” A competition to recognise, acknowledge and reward, for the public benefit, the very best in re-use, restoration and conservation of our historic railway infrastructure. “

We are the only Awards body dedicated to encouraging and rewarding best practice in the re-use, restoration and continued upkeep of our rich heritage of railway and tramway buildings and structures.

The Awards began in 1979 and was initially focused on the heritage railway preservation movement. Since Privatisation in the 1990’s, the Awards have broadened to encompass the infrastructure of the national rail network and entries from the national sector now form a substantial part.

The Awards are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO): as an independent Trust our charitable status was originally confirmed by the Charity Commission in December 2006.

The Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our Sponsors.
For more information about the Sponsors, please click on “The Awards” section and the Sponsors’ link at the top of this page.

Supported by the Railway Industry

Railway Heritage Trust
Heritage Railway Association
GWR
GWR
Heritage Railway Association
Southeastern
Southeastern
Heritage Railway Association
The Arch Co

Bricket Wood plaque unveiled on historic date

The unveiling was held on Thursday 8 May, the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, and, as the group were assembled ahead of midday, the group respected the two minutes national period of silence by joining in at 12.00. The weather was clear and bright for the event.
The assembled group discussed the project and the support which had been forthcoming, not only during the restoration of the building but also through the support of the Railway Heritage Trust, DfT and West Midlands Railway, and the sponsorship of the awards by GWR.

Wingfield plaque unveiled

Monday 28 April saw the official unveiling of the plaque awarded to the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust in the 2024 National Railway Heritage Awards officially unveiled on the superbly restored railway station in Derbyshire.

Rebuild of Troon Station rewarded

When a major building is seriously damaged or destroyed there is always a debate: restore or replace. On 17 July 2021 the largely wooden-built Grade B listed building that served platform 1 at Troon station in Scotland was destroyed beyond repair. The building, which dated to 1892, was designed by James Miller for the Glasgow & South Western Railway.

2024 Awards Timetable

Entries: closing date Friday 31st May 2024

Judging: June – August

Adjudication: September

Shortlisted Entries notification: October

Award Invitations dispatched: November

Awards ceremony: Wednesday 4th December 2024