26th March 2026
A volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has finished in the top three in VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar award.
87-year-old Jimmy Nicol was one of ten finalists in the prestigious national competition which seeks out champions working in tourism who provide fantastic experiences for visitors. The competition also showcases the variety and quality of England’s tourism offering, businesses and destinations.
Whilst Jimmy was awarded third place, Mick Hurst from Worcestershire’s Battle of Evesham historical events and re-enactments came out on top and Hull and East Yorkshire Volunteers took second place.
Jimmy secured his place in the national shortlist after winning Durham Tourism Superstar in 2025, an annual event organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service.
He was nominated for the Durham award by a colleague at Raby Castle who highlighted his passion and energy as well as the role he takes on as an ambassador, not only for Raby but the whole of the North East.
Tim Dodgson, public engagement and learning officer at Raby Estates said: “Jimmy is one of the most caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside and it’s a fantastic achievement for him to come third in such an important national competition.
“His endearing character and enthusiasm for Raby and the region shines through in everything he does and we’re lucky to have him as part of the team.”
Jimmy joined Raby in 2018 as a volunteer, sharing the castle’s fascinating history and has also been involved with meeting and greeting visitors at several Raby events.
Jimmy said: “Being part of the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition has been a truly incredibly experience and I am immensely grateful to everyone that has taken the time to vote for me.
“Representing Raby and the region was a huge honour and finishing in the top three is something that I will be forever proud of.”
Michelle Gorman, managing director, Visit County Durham said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the incredible people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge, and genuine passion for Raby Castle, as well as the wider county, leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Coming third in VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar competition is a wonderful recognition of his dedication and expertise. We were incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and celebrating the very best of what our county has to offer.”
10th February 2026
A much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is representing County Durham and the wider North East in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting now open.
87-year-old Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, is one of just ten finalists shortlisted nationally in the Tourism Superstar award, which celebrates individuals working in tourism who go above and beyond to create outstanding visitor experiences while championing England’s diverse destinations.
Jimmy secured his place in the national finals after being crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025, an annual award organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service. He was nominated by a colleague at Raby Castle in recognition of his infectious enthusiasm, dedication and the ambassadorial role he plays not only for Raby, but for County Durham and the North East as a whole.
The national shortlist features finalists from destinations across England, including Norfolk, Leicestershire and Worcestershire, with Jimmy proudly flying the flag for County Durham alongside fellow North East finalist Dan Monk, Director of Astrophotography at Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. He is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts in night sky photography and has played a key role in showcasing Northumberland’s world-class dark skies to a global audience.
Jimmy joined Raby Castle as a volunteer in 2018, where he shares the castle’s fascinating history with visitors and supports major events across the estate, becoming a familiar and friendly face for thousands of visitors each year.
Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates, said: “Jimmy’s dedication to both Raby Castle and County Durham is evident in everything he does. It is the enthusiasm and commitment of people like Jimmy that has helped establish County Durham as the popular visitor destination it is today.
“I would encourage everyone across the county and the wider North East to show their support and vote for Jimmy in the national Tourism Superstar competition.”
Michelle Gorman, Visit County Durham’s managing director said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge and genuine passion for Raby Castle and the wider county leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. We are incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and wish him the very best of luck.”
Jimmy Nicol said: “Winning the Durham Tourism Superstar award was a wonderful feeling, and to now be representing Raby Castle and County Durham at a national level is a huge honour. Raby is a place that means a great deal to me, and I’m incredibly proud of the county and the region. To be nominated alongside such fantastic finalists is a real privilege.”
The winner of the national Tourism Superstar award is decided by public vote. Voting is open until the end of English Tourism Week (13–22 March 2026), with the overall winner announced later in the year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.