A POPULAR park is hoping to scoop an award for its wedding venue.

Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington is among the nominees for the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024/2025.

The awards honour the people and businesses that make up Cheshire and Warrington's tourism sector, which brings in £3.41 billion to the area's economy and attracts more than 50 million visitors annually.

Marketing Cheshire, the organisers, confirmed that the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Chester Cathedral on March 6, 2025.

Trevor Brocklebank, chairman of Marketing Cheshire, said: "Every year the quality and breadth of entries from across all parts of the region is breathtaking.

"It’s also great to see the new Best Event or Festival category attracting a host of entries.

"Our region welcomes over 36.3 million visitors each year and every one of our finalists play a huge part in the continued success of Cheshire and Warrington’s world-renowned tourism gems."

Walton Hall

Walton Hall is up against Carden Park Hotel & Spa near Chester, Chester Zoo, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Delamere Manor, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, and Peckforton Castle in the Wedding Venue of the Year category.

Walton is the only Warrington name on the various shortlists however.

Other finalists announced include a Harry Styles-inspired tour and the Chester Zoo.

The Harry's Home Village Tour, based in Holmes Chapel, is in the running in three categories: Best Tourism Marketing Project of the Year, Experience of the Year, and New Tourism Business of the Year.

The guided tour allows visitors to learn about the history of the village where the global pop star grew up.

Visitors can also stop at Harry's former workplace, Mandeville's bakery, and Twemlow Viaduct, where the singer is said to have had his first kiss.

Chester Zoo, with its new Snow Leopard enclosure, is also a finalist in three categories, including the Visitor Attraction of the Year and Team of the Year.

The zoo is also competing in the Wedding Venue of the Year category.

Other finalists in the Team of the Year category include Champneys Mottram Hall, The Chester Grosvenor, Canal & River Trust (North West Destination & Attraction Team), and The Bridge in Prestbury.

Last year's event was hosted by actress Lucy-Jo Hudson (Image: Marketing Cheshire) The full list of finalists includes:

Best Event or Festival: BeWILDerwood presents Christmas, Deva Fest, Fireworks and Fun, The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester, and Steam at the Lift, Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre.

Best Tourism Marketing Project of the Year: Harry's Home Village Tour and Twiggle Tots, BeWILDerwood Cheshire.

Business Events Venue of the Year: Carden Park Hotel, Champneys Mottram Hall, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, and Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement.

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: Lady Heyes Holiday Park, Manor Wood, Overwater Marina & Holiday Park, and Pitch and Canvas.

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award: Lyme, National Trust, and Moxy Chester.

Experience of the Year: Distillery Tour, Forest Distillery, Macclesfield, Harry's Home Village Tour, Pink Floyd's 50th Anniversary of 'The Dark Side of the Moon' Immersive Planetarium Experience, Jodrell Bank, and Wake & Shake, The Farm Club Group.

Large Hotel of the Year: Champneys Mottram Hall, Cottons Hotel & Spa, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester, Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, and The Queen at Chester Hotel.

New Tourism Business of the Year: Chester on a Plate Tours, Harry's Home Village Tour, and Dead Good Ghost Tour.

Pub of the Year: Cholmondeley Arms, Ring O' Bells, The Bear's Paw, The Fishpool Inn, The Pied Bull, and The Vicarage.

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Black Prince Holidays, Cheshire Boutique Stays, Nantwich Canal Centre, and The Hide.

Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year: Cheshire Boutique Stays, The Bear's Paw, The Chester Townhouse, The Hive at 52, and The Pheasant Inn.