Cornish heritage railway scoops top national award

A historic Cornish railway attraction has picked up a national award at “Oscars” of the heritage railway world.

Lappa Valley, near St Newlyn East, won the “Railway of the Year” title at the national Heritage Railway Awards in Gateshead on Saturday night. 

The awards celebrate excellence and innovation in railway and tramway restoration, preservation, and operation across the UK. Judges praised Lappa Valley’s quality and forward-thinking approach, noting its appeal to more than 100,000 visitors annually.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, Lappa Valley operates steam, diesel, petrol, and electric locomotives across three railways based on the former Newquay to Chacewater Branchline, one of Cornwall’s oldest trackbeds.

The attraction has seen significant investment over the past decade, including a new soft play area, indoor café, a new train, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. It has also been recognised as Cornwall’s Best Large Visitor Attraction for two consecutive years in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and recently received a gold award at the national Land, Leisure and Tourism Awards.

Owners Keith and Sara Southwell and Operations Director Ben Harding travelled to the North East to accept the award.

Keith Southwell 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.”

Sara Southwell added: “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.”

Ben Harding said the recognition was particularly meaningful within the heritage railway industry: “To have our growth and development recognised by our peers 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 remains open year-round and has a busy schedule of special events in 2024, including a visit from Paddington Bear in April and the Railway 200 Gala in June.

Keith Southwell has been telling us about what the win means to the team and looking back at the last 11 years since taking on the business. PRESS PLAY to hear more...