Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Finalists Announced: Celebrating Excellence in Local Tourism and Hospitality

Strategic Insights -

The highly anticipated Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 have announced their finalists, showcasing the best of Lancashire's tourism and hospitality industry. The annual awards celebrate the county's top businesses across 18 categories, from accommodation and food and drink to cultural and heritage sites. Among the finalists are Astley Hall in Chorley, Burnley Football Club, and The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, which will compete for top honors in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 18 categories are recognized in the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026, including new additions such as the Experience of the Year and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.
  • The finalists were selected through a rigorous shortlisting process, mapped against nationally set criteria, and will undergo mystery shopping, announced visits, and interviews with independent judges.
  • The awards ceremony will take place in February 2026, with winners in several categories eligible to represent Lancashire at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.
  • Among the notable finalists are Astley Hall in Chorley, Burnley Football Club, and The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, which demonstrate the county's diverse and thriving tourism industry.
  • The elections include Regional Hotel of the Year, Local Experience of the Year, Dog-Friendly Business of the Year, and many more.
  • Vikki Harris, Marketing and Partnership Director of Marketing Lancashire, emphasized that today's finalists are the best in class, and it is wonderful to see the recognition of Astley Hall in the Lancashire Tourism Awards alongside an assortment of exceptional Lancashire businesses.

Statistics:

  • 18 categories are recognized in the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026.
  • The awards ceremony will take place in February 2026.
  • Winners of several categories, including the Small Visitor Attraction award, will then have the chance to represent lancashire at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.
  • A total of around 100 businesses are competing in the awards.
  • A rigorous shortlisting process was used to select the finalists.

Sources:

  • Lep.co.uk/newsletter
  • [No source date:](https://www.lep.co.uk/newsletter)

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