The Dorset Tourism Awards finalists for 2026 have been announced and include some notable names working within Purbeck’s tourism and hospitality industry.
They are now guaranteed a gold, silver or bronze award, which will be revealed at the awards ceremony at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on Thursday 22nd October 2026.
The Swanage Carnival volunteers put on a great show every year attracting thousands of visitors to Purbeck
Celebrating excellence
The awards celebrate excellence across Dorset’s visitor economy, recognising businesses and individuals across accommodation, attractions, experiences, food and drink and other areas of tourism.
Local attractions named as finalists are Poole Harbour Osprey Cruises, National Trust’s Corfe Castle, The Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset Adventure Park at Corfe Castle, The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, and The Walled Garden in Moreton.
Purbeck hotels and places to stay that have made it to the final are Kingston Country Courtyard, Ulwell Holiday Park in Swanage, and The Priory in Wareham.
In the ‘tourism event / festival of the year’ category Swanage Folk Festival 2025 is battling it out with Swanage Carnival 2026, which has won bronze in previous successive years.
Kingston Country Courtyard is a lovely setting for weddings
The Priory in Wareham is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2026
“Passion, innovation and dedication”
Jay Thornton from main sponsor Tomorrows Travel, said:
“We’re delighted to congratulate all of this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards finalists. As headline sponsor, Tomorrows Travel Group is incredibly proud to support awards that play such an important role in our region.
“The quality of this year’s finalists showcases the passion, innovation and dedication that makes Dorset such an outstanding destination, and we look forward to celebrating these achievements at the awards night.”
Awards director Nell Barrington said:
“Reaching the finals is a huge achievement and these Awards are a chance to reward all the hard-working businesses that give visitors such a great experience in Dorset. I am delighted to see this year’s finalists getting the recognition they deserve.”
The Dorset Tourism Awards are run in partnership with the Visit England Awards for Excellence, with eligible winners being nominated for the national awards in 2027.
The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge has been in existence for 10 years but the fossils inside the museum date back much further!
Dorset Adventure Park with Corfe Castle up on the hill – both finalists in the Dorset Tourism Awards
Finalists 2026
Accessible and inclusive tourism award
Finalists
- Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, Dorchester
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
- Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster
Commended
- Nothe Fort (operated by Weymouth Civic Society), Weymouth
Active and learning experience of the year
Finalists
- Poole Harbour Osprey Cruises, Birds of Poole Harbour, Wareham
- Fossil Walks and Talks, Fossilwise, Lyme Regis
- Thrill and Chill, Lyme RIB Rides, Bridport
Commended
- Guided History Walk, Wareham Tours, Wareham
Business events venue of the year
Finalists
- Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham
- Lighthouse, Poole
- Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
- Merley House Events, Wimborne
Commended
- The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth
Cafe / tearoom of the year
Finalists
- Cherries Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury
- The Castle Pantry, Highcliffe
- The Upwey Wishing Well Tea Room and Water Gardens, Weymouth
Commended
- Ete, Westbourne
Camping, caravanning park and glamping business of the year
Finalists
- Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park, St Leonards
- Bagwell Farm Touring Park, Chickerell
- Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth
- South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Dorchester
Dog friendly business of the year
Finalists
- Back of Beyond Touring, Camping and Glamping Park, St Leonards
- Greenwood Grange, Dorchester
- South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Dorchester
Commended
- Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth
- MUTT Everything Dog, Dorchester
Glamping business of the year
Finalists
- Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton
- The Old Forge, Compton Abbas
Holiday park of the year
Finalists
- Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park and Spa, Weymouth
- Golden Cap Holiday Park, Chideock
- Ulwell Holiday Park, Swanage
Commended
- Club Casita, Bournemouth
Hotel of the year
Finalists
- Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot
- The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth
- The King’s Arms, Dorchester
- The Priory, Wareham
Commended
- Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham
International tourism award
Finalists
- Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, Dorchester
- Greenwood Grange, Dorchester
Large visitor attraction of the year
Finalists
- Corfe Castle, National Trust, Wareham
- Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, Dorchester
- Nothe Fort (operated by Weymouth Civic Society), Weymouth
Commended
- Monkey World, Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham
- Poole Museum, Poole
New tourism business of the year
Finalists
- Coastal Vibes Cruises, Weymouth
- Lyme RIB Rides, Bridport
- Ringstead Bay Camping, Weymouth
- Southside Funfair, Weymouth
Pub of the year
Finalists
- Brace of Pheasants, Dorchester
- The Old Thatch, Stapehill
Regenerative tourism award
Finalists
- Birds of Poole Harbour, Wareham
- Forestry England with The Tank Museum, Bovington
- Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham
- Oceanarium, Bournemouth
Restaurant and casual dining of the year
Finalists
- Arbor Restaurant, Bournemouth
- Peppina Sicilian Bakery, Poundbury
- St Tropez Restaurant and Club, Poole
- The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury
Self catering accommodation of the year
Finalists
- Greenwood Grange, Dorchester
- Our Place in Portland, Portland
Small visitor attraction of the year
Finalists
- Dorset Adventure Park, Purbeck
- Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne
- The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, Wareham
- West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport
Commended
- Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens, Shaftesbury
- The Walled Garden, Moreton
Tourism event / festival of the year
Finalists
- Bournemouth Writing Festival 2026
- Inside Out Dorset 2025, Activate Performing Arts
- Swanage Carnival 2026
- Swanage Folk Festival 2025
Wedding venue of the year
Finalists
- Abbots Court, Blandford Forum
- Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham
- Merley House Events, Wimborne
- The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth
Winners of the innovative employer award, the outstanding contribution to Dorset tourism, the wellness and spa experience of the year, and the winner of winners will be announced on the night at the awards event.
Swanage Folk Festival is in with a shout for an award
Further information
- More about the Dorset Tourism Awards
