Lappa Valley is named the UK’s Heritage Railway of the Year
Lappa Valley near St Newlyn East scooped the prestigious title at the national Heritage Railway Awards, which took place in Gateshead on Saturday night.
A historic Cornish railway and family attraction has named the UK’s “Railway of the Year”, in what is considered by many to be the “Oscars” of the UK’s Heritage Railway World.
The awards recognise excellence or innovation in almost every aspect of heritage railway and tramway restoration, preservation and operation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Judges said they were impressed by the quality and forward-thinking approach of the attraction which welcomes more than 100,000 visitors a year.
Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024, Lappa Valley runs a range of steam, diesel, petrol, and electric locomotives on three railways based around the former Newquay to Chacewater Branchline – one of the oldest trackbeds in Cornwall.
The family attraction has seen a range of investments over the last ten years, including a brand new soft play and indoor café, a brand new train and ongoing investments in activities and infrastructure.
For two years in a row it was named the county’s best large visitor attraction in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and most recently was presented with a gold award in the national Land, Leisure and Tourism Awards.
Owners Keith and Sara Southwell, and Operations Director Ben Harding made the long journey to the North East to accept the award.
Keith said: “I am greatly humbled that we have been presented with this very prestigious award, and it’s an excellent achievement not only for us but also for Cornwall to be proud of.
“We know the Cornwall has a wide range of world-class attractions, and to be recognised as the UK’s railway of the year is great as we continue to fly the flag for Cornwall and the South West in general.
Sara said: “Lappa Valley is a very special place to so many people, and we are pleased to share this award with our entire team, without whose dedication none of this would be possible. Thank you to them, as well as our valued visitors.”
Ben said: “To have our growth and development recognised by our peers in the railway industry really is wonderful. There are a range of excellent heritage railways operated by very talented people across the country, and we feel very privileged to be recognised alongside them.
Lappa Valley is open all year round, and is looking ahead to a busy year including special events such as the visit of Paddington Bear in April and Railway 200 Gala in June. More details are available at LappaValley.co.uk.