Middleton Railway has once more achieved horticultural glory, winning a Gold Award in the 2025 Yorkshire in Bloom competition — marking its sixth consecutive year of top-honour success.
The accolade, presented at the region’s annual awards, recognises outstanding efforts by communities, heritage sites, and tourist attractions to elevate their environmental and floral presence. In securing Gold again in 2025, Middleton Railway reinforces its reputation not just as a heritage railway, but as a beacon of community pride and environmental stewardship.
Cultivating Excellence: What Sets Middleton Apart
Over the years, Middleton Railway’s volunteer gardeners and staff have gone beyond simple floral displays. Among the features that have drawn praise from judges:
Thoughtful planting and presentation: vibrant containers, hanging baskets, and seasonal colour schemes that enhance visitor experience
Ecological enhancements: installation of insect “bug hotels,” nesting boxes, and wildflower areas to support biodiversity
Careful maintenance and presentation: clean, well-managed site areas, and commitment to continuous improvement
Strong supporting entry materials: the plea to judges is accompanied by carefully compiled booklets and guided site visits
These elements have become hallmarks of the railway’s approach to Yorkshire in Bloom entries.
In 2024, for example, Middleton was a joint winner in its category — an achievement made all the more notable given it was being judged alongside far larger, resource-rich organisations. Still, the passion of the volunteers and their detailed planning secured the top outcome.
What This Victory Means
Recognition for persistent effort: Maintaining a Gold standard year after year demands both dedication and innovation.
Boost for volunteer morale: Thanks and credit go to the gardening team, the planners, and all who work behind the scenes.
Added draw for visitors: The beautifully maintained grounds and floral displays enhance the appeal of visiting Middleton Railway beyond its historic trains.
Inspiration for others: The railway’s success underscores how even modest heritage and community sites can compete on horticultural merit.
As Middleton Railway continues into its seventh decade of heritage and service, its success in Yorkshire in Bloom demonstrates that attention to environment, aesthetics, and community pays dividends. The railway now looks ahead, confident that in 2026 it can once again aim for gold — and perhaps extend its streak even further.
