli, Barlow
Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
On the Bridge, New Mills
Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award – Restaurants
Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
The Garden Room at Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne
The Peacock at Rowsley
Team of the Year
Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre Volunteers
The Arkwright Society Team, Cromford Mill
The Wheatsheaf Pub & Pantry, Bakewell
Tourism Young Achiever Award
Dylan Torr – Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust
Grace Medhurst – Yorkshire Bridge Inn
Melissa Collins – Bluebell Dairy
Unsung Hero Award
David Brown – Hoe Grange Holidays
Jamie Parker – The Cupola Café-Bar-Pizza-Grill
Vivienne Smith – National Stone Centre
Visitor Attraction of the Year
Bluebell Dairy Ltd, near Derby
Denby Pottery Village
National Trust – Calke Abbey
Click here to read more about the awards.
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