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Railways in Kent
For a different day out take a trip on one of the railways in Kent. A ride on a steam train is something different, ideal for any member
of the family and the weather doesn't really matter either.
I've listed 3 (one of them isn't strictly in Kent but close by) and given some brief details on them.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
Travelling between Tenterdan and Bodiam via Northiam on this fine example of a rural light railway,
you travel through the Rother Valley's beautiful countryside for 10 miles. The train may date back to Victorian times
and will deliver you to Bodiam Castle.
You can have a delicious lunch or tea in the buffet car or splash out for lunch or dinner in the luxury dining train
- you do need to book in advance for these meals.
The station has free parking, refreshments, a museum, gift shop and play area.
They have special events throughout the year such as the Halloween Fright Night and Santa Specials. Check their website for more
details here.
- Adult day rover fares are £12, and for children it costs £7
- Running between 10am and 5pm during the season
- Limited travel in the winter, check their website for a full timetable
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
This railway is the smallest public railway in the world - it's one third the normal size. It travels from Hythe to Dungeness
Lighthouse stopping at Dymchurch and New Romney on the way.
There is a cafe at Hythe and Dungeness stations, and gift shops at all of them. You can stop off at New Romeny to see the
Model Railway Exhibition.
Take the train all the way to Dungeness and have lunch at the pub, take a trip up the lighthouse if it is open or walk on the
beach. It's really interesting to see all the fishermans cottages and old railway carriage homes you pass on the way.
If you see the first class carriage, pay the £1 to get in and you can buy yourself a drink from the bar!
it's a lovely journey across farmland, you get to look at everybody's back garden and see lots of animals and birds. Last time I
went I even saw a fox.
They have special trains such as Santa's Special at Christmas.
- Trains run at weekends in the winter, through the week in the summer
- They run between 9am and 6pm, but check their website here for full details
- An all day rover ticket will cost you £12 for an adult and £6 for a child, shorter trips are available
The Spa Valley Railway
Travel on a steam or diesel train through the wealden countryside from Tunbridge Wells via High Rocks to Groombridge.
They run special events throughout the year such as a Day out with Thomas, a Santa Special and a Fish and Chip Supper and Special Ale train.
- Runs between Easter and October, mostly at weekends
- Trains run between about 10am and 5pm but check website for full details here
- Return ticket from Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge is £6 for an adult and £3.50 for a child
- Shorter trips are available
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