Chesterfield Champions celebrate national tourism success at VisitEngland Awards
Two Chesterfield Champions have been recognised among England’s leading tourism businesses after achieving national success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout were among four tourism businesses and individuals from the Peak District and Derbyshire to receive national awards at the prestigious ceremony, held at Aerospace Bristol on Wednesday, 3rd June, 2026.
Peak Edge Hotel-VisitBritain-Kevin-Moran-Photography
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which have celebrated the very best of England’s tourism industry for more than 35 years, recognise excellence across accommodation, attractions, accessibility, food and drink, visitor experiences and customer service.
Representing the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby on the national stage, local finalists achieved the following results:
- Small Hotel of the Year – Silver – Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
- Pub of the Year – Silver – The Tickled Trout, Barlow
- Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award – Gold – Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
- Unsung Hero Award – Silver – Viv Smith, National Stone Centre
All four national finalists secured their place in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence after winning Gold at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards earlier this year.
The success of Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout highlights the quality of hospitality experiences available in and around Chesterfield, helping to strengthen our town’s reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors and showcasing the strength of the local visitor economy.
The Tickled Trout – VisitBritain-Kevin-Moran-Photography
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said:
“To achieve four national awards, including a Gold and three Silvers, is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the outstanding quality, innovation and customer service across the Peak District and Derbyshire.
These results demonstrate the strength and diversity of our visitor economy.”
Steve Perez, owner of Peak Edge Hotel, said:
“We are enormously proud of what the team has achieved. Hospitality is ultimately about people, and this award reflects the dedication, warmth and professionalism our team shows every day. As an independent Derbyshire business, it is particularly special to be representing the Peak District on a national stage and demonstrating the quality of hospitality experiences available here.”
Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Peak Edge Hotel, added:
“This award recognises years of hard work and continual investment in the guest experience. We’ve focused on creating something that feels relaxed, welcoming and authentic, while still delivering exceptional quality. To achieve Silver at a national level is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 brought together finalists from 21 regional and local tourism competitions, with more than 1,800 tourism businesses entering local awards programmes across the country.
Tourism continues to play a vital role in the regional economy, contributing £2.58 billion annually to the Peak District and Derbyshire and supporting thousands of jobs across the area.
To discover more award-winning places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/2026/05/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/
Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout are two of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
