The Kent & East Sussex Railway has been crowned Best Family Experience in Kent in the prestigious Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026, marking a remarkable second consecutive win.
Decided by a public vote, the award recognises the railway’s continued commitment to delivering memorable, high-quality days out for families.
Volunteer Stationmaster Murray Motley and his wife Catherine (pictured above) attended an Awards celebration at a local vineyard on 16 July to collect the winner's certificate on behalf of the railway.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be lifting this title for the second year running,” said Chairman Derrick Bilsby. “Of course, the real winners of this award are the dedicated and hard-working team of staff and volunteers who deliver such a wonderful experience for visitors every day. It may be coal and diesel that drive the engines, but it’s our people who make the railway run and bring the all-important welcome that visitors so appreciate.”
Now in their 13th year the Muddy Stilettos Awards celebrate the best independent lifestyle businesses across England, Wales and Scotland, and are free to enter. As a regional winner, the railway 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 later this Summer. This year’s Muddy Awards reached some 14 million people, with half a million votes cast across all categories and counties over a 12-week period.
Fresh from this latest success, the railway has unveiled a packed programme of entertainment for children and families this summer to run alongside its Kids Go FREE and local resident season ticket offers, with a firm focus on under pressure family budgets. Find out more here: https://kesr.org.uk/summer2026/