Ad Gefrin eyes tourism award after record year

A Northumberland-based museum and whisky distillery has been named a finalist for VisitEngland’s New Tourism Business of the Year Award.

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, located in Wooler, has garnered wide acclaim since its 2023 opening, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage with a £16 million facility combining an engaging museum experience with a working distillery. 

Having welcomed 65,000 visitors in its first year, Ad Gefrin expects to open its doors to 74,000 in its second, as the museum’s seasonal events, inspired by ancient Anglo-Saxon traditions, along with the launch of new spirits from England’s most northerly distillery, have proved extremely popular. 

The museum’s success also extends beyond tourism, with the destination having earned numerous accolades, including a Silver award for ‘Best Large Visitor Attraction’ at the 2025 North East Tourism Awards and a RIBA architecture finalist spot, with the winner to be announced in May.

Now, the business is in the running for a VisitEngland gold, silver or bronze award at the 2025 ceremony on June 4.

To find out more about Ad Gefrin, read an interview with co-founder Eileen Ferguson in our sister publication N, here. 

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