A LUXURY Teignbridge hotel has struck gold at this year’s national tourism awards.

Bovey Castle, in North Bovey, secured gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

The prestigious awards recognise the very best tourism businesses in England and this year brought together winners from 21 regional competitions, with 369 businesses put forward for national recognition.

VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes, said: ‘The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world leading.

‘I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.’

Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism, said, ‘To reach the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is a huge achievement.

‘Businesses first must impress independent judges in their regional Tourism Awards before going forward to compete against the very best from across England.

‘We are incredibly proud of all eight winners. They represent the quality, innovation and passion that make the South West one of England's leading visitor destinations.’

The success follows another strong year for the South West Tourism Awards programme, which have just closed for 2026, with 591 entries submitted across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire – an increase of almost 14 per cent on the previous year.