Northumberland getaway, The Tempus hotel, nestled in the grounds of Charlton Hall Estate, has been crowned Small Hotel of the Year 2026 at the North East England Tourism Awards.

Delivered by Destination North East England and sponsored by LNER, the Awards – now in their 24th year – seek to celebrate and showcase excellence in hospitality across the region, recognising businesses that deliver exceptional guest experiences, service and innovation.

Winning the Gold Award for Small Hotel of the Year 2026 positions The Tempus as best in class on the regional stage.

Founded by Richard Shell – whose family-run business The Doxford Group also includes Doxford Barns and Grade II listed mansion house Charlton Hall – The Tempus has already made a significant mark on the North East hospitality scene in the three short years since first opening its doors.

Blending bold style with relaxed luxury and warm hospitality, the boutique hotel is now one of the region’s most sought-after destinations, both for its à la carte menu and overnight stays, attracting guests from the UK and beyond.

Commenting on the Award, Director at The Doxford Group, Mark Gubbins, said: “Winning Small Hotel of the Year speaks volumes about the dedication and passion of the entire team, reflecting the hard work and care that goes into every stay and visit.

“From concept to reality, The Tempus has been a journey of passion, vision and thoughtful growth, and to receive recognition of that is a significant milestone for us all – it means the world.”

The Small Hotel of the Year Award is the latest in a series of accolades for The Tempus, including The Times & The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay and Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.