Five tourism businesses from the East of England have been announced as finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

The shortlisted businesses, which were all either winners or finalists at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023, will find out if they have been crowned the best in the country at a celebration event on June 7.

Piglets Boutique B&B in Wimbish, Essex is a finalist in the B&B and Guest House of the Year category. It was originally an old Essex tithe barn, but now owners Max and Chrissie Parker offer an adult-only experience with five super-king en-suite rooms, a range of facilities and a dining space serving local produce and the site’s own eggs.

“Both Max and I were absolutely thrilled to be told we are a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence,” said Chrissie.

“There are so many fantastic B&Bs and guest houses in England that to be in the top three feels amazing, whoever wins – obviously we hope it will be us!”

The other East of England finalists are Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Hertfordshire for Large Attraction of the Year, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in Norfolk for Small Attraction of the Year, Thorington Theatre in Suffolk for New Tourism Business of the Year, and the Unruly Pig in Suffolk for the Taste of England Award.

The East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 took place in March at Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich. It is organised by LOCALiQ and Newsquest, the publisher of this title, and supported by headline sponsor Hoseasons alongside category sponsors.

Working in partnership with Visit Norfolk, Visit Suffolk, Visit Herts, Visit Essex, Visit Cambridge and Visit East of England, the winners and finalists from the East of England Tourism Awards were put forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence to be considered for national recognition.

Victoria Blake, director of commercial events and projects at LOCALiQ, said: “We are delighted that five businesses involved as winners or finalists in the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 have been selected as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

“For the tourism sector in the East to be recognised in this way is testament to how incredibly dedicated and hard working they are - and is certainly reason to visit the East from further afield.”

For more information on the East of England Tourism Awards visit tourismawards.co.uk and for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence visit visitbritain.org/business-advice/visitengland-awards-excellence