The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has scooped top awards at the annual ‘The Cotswolds Awards’, which took place on the 1st of December and saw the heritage railway win in the following categories:

• Best Attraction in the Cotswolds
• Experience Awards – sharing the category with popular attractions such as the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Blenheim Palace.
• Events Awards

Taking the top award in the ‘Events Awards’ was a major win for the railways Cotswold Festival of Steam, which achieved ‘Best Event in the Cotswolds 2023’.

Editor of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway membership magazine and renowned professional photographer, Jack Boskett was also awarded for the ‘Professional Services’ category and ‘Best Photographer’ category. Jack is currently training to become a fireman, whilst also being the railway’s official photographer.

The well-loved railway is currently running its extremely popular, ‘Santa Express’, which runs from Cheltenham to Winchcombe (currently renamed as the ‘North Pole’). The sold-out event sees hundreds of families enjoy the festive experience each year.

Richard Johnson, Chair of the volunteer-run GWSR Plc, said:

“These Awards were a complete surprise, and we are thrilled to have been nominated top in these categories.”

“That the winners are chosen by public vote confirms our railway is in the mainstream of attractions that make the Cotswolds the amazing place it is for families to visit.  The Awards showcase just what this beautiful region has to offer and I’m proud that we are playing a part in bringing visitors to the region.”

“The Cotswold Festival of Steam has long been considered a ‘railway enthusiast’ event and while that remains true, it is broadening its appeal and drawing families excited by the wide range of things to do on our railway, which really is a ‘living museum'”

“It is the premier event in our summer range of activities. The Festival brings a variety of visiting steam locomotives as well as offering rare opportunities to ride in a goods brake van on our demonstration goods train; enjoy visits and rides on a steam locomotive footplate as well as take a look behind the scenes to discover how our volunteers restore and maintain locomotives and coaches.”

“I’m deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us – it’s a real feather in the cap for all our volunteers who work so tirelessly to make a visit to our wonderful Cotswolds railway such an unmissable experience.”