Warrington’s iconic Walton Hall and Gardens will host next year’s Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards.
The venue was announced as tourist attractions, hotels, pubs and restaurants were urged to get their entries in for the 2026 Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards.
Run by Marketing Cheshire – and until last year called the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards – the awards honour excellence across the entire visitor economy from standout attractions and stylish stays to unforgettable events and first-class hospitality.
With the deadline for entries fast approaching, it was confirmed the glittering event on Thursday, March 5, 2026, will take place at the stunning Walton Hall.
The awards feature 17 hotly contested categories, including the Best Event or Festival Award, introduced last year and won by Deva Fest at Cholmondeley Castle. And for winners, the recognition does not stop here – qualifying entrants go on to represent Cheshire at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence.
Judges will soon start sifting through nominations from across Cheshire East, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester.
Nestled in acres of serene parkland, Walton Hall and Gardens and its historic estate – once home to Lord and Lady Daresbury – is a jewel in Warrington’s crown.
It was named Best Wedding Venue in the 2024 Awards, and its converted old riding school is set to offer the perfect backdrop for this year’s celebrations.
Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council cabinet member with responsibility for Walton Hall, said he was delighted the venue could add the Visit Cheshire Awards to its packed calendar of events.
He said: “We’re looking forward to hosting the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2026. This event gives us the chance to celebrate the best of the best across the visitor economy, and it’s a true honour for Walton Hall to be providing the backdrop for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable evening.”
Tourism is a powerhouse for Cheshire and Warrington, generating £3.9 billion a year for the local economy, supporting 38,000 jobs, and welcoming over 56 million visitors. The Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards are designed to spotlight the inspiring people and businesses behind that success.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council and a Marketing Cheshire board member said hosting the event will be a feather in the cap for the town and urged Cheshire and Warrington’s “amazing” tourism gems to get their entries in.
She said: “We’re really thrilled to have the chance to welcome businesses from across Cheshire and Warrington to Walton Hall for the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work that makes our visitor economy shine.