Coventry’s St Mary’s Guildhall has won Bronze at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, cementing its place as one of the country’s leading visitor tourist attractions.

The 700-year-old venue, operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, was recognised in the International Tourism category at a prestigious ceremony held at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.

St Mary’s Guildhall fought off incredibly strong competition from the country’s most prestigious attractions to reach the final, where it was joined by The Beatles Story in Liverpool and World of Wedgwood in Staffordshire.

The accolade further underlines the Guildhall’s growing reputation as a world-class heritage destination, attracting both domestic and international audiences to the historic heart of Coventry.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence are regarded as the leading awards in the English tourism industry, celebrating quality, innovation, customer service and best practice. 

St Mary’s Guildhall has received a Bronze award less than three years after reopening under the management of No Ordinary Hospitality, following an extensive renovation and the introduction of a new operational team. The transformation has reimagined the historic venue as a must-visit destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike, as well as a charming spot to enjoy a quintessential English afternoon tea.

Judges praised St Mary’s Guildhall for its genuine passion for accessibility and history, its tailored approach to welcoming visitors from around the world, and the consistently outstanding customer service delivered by its staff and volunteers.

The national final followed an extensive judging process that began with over 1,800 applications to regional competitions. A total of 360 businesses were shortlisted nationally, with just 52 finalists across 16 core categories making it through to the national stage.

The venue in Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter has become a standout example of how historic buildings can be reimagined for modern visitors, offering interactive tours, immersive hands-on history experiences, tailored group packages, family-friendly activities, educational visits, accessible tours, and specialist support for international audiences.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund sustains ongoing events, activities, and capital investment at St Mary’s Guildhall, enhancing access to the venue and the renowned Coventry Tapestry with thanks to National Lottery players.