Wyre Forest Attractions Shortlisted for Worcestershire Tourism Awards

Strategic Insights -

The Wyre Forest area is showcasing its impressive tourism offerings as some of its top attractions have been shortlisted for the Worcestershire tourism awards. These include West Midlands Safari Park, Severn Valley Railway, Hopley's Family Camping, Lakeside Adventures, Astley Vineyard, Forest View Retreat Limited, and Forestry England, which are among 52 leading tourism businesses in the county competing for awards. As they progress to the next stage of judging, the businesses have the opportunity to not only gain local recognition but also represent Worcestershire at the national level at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Key Takeaways:

  • West Midlands Safari Park has been shortlisted in five categories, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Business Events Venue of the Year, Experience of the Year, Large Visitor Attraction of the year, and Worcestershire's Unsung Hero Award, with head of Wildlife Angela Potter up for the latter.
  • Hopley's Family Camping in Bewdley is shortlisted for the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year award.
  • Severn Valley Railway is also shortlisted alongside the Safari Park for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award.
  • Lakeside Adventures in Hartlebury is competing for the New Tourism Business of the Year award and the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year award.
  • Astley Vineyard in Stourport has been shortlisted for the Regenerative Tourism Award.
  • Forest View Retreat Limited in Kidderminster is up for the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year award.
  • Wyre Forest - Forestry England is also vying for the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year award.
  • Rachel Dutton, a volunteer at Hartlebury Castle Trust, is in the running for Worcestershire's Unsung Hero Award.
  • All shortlisted businesses will undergo another round of judging, which includes site visits by industry experts.
  • Winning businesses will be announced at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards ceremony on March 20, 2026.

Statistics:

  • A total of 52 tourism businesses from Worcestershire are shortlisted for the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2025/26.
  • West Midlands Safari Park is competing in five different categories.
  • The Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards are held in partnership with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
  • Businesses who win the local awards have the potential to represent Worcestershire at the national awards ceremony.

Sources:

  • Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2025/26
  • West Midlands Safari Park
  • Hopley's Family Camping in Bewdley
  • Severn Valley Railway
  • Lakeside Adventures in Hartlebury
  • Astley Vineyard in Stourport
  • Forest View Retreat Limited in Kidderminster
  • Wyre Forest - Forestry England
  • Hartlebury Castle Trust
  • Worcestershire Council