Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden wins Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award

A Kent attraction has been ranked among the world’s best by Tripadvisor reviewers, for the second year in a row.

The Kent and East Sussex Railway (KESR), based in Tenterden, is celebrating being named in the website’s Travellers’ Choice awards.

The honour recognises businesses that consistently earn top marks from visitors, placing the attraction in the top 10% of listings worldwide.

One reviewer wrote on Tripadvisor: “The train was in excellent condition, clean and smart, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

“We travelled at a gentle, stately pace, which was very relaxing, and the Kent countryside is idyllic.”

KESR chairman Derrick Bilsby said: “We are honoured and humbled to have once again earned a coveted top spot on Tripadvisor through the reviews of our customers.

“Delivering a first-class experience, day in and day out, takes a huge team effort from our staff and our wonderful army of volunteers.

“Our heartfelt thanks, therefore, go not only to our wonderful visitors for their support and positive reviews but to the dedicated home team who truly keep things ‘on track’ and deliver such high-quality customer service time and time again.

“We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to experience living history at the KESR, and a step away from the everyday on our wonderful heritage line.”

The recognition comes as the railway also received a Visit England quality assured visitor attraction mark and also bagged the best family experience in Kent in the Muddy Stilettos Awards this year.

The KESR opened in 1900 as England’s first light railway, serving the rural communities of East Sussex and Kent.

It closed to passengers in 1954 before being saved by a charitable organisation in 1974.

It now operates steam-hauled and diesel observation trains on a 10-and-a-half-mile line from Bodiam Castle to Tenterden.