Industry News

It has been a winning week for County Durham as the county picked up a collection of prestigious awards recognising the world class visitor offer, and the work, creativity and commitment of visitor economy businesses across the county. 

The spotlight was on Beamish, The Living Museum of The North on Thursday as it appeared on the BBC’s One Show during a live broadcast which saw it named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025.  

The £120,000 prize was presented to the museum's chief executive, Rhiannon Hiles, at a ceremony held at the Museum of Liverpool. It is the biggest single arts prize in Britain and the largest museum award in the world. 

In London, the county saw even more success, on the same evening, at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025, with Durham named Best UK Destination after being shortlisted against other top UK destinations, including London, Liverpool and the Isle of White. 

Beamish Museum took the award for Best UK Attraction, and Kynren, An Epic Tale of England, was also a winner taking the award for Best Event for Groups. 

Other top attractions in the county were shortlisted as finalists including Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in the Best Historic Attraction category, and The Auckland Project for Best Christmas Experience. 

Raby Castle’s recent landscape design scheme and remodelled 18th century Walled Gardens took second place at the 2025 European Garden Awards. The magnificent Castle and Gardens have also been shortlisted in the Historic Houses, Garden of the Year Awards 2025. 

The Story, in Durham City marked its first anniversary by becoming a finalist at two prestigious regional awards, Constructing Excellence North East 2025 and RTPI awards 2025 (Royal Town Planning Institute). The world class facility is a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people, on the outskirts of Durham City. 

It doesn’t stop there as Seaham Hall was named one of the best hotels in the world as it made its way onto La Liste.  

The list, which was launched in Paris in 2015, is a prestigious selection of the world’s best restaurants and luxury hotels and is published every year. Seaham Hall joined other high-end names like The Savoy and Claridges in London. 

Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are thrilled with these recent awards and recognition, as it really highlights the incredible quality of the offer we have in the county. The awards also follow our recent economic assessment STEAM results which showed overall visitor expenditure has risen to a record £1.38billion. Durham continues to grow as an exciting and attractive visitor destination, and it is great to see the impact recent investment and developments have had. We will continue to strive to grow the county’s visitor economy even further, which in turn benefits our residents and communities.” 

Rhiannon Hiles, Chief Executive of Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, said: “We are incredibly excited and truly elated to be named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. 

“To receive such a prestigious award is a real honour, a phenomenal achievement, and is credit to the amazing people who make Beamish such a special place. Thank you to our fantastic staff and volunteers and to our communities, visitors, supporters and partners for their support. 

Ross Grieve, Managing Director at Seaham Hall said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised by La Liste. It’s a huge honour to be named alongside some of the most legendary hotels around the globe. This accolade is a testament to our incredible team and their passion for creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors."

"Award success and recognition allow us to shine a spotlight on our fantastic team, as well as the
great region we are proud to be part of. This achievement adds to the growing list of awards and accolades being celebrated in County Durham, long may it continue."