Heritage railway celebrates Award win with great value Summer programme
Kent & East Sussex Railway takes ‘Best Family Experience’ title for second year
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has been crowned Best Family Experience in Kent in the prestigious Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026, marking a remarkable second consecutive win for the much-loved heritage attraction.
Winner in Kent for the second year running
The award, decided by public vote in the national awards programme, which celebrates the very best independent lifestyle businesses, recognises the railway’s continued commitment to delivering memorable, high-quality days out for families.
Steam engine approaching Tenterden
Photo: Caroline Warne
“We’re absolutely delighted to be lifting this title for the second year running,” said K&ESR 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 it run and bring the all-important welcome that visitors so appreciate.”
Fresh from this latest success, the multi-award-winning heritage railway has unveiled a packed programme of entertainment for children and families this summer, with a firm focus on under pressure family budgets.
'Kids Go Free' runs throuhout the Summer school holidays
Photo: The Life Narrator
With many activities taking place on board heritage trains running through the beautiful Rother Valley, the railway is offering visitors the chance to turn a day out into an even bigger adventure without breaking the bank. Most activities are priced at just a tenner when booked in advance, alongside the Kids Go Free travel offer which is running throughout the school holidays.
The Explorer’s Express (22nd and 28th July plus 6th, 14th 19th, 21st and 25th August) is a brand-new onboard family experience for 6-11-year-olds, bringing railway history to life with the wonderfully charming Colonel Stephens, founder of the K&ESR (played by an actor), sharing fascinating tales from the golden age of rail travel. With activities and engaging storytelling, throughout one half of the return journey, it’s a fun and relaxing way for families to discover the heritage of the 120-year-old railway together. Every child also receives a copy of the railway’s beautifully illustrated Explorer’s Activity Book to take home.
The Explorer's Activity Book
Perfect for younger visitors aged two to four, The Teddy Express (24th July plus 1st, 5th, 13th, 20th and 28th August) has been specially designed as a gentle introduction to heritage railways for little ones. Children are encouraged to bring along their favourite cuddly companion for a magical journey featuring sing-alongs, storytelling and interactive moments woven throughout a single way trip. Each child also receives a branded K&ESR teddy bear and commemorative certificate.
The Teddy Bear Express is ideal for 2-4 yr olds
Prices for the Explorer Express and Teddy Express are £10 per child in advance or £12.50 on the day with accompanying adults buying a regular Freedom ticket.
Young detectives aged 7-12 can test their sleuthing skills aboard The Great Train Mystery (25th and 31st July plus 11th and 27th August), 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: £12.50 per child in advance or £15 on the day with accompanying adults buying a regular Freedom ticket.
Carriage turns into a creative space with Bricks On Move
Photo: K&ESR
Following a successful launch earlier this year, the hugely popular Bricks on the Move experience returns on selected dates throughout the school holidays.
A dedicated railway carriage will once again be transformed into a rolling creative play space filled with thousands of LEGO and DUPLO bricks for children and grown-ups alike 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.
In addition to these experiences, Tenterden Town Station will host a series of creative, interactive workshops and events during August. For instance, on Saturday 8th August, the whole family – aged from 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 includes a set of juggling balls for each child participant.
Learn juggling, plate spinning & other circus skills
Alternatively, 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+ can take part in a modern Calligraphy Workshop, mastering brush-pen techniques and producing their own personalised creations. Both workshops cost just £10 per child when booked in advance or £12.50 on the day. Willow weaving workshops with Crafty Basketry are also planned for Thursday 6 August.
And who can resist a model railway? On Saturday 22nd August, explore a variety of unique layouts in the marquee at Tenterden Town Station, all created by expert enthusiast modellers.
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.