The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has been awarded the title of Best Family Experience in Kent at the prestigious Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026, marking a second consecutive win for the beloved heritage attraction.
Public Recognition for Excellence
The award, determined by public vote in the national awards programme that celebrates the finest independent lifestyle businesses, acknowledges the railway's ongoing dedication to providing memorable, high-quality family days out. Derrick Bilsby, chairman of the K&ESR, expressed his delight: "We're absolutely thrilled to receive this title for the second year running. The real winners are our dedicated team of staff and volunteers, who deliver a wonderful experience for visitors every day. It may be coal and diesel that power the engines, but it's our people that make it run and bring the warm welcome that visitors appreciate."
Summer Programme for Families
Following this latest success, the multi-award-winning heritage railway has unveiled a comprehensive programme of entertainment for children and families this summer, with a strong focus on affordability for family budgets. Many activities take place aboard heritage trains travelling through the scenic Rother Valley, offering visitors the chance to turn a day out into a bigger adventure without overspending. Most activities are priced at just £10 when booked in advance, alongside the Kids Go Free travel offer running throughout the school holidays.
Explorer's Express
The Explorer's Express (July 22 and 28, plus August 6, 14, 19, 21, and 25) is a new onboard family experience for children aged six to 11. It brings railway history to life with the charming Colonel Stephens, founder of the K&ESR, portrayed by an actor, sharing fascinating tales from the golden age of rail travel. With activities and engaging storytelling during half of the return journey, it offers a fun and relaxing way for families to discover the heritage of the 120-year-old railway together. Every child receives a copy of the railway's beautifully illustrated Explorer's Activity Book to take home.
Teddy Express
Perfect for younger visitors aged two to four, the Teddy Express (July 24, plus August 1, 5, 13, 20, and 28) is specially designed as a gentle introduction to heritage railways for little ones. Children are encouraged to bring their favourite cuddly companion for a magical journey featuring sing-alongs, storytelling, and interactive moments during a single-way trip. Each child also receives a branded K&ESR teddy bear and a commemorative certificate. Prices for the Explorer's Express and Teddy Express are £10 per child in advance or £12.50 on the day, with accompanying adults buying a regular Freedom ticket.
The Great Train Mystery
Young detectives aged seven to 12 can test their sleuthing skills aboard The Great Train Mystery (July 25 and 31, plus August 11 and 27), an interactive onboard whodunnit filled with clues, puzzles, suspicious suspects, and plenty of laughs. Passengers become part of the investigation as eccentric Inspector Hugh Dunnit and Detective Dee Railed move through the train gathering evidence before the dramatic final reveal at the end of the journey. Prices are £12.50 per child in advance or £15 on the day, with accompanying adults buying a regular Freedom ticket.
Bricks on the Move
Following a successful launch earlier this year, the popular Bricks on the Move experience returns on selected dates throughout the school holidays. A dedicated railway carriage will be transformed into a rolling creative play space filled with thousands of LEGO and DUPLO bricks for children and adults to enjoy. Families can build trains, stations, bridges, and imaginative railway worlds while travelling through the countryside on a heritage steam service. The activity is free when travel is booked in advance or £5 per table on the day.
Workshops and Events at Tenterden Town Station
Tenterden Town Station will host a series of creative, interactive workshops and events during August. On Saturday, August 8, the whole family (ages five to 95) can learn juggling, balancing, and plate-spinning skills during lively Circus Workshops led by a professional entertainer. These cost £15 per child when booked in advance, or £17.50 on the day, and include a set of juggling balls for each child participant.
Creative youngsters can enjoy an Introduction to Folk Art in tutored one-hour workshops, learning traditional decorative techniques and making cards to take away. Older children aged 12 and above can take part in a modern Calligraphy Workshop, mastering brush-pen techniques and producing their own personalised creations. Both workshops cost £10 per child when booked in advance or £12.50 on the day. Willow weaving workshops with Crafty Basketry are also planned for Thursday, August 6.
On Saturday, August 22, explore a variety of unique model railway layouts in the marquee at Tenterden Town Station, created by expert enthusiast modellers.
Kids Go Free Offer
Alongside this bumper programme, the railway's Kids Go Free offer, operating over the entire school holiday period, allows up to three children under 16 to travel free with a fare-paying adult on standard train services. Visitors can also enjoy discounted same-day entry to nearby Bodiam Castle when travelling with the railway. Information, dates, and booking details for all summer events and activities can be found at www.kesr.org.uk. Additional charges apply for all children's experiences. Advance booking is strongly recommended as places are limited.
