The Great Outdoors Reader Awards are the UK’s biggest democratic celebration of the best of outdoor culture. Twelve years ago, we launched our first annual awards and our readers have been championing the people, places and businesses that make our outdoor lives better ever since.

Main image: A sociable evening on A’Mhaighdean | Credit: James Roddie

Once again, The Reader Awards are open across 15 categories including the Open Outdoors award, pub of the year, campaigner of the year, brand of the year, and many more.


Nominate your choices for The Great Outdoors Reader Awards here


What makes these Reader Awards different – and gives extra kudos to the winners – is that it’s you, the outdoor going public, who decide the results. Only your nominees make it onto the shortlist, and only those who win most of your votes walk away with a top accolade.

In a slight change from previous years, the nominee with the most votes in each category will receive a Winner award, while the nominees with the second and third most votes will both receive a Commended accolade.

the great outdoors reader awards - Taking in Lake District views (Credit_ Jessie Leong)

Taking in Lake District views. Credit: Jessie Leong.

From talented authors and tireless campaigners to charming campsites and cosy pubs, the shortlists in these 15 categories represent the most inspirational personalities, organisations and businesses in the outdoor world.

So nominate wisely – and please share the link below so others may also have their say!


Click here to submit your nominations for TGO’s Reader Awards


Nominations close on December 29 2023. 

Learn more about previous winners of The Great Outdoors Reader Awards.

There are two parts to The Great Outdoors Awards. This article announces the shortlist for the Reader Awards, which have been nominated by our readers and the outdoor public at large across 15 categories. 

The other part of The Great Outdoors Awards is the Gear of the Year awards which recognises the best and most innovative outdoor gear as selected by expert judges.