A number of Chester finalists have been named in this year's Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards.

Organised by Marketing Cheshire, the event celebrates excellence across the region's £3.9bn visitor economy, with finalists competing in 18 categories.

The shortlist shines a spotlight on the very best from across Cheshire and Warrington, with this year seeing a record number of entries.

Celebrating three nominations is Chester Zoo, a finalist in Team of the Year, Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, and the Regenerative Tourism Award. 

Cheshire West and Chester is guaranteed to claim the title of New Tourism Business of the Year, with all five contenders – Rooftop Social Club, 744 Experience, The Seven Chester, The Hole in Wand, and Axt Haus – based in and around the city.

"Tourism in Cheshire and Warrington is truly world-class, supporting 38,000 jobs and welcoming over 56 million visitors each year," said Jamie Christon, Chair of Marketing Cheshire.

"It's fantastic to see such a bumper crop of entries once again, showcasing the trailblazing businesses and inspirational individuals driving the region's success.

"The judges have an unenviable task this year – the standard has been exceptional."

Winners will be announced on March 5, 2026 at Walton Hall and Gardens.

Some category winners will automatically qualify for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where they'll represent Cheshire and Warrington on the national stage.

The confirmed Chester finalists can be found below.

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

• Boodles May Festival, Chester Racecourse
• Chester Festival of Ideas, University of Chester
• Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Storyhouse

Business Events Venue of the Year

• Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Chester

Experience of the Year

• Walking Food Tours UK - The Taste of Chester Experience

Large Hotel of the Year

• Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
• The Queen at Chester

New Tourism Business of the Year

• Axt Haus, Chester
• Rooftop Social Club, Chester
• The Hole In Wand Chester
• The Seven Chester

Regenerative Tourism Award

• Chester Zoo

Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year

• Oddfellows Chester
• Stone Villa, Chester
• The Chester Townhouse

Team of the Year

• Chester Zoo - Heart of Africa Team

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

• Chester Zoo
• Storyhouse, Chester

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

• Escapism Chester
• The Hole In Wand Chester

Wedding Venue of the Year

• Old Palace Chester