Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards reveal shortlist for 2025

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards has revealed its shortlist for 2025 after receiving most entries ever.

The awards celebrate the people, places and experiences powering a visitor economy worth £6.25 billion, showcasing the quality, creativity and welcome that make Liverpool City Region one of the United Kingdom’s most compelling destinations.

With 20 categories spanning accommodation, attractions, food and drink, entertainment, events and innovation, this year’s shortlist underlines the scope of the region’s offer. From small independent pioneers to large scale venues, from accessible and inclusive experiences to regenerative tourism, the breadth of categories reflects a visitor economy that is dynamic, diverse and ambitious across all six boroughs.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 5 March 2026, hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter, Kevin Duala. Category winners are eligible to be considered for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, providing a route to wider recognition beyond the city region.

The awards utilise independent judging, including expert panels, interviews and mystery shopping, where relevant. The practical feedback gained is designed to helps businesses sharpen operations, raise service standards and invest in accessibility and sustainability to improve the visitor experience. For visitors, award recognition provides confidence in quality, consistency and value, helping them choose experiences that deliver memorable stays and repeat visits.

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director, Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:

“The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards have the power to generate a great sense of achievement for the people who deliver exceptional experiences for visitors every day and inspire confidence for visitors seeking to experience one of the UK’s most exciting destinations. There’s been a fantastic boost in applications this year, and it’s brilliant to see such strong engagement across so many categories.

“We’re especially proud of the response to the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category, which reflects the impact of initiatives like January’s Accessibility Forum and the commitment of businesses across the region. Liverpool City Region is wonderfully diverse, and these awards are part of a journey we’re dedicated to continuing, ensuring that the talent, creativity and inclusivity that define our region are fully represented and celebrated.”

Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Liverpool BID Company, headline sponsor, said:

“Congratulations to those shortlisted, a fantastic recognition of the incredible work taking place across Liverpool City Region’s tourism and visitor economy. These businesses, individuals and events are vital to our city’s success, contributing over £6 billion each year and creating unforgettable experiences that make Liverpool City Region such a special destination. Tourism is not just about visitors, it is about the spirit, creativity and innovation that keep Liverpool thriving and ahead of the game in a competitive field.”

2025 Shortlist, by category

Small Accommodation Provider of the Year
Hotel Anfield
Sefton Park Hotel
The Bold Hotel Southport

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
16 Queens Avenue by Happy Days Group
Citadines City Centre Liverpool
Premier Suites Liverpool
Staybridge Suites Liverpool

Large Hotel of the Year
Hope Street Hotel
Malmaison Liverpool
Radisson RED Hotel
The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool Vignette Collection
The Municipal Hotel and Spa MGallery Liverpool
Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Business Events Venue
INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
Liverpool City Halls, St George’s Hall
Museum of Liverpool
RCP Spaces at The Spine
Royal Liver Suite
Rum Warehouse at Titanic Hotel Liverpool

New Tourism Business Award
Blackstock Market
Maldron Hotel Liverpool
Splash Tours Liverpool
The Daffodil
The Halyard Liverpool and Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Central
The Pen Factory

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Eureka! Science + Discovery
Liverpool Biennial 2025
Liverpool Philharmonic
Strawberry Field
Sunnyside Guest House Southport
The Hive Youth Zone Wirral

Regenerative Tourism Award
Speke Hall, National Trust
Strawberry Field
The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection

Independent Tourism Business of the Year
Dale Liverpool Tours
Hot Water Comedy Club
Shiverpool
Splash Tours Liverpool
Sunnyside Guest House Southport
The Bus Yard

International Tourism Award
Liverpool Cathedral
Sunnyside Guest House Southport
The Beatles Story

Taste of Liverpool City Region, Cafe of the Year
Alerta Coffee
Bean Coffee Roasters Liverpool ONE
Bold Street Coffee
Moose
The Bluecoat Cafe
The Watering Can

Taste of Liverpool City Region, Restaurant of the Year
Chamber 36
Delifonseca Dockside
Hawksmoor Liverpool
NORD
The London Carriage Works
Voyagers Restaurant and Bar

Pub of the Year
Arts Bar Hope Street
Dicey Reilly’s Irish Pub
The Benidorm Bar
The Bridewell
The Denbigh Castle
The Pen Factory

Experience of the Year
Fab 4 Taxi Tours
Liverpool Food Tours
Mersey Tunnel Tours
Reel Tours
Shiverpool
The Beatles’ Childhood Homes, National Trust

Event or Festival of the Year (public vote)
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet
Borealis at Royal Albert Dock
International Beatleweek Festival
Liverpool Biennial
Liverpool Book Festival
Liverpool Irish Festival
Salt and Tar Music Weekend
Southport Flower Show
Southport Food and Drink Festival
Writing on the Wall Festival

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Knowsley Safari
Liverpool Cathedral
Museum of Liverpool
Sefton Park Palm House
Speke Hall, National Trust
The Beatles Story

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
British Music Experience
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Liverpool Watersports Centre
Strawberry Field
Sudley House
Upside Down House

Entertainment Venue of the Year
Arts Bar Hope Street
Boxpark Liverpool
Hot Water Comedy Club
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse
Liverpool Philharmonic
Shakespeare North Playhouse

Tourism Young Person of the Year
Abigail Royle, The Municipal Hotel and Spa, MGallery Liverpool
Alfie Kennedy, The Halyard at Ropewalks and Holiday Inn Express
Lawrence Thompson, Crowne Plaza Liverpool
Luca Toner, Titanic Hotel
Ruby Gallagher, Titanic Hotel

Unsung Hero Award
Diksha Poudyal, The Municipal Hotel and Spa MGallery
Janet McMahon, Crowne Plaza Liverpool
Jillian Ireland, National Museums Liverpool
Peter Colyer, Independent Tour Guide
Peter Wood, The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool
Zain Almahmood, The London Carriage Works

You can find the shortlist for the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards here.

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