Shropshire’s Goldstone Hall & Gardens secures Gold at regional tourism awards
Goldstone Hall & Gardens near Market Drayton has been named the Best Small Hotel for the second consecutive year at the prestigious West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026.
Goldstone Hall & Gardens has cemented its reputation as one of the finest destinations in the country after being named the Best Small Hotel for the second consecutive year. The independent, family-run country house hotel struck Gold in the ‘Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year’ category at the prestigious West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026.
The ceremony, held on Monday, 16 March, saw Goldstone triumph over a highly competitive field spanning the entire region, from Oswestry and Ludlow to Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon. This latest accolade serves as a testament to the hotel’s enduring commitment to hospitality, blending traditional charm with contemporary sophistication.
The judging panel was particularly impressed by Goldstone’s "heartfelt hospitality" and professional service. Nestled within the rolling hills of North Shropshire, the hotel is celebrated for its unique atmosphere where guests are treated as though they are in a welcoming retreat rather than a standard commercial venue.
Owned and operated for 40 years by John and Sue Cushing, alongside their daughters Victoria and Katie, the establishment was praised for its impeccable cleanliness, sustainability efforts, and the genuine warmth of its staff.
During the evaluation, judges identified three core strengths that set the hotel apart. They highlighted the extensive use of locally sourced products and the high standards maintained across the period property, from the guest rooms to the acclaimed garden-led restaurant. Furthermore, the panel noted that the "love put into the hotel by the Cushing family" was evident from arrival to departure, ensuring every guest experience is personal and memorable.
Reflecting on the achievement, owner John Cushing expressed his pride in the team’s dedication to enhancing the guest experience. He noted that winning Gold is a significant milestone that combines the hotel’s rich heritage with a fresh, modern approach to service. This sentiment was echoed by representatives from Visit Birmingham & West Midlands, who described the hotel as offering a "truly special guest experience" through its blend of heritage and thoughtful luxury.
The timing of the win is particularly significant as it coincided with English Tourism Week, a national initiative designed to highlight the importance of the sector to local economies. Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitEngland, congratulated the winners for their role in creating lasting memories for visitors and driving regional economic growth.
As a regional Gold winner, Goldstone Hall & Gardens has now automatically qualified for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026. The team will head to the national finals this June, where they will compete against the very best establishments from across the country for the ultimate industry recognition.
