The Tempus, Northumberland has won Gold at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence to become the country’s Small Hotel of the Year 2026, setting a new national standard and shining a light on Northumberland’s distinctive hospitality scene.
The Awards for Excellence seek to recognise the ‘best of the best’ in English tourism, drawing from a series of regional competitions whereby the winners of each are put forward for consideration at national level.
This year’s contest saw a total 369 eligible winners whittled down to 53 national finalists, hand-picked by tourism sector experts, vying for 16 core category awards.
The Tempus, having won the regional accolade of Small Hotel of the Year at the Destination North East England Tourism Awards earlier this year, was one of three venues shortlisted for the national title, earning industry recognition at the highest level in hospitality and taking home Gold.
Part of The Doxford Group, which also operates exclusive wedding and event venues Doxford Barns and Charlton Hall from its 550-acre private estate, The Tempus was hailed for its carefully considered blend of northern heritage and modern-day luxury.
This includes the welcoming ‘snug’ with wood burning stove, super stylish bar setting and fine dining restaurant, along with an eclectic mix of high-end accommodation ranging from generously proportioned bedrooms and repurposed farm steadings to boutique lakeside cabins and yurts with uninterrupted views over the estate’s lake.
Adding to the experience is The Tempus’ clear embodiment of ‘celebrating local’ with guests invited to dine on the best of the region’s produce, including a new weekly Taste of Northumberland Market Menu featuring fresh ingredients at their peak.
Elsewhere on the scenic estate grounds, there’s the opportunity to stargaze or star bathe under Northumberland National Park’s Gold Tier accredited night skies, along with walking, running and cycling trails, a new family-friendly children’s play area, and an event Tipi serving al fresco drinks and light bites at weekends.
Hotel guests are also encouraged to venture off-site to explore what more the region has to offer: from award-winning coastline to popular attractions including Alnwick Gardens & Lilidorei, Bamburgh Castle and Howick Hall’s Earl Grey Tea Room, amongst many others.
Commenting on the award, Richard Shell, CEO and owner of The Doxford Group, said: “Our ethos, from inception, has been to create a stand-out destination that people naturally gravitate towards, whether for quality time-out together with a boutique feel, a meal or special celebration with family or friends, or as a compelling reason to visit the region.
“To be named Small Hotel of the Year on the national stage is a huge win on two levels. It’s a win for The Tempus and the team behind the warm welcome and memorable guest experiences. And it’s a win for Northumberland, helping redefine perceptions and shine a light on just how forward-thinking and innovative the region’s hospitality scene really is.”
Previous winners of the VisitEngland Small Hotel of the Year Award include Askam Hall, Cumbria, in 2023, The Gallivant Camber Sands, East Sussex, in 2024 and Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorset, in 2025.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, now in their 36th year, were presented last night, Wednesday 3 June, at a special ceremony held at Aerospace Bristol.
