The Guildhall has enjoyed success at the awards in each of the years it has been managed by the team at No Ordinary Hospitality since reopening as a major visitor attraction.
The historic city centre venue claimed a trio of top awards at the most recent edition, taking home Gold for International Tourism, Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, and Silver for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – before winning Bronze in the International Tourism category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025.
The 700-year-old venue has also picked up Silver in the regional Accessible & Inclusive Tourism category in 2024, after claiming the Gold prize in 2023.
Shakespeare Distillery in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Lord Leycester in Warwick will also be vying for top spot, with the winners earning a chance to compete against the best attractions across the country in the VisitEngland national finals.
Jayne Pyatt Marketing Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said being named as a finalist in the Small Visitor Attraction would be a fantastic tribute to the hard work of its team.
She said: “St Mary’s Guildhall continues to evolve and inspire thanks to the efforts of our staff and partners. Being recognised in this way reflects our ambition not just to preserve the past, but to share it in an engaging and meaningful way with as many people as possible. Reaching the finals once again is a real honour.”
The judging panel praised the Guildhall’s community-focused approach, noting that its collaborative ethos "punches above the attraction’s size" and brings genuine economic benefits to Coventry.
They described the Guildhall’s work as “clearly centred around people and community,” highlighting the venue’s strength in accessibility, inclusivity, and regenerative tourism.
Judges also commended the team’s ability to keep history relevant by integrating contemporary experiences and encouraging the community to be part of the venue’s ongoing story.
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has sustained ongoing events, activities, and capital investment at St Mary’s Guildhall, enhancing access to the venue and the renowned Coventry Tapestry, since it’s reopening in July 2022.
