Kent & East Sussex Railway named Kent's Best Family Experience

The Kent & East Sussex Railway has been voted Best Family Experience in Kent in the regional 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards, held in partnership with NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield.

The Tenterden-based heritage railway, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, was one of five finalists in this new category of the coveted awards for independent lifestyle businesses in the UK.

The award is the latest in a series of accolades that the railway has picked up in recent years – the most recent being from Trip Advisor.

"To say that we are over the moon to have received this award is an understatement," said K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes. "A massive thank you to everyone who voted for us. We're extremely proud that we offer unforgettable experiences for young and old and this award means that we are succeeding in our aim to deliver an authentic, fun and memorable day out."

As a regional winner, the K&ESR automatically now goes through to the prestigious National Finals. Muddy Stilettos Editors will judge who is the 'Best of the Best' in each category and announce the roll call of National Winners on 25 June 2025.

This year's Muddy Awards reached over 11 million people nationally, with half a million nominations and votes cast across 21 categories in 35 Muddy Stilettos counties.