Opportunities
VisitEngland Tourism Superstar
Jimmy Nicol 2026
Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens was shortlisted for the national VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award 2026.
Jimmy was one of ten finalists in the prestigious national competition which celebrates the dedication and passion of the tourism industry’s employees and volunteers.
87-year-old Jimmy is a much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, whose enthusiasm, dedication and warmth make him a standout Tourism Superstar finalist. He joined Raby Castle as a volunteer in 2018, where he shares the castle’s fascinating history with visitors and supports major events across the estate, becoming a familiar and friendly face for thousands of visitors each year. He has also volunteered for Kynren: An Epic Tale of England and the Poppy appeal.
As a Room Steward he brings history to life with fascinating stories about Raby Castle’s rich history. Jimmy has studied Spanish for many years and will take any opportunity he can to talk to other Spanish speakers. Combining his two passions – Spanish and Durham, two years ago, Jimmy sent a County Durham calendar to the Spanish royal family, along with information about the area as a Christmas present. He was both surprised and delighted to receive a Christmas card from them in return. Jimmy’s bilingual Spanish skills allow him to welcome international visitors, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
He supports new volunteers, offering guidance and kindness, and is a beloved figure. Beyond his volunteering duties, Jimmy actively promotes Raby Castle, the county and the wider North East, encouraging exploration of the region’s heritage and landscapes. He even takes leaflets about Raby Castle and Durham with him on holiday! Never missing an opportunity to encourage anyone he meets to visit North East England. He epitomises the values of community and welcome, making him an exceptional ambassador for English tourism.
Jimmy said: “Winning the Durham Tourism Superstar award was a wonderful feeling, and to now be representing Raby Castle and Durham at a national level is a huge honour. Raby is a place that means a great deal to me, and I’m incredibly proud of the county and the region. To be nominated alongside such fantastic finalists is a real privilege.”
The winner of the national Tourism Superstar award is decided by public vote. Voting is now closed, please check back later to see who was crowned VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar 2026.
Runner up 2025
Wendy Wilshere - Kynren’s head of volunteer casting and engagement claimed second place in VisitEngland’s 2025 Tourism Superstar awards. With finalists from other areas across the country including Norfolk, Devon and Essex, Wendy was the only finalist from the North East of England after winning Durham Tourism Superstar in 2024.
In role, Wendy takes on a multitude of roles to ensure that visitors have the best possible experience. She can be found working behind the scenes, supporting visitors and even participating in the Kynren show as a cast member. Her role is integral to the success of Kynren, without Wendy to organise, motivate, support, and share key communications with the volunteers, they simply wouldn’t be able to perform this show. Wendy has been a volunteer with Kynren since the show's first year in 2016 and her experience as a volunteer is essential, it means she really understands what volunteers need to make their journey as rewarding and meaningful as possible.
Runner up 2020
Tori Goodall was Visit County Durham’s nomination for VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar competition after her success as part of the Durham Tourism Superstar in Summer 2019. She was one of 10 national finalists across the country to have been nominated and was awarded as a runner up in April 2020 which was announced in the Daily Mirror.
Tori has spent the last seven years establishing the business within the local area and has become renowned for its educational, fun filled falconry displays and with a first class experience. Having been born and bred in the local area, she is extremely passionate about promoting tourism across Durham and is a huge advocate for the upper dales and it’s wildlife.
VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Winner 2019
Emily Hope from Beamish, The Living Museum of the North was crowned as Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2018. Now, Emily, who is known for her beaming smile, friendly nature and warm welcome, has won the national award.
Emily truly is a superstar – in her beautiful Edwardian costume and her beaming smile, she greets visitors with the warmest of welcomes and ensures they enjoy an amazing day out. Not only that, she is also a devoted Dementia Friends Champion, who has personally trained more than 100 of the museum’s Dementia Friends.
Being involved in everything from Suffragette marches, shovelling snow and rock and roll dancing to setting up a Dementia Café, directing traffic and carving hundreds of Halloween pumpkins, Emily is always there to help.
VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2018 Runner up
The annual Tourism Superstar competition, run by VisitEngland, aims to recognise those individuals who have gone above and beyond in their jobs to make visitor experiences memorable.
Hall Hill Farm shepherd and winner of Visit County Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2017 award Richard Darlington was shortlisted for a prestigious national prize.
Richard was one of 10 finalists across the country to have made the coveted shortlist for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2017 award, with the winner being announced during English Tourism Week (17-25 March 2018).
Richard is passionate about the importance of diversification and introducing new activities to keep visitors engaged. He introduced ‘Sheep Racing’ at Hall Hill Farm, which continues to be one of the most popular daily events and in 2015 launched ‘Lambing Live’, an annual event which streams the farm’s maternity ward in Spring to keep visitors connected 24/7.
The hardworking shepherd and farm guide always goes the extra mile to give visitors a memorable, immersive experience and was put forward for the national award by Visit County Durham.
The high-profile national competition has recognised several Durham Tourism Superstars over the years. Lilian Groves, an octogenarian volunteer senior tour guide at Durham Cathedral took the crown in 2016, and in 2015 Matthew Henderson, engagement and participation team assistant at Beamish Museum, triumphed, having originally joined the team as an apprentice. Auckland Castle Park Ranger Alan Anderson was a finalist in the 2017 awards and Beamish Museum’s Anthony Gales came in at third place in 2014.
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.
VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2017 Runner up
Alan has been Park Ranger at Auckland Castle for more than 17 years and works tirelessly to maintain its deer park and gardens to the highest possible standards. Whatever the weather Alan is out maintaining 200 acres of ancient parkland and woodland and enhancing the natural habitat of the local wildlife at the castle. He was nominated to be Durham’s Tourism Superstar in 2016 by his colleagues who said he is a truly warm and engaging person and a real treasure of the Castle. Full of knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and dedication, he is always happy to lend a hand and has become a firm favourite for many of the castle’s visitors. After becoming Durham’s 3rd Tourism Superstar in 2016, Alan is now competed against 9 others from venues across England to win the coveted national award.
VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2016 Winner
Lilian Groves was crowned Durham’s Tourism Superstar, and now the Durham Cathedral tour guide and this year has been announced as VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2016.
Lilian, 87, has been a volunteer at the cathedral for 25 years, was nominated by her colleagues because of the enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge that she brings to the role, attributes that have won her praise from visitors from around the world.
Lilian's guided tours are in such high demand, she is regularly booked up to TWO YEARS in advance.
This is not the first time that Durham’s Tourism Superstar has gone on to the national finals; with Anthony Yates and Matthew Henderson having both made the finals in the previous two years, with Matthew taking the national crown in 2015.
The national tourism Superstar campaign recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to an individual who goes beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have an unforgettable experience.
CEO of VisitEngland, James Berresford said: “Showcasing the passion and commitment of highly skilled individuals within the English tourism industry, is precisely why Tourism Superstar 2016 will be a success. This award recognises the people on the ground who meet and greet visitors on a daily basis, and whose consistent vision and dedication ensures that visitors to England have a memorable and fulfilling experience.”
Tourism Superstar 2015 Winner
Matthew Henderson, an engagement and participation team assistant at Beamish Museum in Durham was named VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar of 2015! He was presented with his award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence by VisitEngland Chairman, Lady Cobham CBE, and Nigel Thompson, Travel Editor at the Daily Mirror. Of the record 21,500 votes received in a public poll on the Daily Mirror website, Matthew swept to victory after his nomination video received 36 per cent of the votes beating nine other worthy contestants.
Starting as a work experience student at the museum during his 6th form years, Matthew, now 20, then embarked on a two-year full-time apprenticeship scheme at Beamish, and has since dedicated his career to working in tourism.
Visit County Durham puts forward the winner of the Durham Tourism Superstar award to the national scheme – so good luck to Lilian Groves, senior guide at Durham Cathedral, who is in the running to be named as VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2016.