MUST-VISIT tourist attractions are eyeing up top prizes.

The Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards take place later this month, shining a light on the industry's very best.

Zoos, restaurants, hotels and museums are among the businesses hoping to claim titles at the ceremony on March 21, with some of the winners going on to represent Cheshire at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.

Some of the contenders familiar to Mid Cheshire residents include Anderton Boat Lift, Lion Salt Works, Jodrell Bank and The Vicarage pub in Cranage.

Trevor Brocklebank, chair of Marketing Cheshire, said: “It has been another year of exceptional entries and everyone shortlisted exemplifies the work that goes on to ensure Cheshire and Warrington is a truly wonderful place to live and visit.

“Our region welcomes more than 36.3 million visitors each year creating a visitor economy valued at more than £3.7 billion and the finalists all play a role in this. Judges now have the unenviable task of choosing winners in each category.”

Without further ado, here is every finalist at the 2023/2024 Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards.

Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards finalists

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Chester Cathedral
  • Lion Salt Works
  • National Trust, Quarry Bank
  • Storyhouse

Best Tourism Marketing Project of the Year

  • Chester Mystery Plays 2023
  • Judith Kerr 100: The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog at Tatton Park
  • Make A Sploosh at BeWILDerwood This Summer
  • Wondrous Place, Chester Zoo

Business Events Venue of the Year

  • Chester Cathedral
  • Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
  • The Engine Rooms
  • Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Bradley Hall Rural Escapes
  • Lady Heyes Holiday Park
  • Manor Wood Country Caravan Park

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre (Canal & River Trust)
  • Chester Cathedral
  • Chester Zoo
  • Just So Festival
  • The Hive at 52

Experience of the Year

  • A Taste of Chester Food Walking Tour, Tours Around Chester
  • Dark Chester Tour
  • Tower Tour, Chester Cathedral

Large Hotel of the Year (Sponsored by Chester BID Company)

  • Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
  • Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa
  • The Chester Grosvenor

 Pub of the Year

  • The Lion at Malpas
  • The Pheasant Inn
  • The Swan at Tarporley
  • The Vicarage, Cranage

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Capesthorne Hall
  • Cheshire Boutique Bathhouse
  • Enjoy the Pause Holiday Home - Pause UK

Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year

  • Cheshire Boutique Bathhouse
  • The Bear's Paw, Warmingham
  • The Hive at 52
  • The Lion at Malpas
  • The Old Post Office by Deuce Hotels Ltd
  • The Pheasant Inn
  • The Swan at Tarporley

Taste of Cheshire Award

  • Artezzan Restaurant & Bar
  • New Chester Market
  • Nunsmere Hall Hotel
  • Pastry Pédaleur
  • The Forge Chester
  • Warrington Market

Team of the Year

  • Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement
  • The Ice Cream Farm
  • Arkle, The Chester Grosvenor
  • The Plant Team, Chester Zoo
  • The Sales & Marketing Team, Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club
  • The Spa Team at Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa
  • Volunteers, Storyhouse

Unsung Hero Award

  • Abbi Beddal, Oddfellows Chester
  • Alex McGinn, Chester Zoo
  • Archie Thompson, Flat Cap Hotels
  • Barry Littler, The Chester Grosvenor
  • Jacob Maudsley, Storyhouse
  • John Budworth, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
  • Peter Rosenfeld, BusyBus
  • Stephan Swiegers, The North Wing at Combermere Abbey

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Chester Cathedral
  • Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
  • Cheshire Outdoors Group
  • Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
  • Chester Zoo
  • Escapism Chester
  • The Ice Cream Farm
  • Walton Hall and Gardens

Wedding Venue of the Year

  • Chester Zoo
  • Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
  • Peckforton Castle
  • Walton Hall and Gardens
  • Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa
  • Wychwood Park Hotel