Cumbrian tourism businesses have been named as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Highlighting the crème de la crème of England's tourism sector, these awards have been championing businesses for more than 30 years.

The Yan, snugly situated a short walk from the idyllic village of Grasmere, has been named as a finalist for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.

A well-loved bistro with beds, The Yan adds charm to a captivating 17th-century converted sheep farm.

Meanwhile, Allium at Askham Hall, spearheaded by head chef Richard Swale, gained its nomination for the Taste of England Award.

Allium, a remarkable Michelin-starred entity, prides itself on dishing out home-grown, home-reared produce.

Both Cumbrian businesses garnered their nominations for the VE Awards for Excellence following their impressive victories at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023.

Adding to the list of commendations from Cumbria, Ben Aitken’s feature in The Guardian about a new accessible trail on Orrest Head in the Lake District gained a spot as a finalist under the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence Travel Content Award.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism said: "Once again the Lake District, Cumbria has performed strongly in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence line up and this shows the high quality of our tourism industry.

"We wish all our finalists well and we are very proud to have them representing us on the national stage."

Joining the applause, VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: "I am always impressed by the tourism businesses who make it onto our list of finalists with their innovative approaches to ensuring people have the most amazing experiences whilst delivering outstanding customer service across England.

"I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck."

The VisitEngland awards, which scrutinise entries through an intensive judging process by handpicked tourism industry experts, cover a broad spectrum of categories including ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Small Hotel of the Year’.

This year's awards ceremony will take place at Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool on June 5, where Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be honoured.

Meanwhile, the finalists in this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards will be unveiled on April 22, with the grand gala awards evening set to convene at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal on July 2.