A north Cumbrian hospitality business is celebrating after winning for the third consecutive year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Netherby Hall Ltd, near Longtown, Carlisle, won the Regenerative Tourism Award at the black tie event, held at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal on July 8.
The accolade follows its success in 2024 and 2025 when Netherby Hall’s luxury self-catering accommodation was named Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year.
This latest award recognises Netherby Hall’s commitment to making a positive impact on the environment, local economy and wider community across its three businesses, which include the nine luxury apartments and cottages at the Grade II* listed mansion, the Michelin-starred Pentonbridge Inn, and the emerging Haithwaite Farm development.
It was a double success on the night, with Pentonbridge Inn also named winner of the Taste of Cumbria Fine Dining Award. The restaurant-with-rooms will go forward to represent Cumbria on a national stage at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2027.
Kim Capstick, Director of Operations at Netherby Hall, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have been recognised in this way, and it reflects the hard work and the long-term commitment made by the whole team right across our business.
“Making a positive difference is at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s supporting local suppliers, creating employment opportunities, investing in environmental projects or encouraging visitors to stay longer and discover more of north Cumbria.
“We believe businesses like ours can strengthen rural economies and support communities, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
The regenerative tourism category recognises businesses that create environmental, economic and social benefits while encouraging visitors to explore and spend more time in the local area.
Since acquiring Netherby Hall in 2014, owners Gerald and Margo Smith have overseen the transformation of the historic estate, restoring former stables, courtyard buildings and cottages into self-catering accommodation set in 36 acres of private gardens and grounds.
Their long-term vision has focused on ensuring tourism delivers lasting benefits for the area, through investment in renewable energy, sustainable food production and biodiversity projects. Initiatives include solar energy generation, on-site composting systems, the use of estate-grown produce on the Pentonbridge Inn menu, and the planting of 47,000 trees as part of the Haithwaite Farm development.
Haithwaite Farm is currently being transformed into a visitor and community destination that will create new jobs, support local businesses and generate new opportunities for the area. It is due to open next year.
The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across the county’s tourism industry, which contributes £4.6 billion to the economy and supports nearly 75,000 jobs.
