A COUNTY Durham hotel has scooped the award for England’s best small hotel 2022 after wowing the judges with the quality and service that is provided to each guest.

Seaham Hall Hotel, on Lord Byrons Walk, scooped the national accolade at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, after seeing other County Durham venues win silver and bronze achievements.

The five-star spa hotel resort, which offers people the chance to pamper themselves, dine and relax, offers a range of services – and it appears their hard work has paid off after beating competition from across England to land the impressive accolade.

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This success for Seaham Hall Hotel was followed by two silver awards for Hotel Indigo Durham in the Large Hotel of the Year category and Triple-A Food Tours, Newcastle, for the New Tourism Business Award.

Clive Goodwin, of The Ouseburn Trust, finished off an amazing night for the North East with a Bronze in the Unsung Hero category for his work with the Victoria Tunnel tours.

Seaham Hall Hotel beat off fierce competition from No.15 by GuestHouse in Bath and The Idle Rocks, Cornwall, who both received silver.

The Northern Echo: Seaham Hall Hotel. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOSeaham Hall Hotel. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

The annual VisitEngland awards were held at Birmingham Library last week and were presented by TV Presenter Claire Balding CBE.

They celebrate and champion innovation, quality and best practice across the industry recognising businesses and individuals who raise the bar of England's tourism offer.

The Northern Echo: Inside Seaham Hall Hotel. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOInside Seaham Hall Hotel. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Ross Grieve, managing director of Seaham Hall, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised for this prestigious accolade in the VisitEngland Awards.

“It is truly an honour and one very much shared with the entire team at Seaham Hall. We are very grateful for the team's passion and ongoing commitment; our fantastic, very loyal guests, are also a huge driver in terms of our success.

The Northern Echo: The Five-star hotel has been awarded the small hotel of the year accolade. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe Five-star hotel has been awarded the small hotel of the year accolade. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

"Seaham Hall is very much a destination in its own right, and we proudly champion the region, promoting the beautiful heritage coastline, the city of Durham and the many reasons to visit and spend time in the North East of England to our guests which travel to us from all over the country."

Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, who delivers the NEETA awards, added: "What an awesome night for the region! A massive congratulations to all our finalists. It's an incredible accolade to have England's top Small Hotel here in the North East and demonstrates the commitment, passion and quality of our tourism businesses.

The Northern Echo: The award news joins other accolades for Indigo Hotel and other tourist destinations. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe award news joins other accolades for Indigo Hotel and other tourist destinations. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

"It was fantastic to see our businesses supporting each other on the night. I'm delighted that all our finalists have been recognised in their own right for the wonderful experiences they offer visitors to the North East."

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