A historic railway in Kent, around 90 minutes from London, has been crowned the county’s best family experience just in time for the summer holidays.
Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) was named a winner in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards in the best family experience category.
The business was one of ten shortlisted to win the award, and this year’s accolade marks the second year running the attraction has been recognised by Muddy Stilettos.
Covering more than 31 lifestyle categories across 35 counties, the Muddy Awards highlight the UK’s best businesses, from food and drink to entertainment, with customers urged to vote for their favourites.
Based in Tenterden, around 90 minutes from London, the 120-year-old railway spans more than 10 miles of the Rother Valley, running between Tenterden and Bodiam in Sussex.
The experience is run almost entirely by a team of volunteers, with guests able to ride aboard restored steam and heritage diesel trains dating back to the early 20th century.
A full end-to-end journey lasts around an hour.
The railway also features an Art Deco tearoom at Tenterden Town station and a museum dedicated to railway founder Colonel Holman F Stephens.
The railway also hosts a wide range of experiences, from the Explorer Express and Teddy Express to the Great Train Mystery and Bricks on the Move.
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