2025 was a multi-award-winning year for the K&ESR with the railway achieving success in four prestigious award schemes and competitions, scooping six separate accolades.
The year started with two commendations in the Heritage Railway Association Awards: for the collaboration with Mr Doodle in 2024 and for a teenage volunteer in the Lord Falkner Award for Young Volunteer of the Year.
Then, in May, the public chose the K&ESR as the Best Family Experience in Kent in the Muddy Stilettos Awards.This was followed in the Summer by a 2025 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award. For the second year in a row, this places the K&ESR in the top 10 per cent of places to visit, not just in the UK but worldwide, based on verified visitor reviews.
2025 concluded with double success in the prestigious Beautiful South Tourism Awards, announced in early December. The Dwarves of Steam Gala (held in April) took Gold and was crowned Event of the Year against stiff competition from three other top regional events. The Wealden Pullman also picked up Bronze in the Restaurant of the Year category, confirming its already high reputation as an exceptional dining experience.
Commenting on the award-winning year K&ESR Chairman Derrick Bilsby said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to have received these awards which recognise the exceptional visitor experiences that we strive to create for our passengers. Their high quality and therefore customer satisfaction is really down to the amazing staff and army of dedicated volunteers who make the magic happen. They are the heart of the K&ESR so these awards are very much for them.”
The new year is also off to a good start: the Gaming Train experience (May Half Term 2025) has been shortlisted for an Innovation Award in the latest Heritage Railway Awards (winners to be announced in March 2026). And, as a Beautiful South Tourism Awards Gold winner, The Dwarves of Steam Gala automatically goes through to this year's national Visit England Tourism Awards finals.