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Kent & East Sussex Railway

Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1233 reviews1233 reviews
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Tel+44 01580 765155

Add Kent & East Sussex Railway to your Itinerary

Kent & East Sussex Railway

About

Escape the everyday with a trip on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoy a unique view of the beautiful Wealden countryside from the old-world comfort and charm of a heritage steam or diesel train. Step back in time as you climb aboard to experience a magical 10.5-mile journey from Tenterden to historic Bodiam Castle through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) that’s reputed to be the finest example of a medieval landscape in NW Europe - all the while keeping watch for the wonderful wildlife to be spotted along the route. 

You’ll be assured of the warmest of welcomes from our friendly volunteer staff who always do their absolute best to ensure passengers have a wonderful day out. In fact, we’re proud to say that the K&ESR chief stationmaster was a finalist in the 2023 VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Awards and our excellent service is frequently mentioned on TripAdvisor.

With up to five trains travelling each day from April to October you won’t miss out on the fun whatever time you arrive or whatever the weather. Special deals and amazing events happen throughout the year, including: the popular 1940s weekend, Teddy Bears picnics, Fish & Chip supper trains, Real Ale & Cider trains and, of course, the famous Santa Specials. There’s always something new and different to experience both on the trains and at the station: just keep checking the website for the latest news and offers. 

Before boarding your train, why not enjoy some delicious food in our Art Deco Tea Room, along with a variety of hot and cold drinks. You can also pick up a munch bag for the kids so they don’t get hungry on the journey. Or if you prebook you can receive on train-catering. And for a special occasion, why not make a booking to dine in style aboard the Wealden Pullman and enjoy a delicious Saturday evening dinner or traditional Sunday lunch served by livered Pullman attendants.

Do leave time to visit the fascinating Colonel Stephens Museum at Tenterden station which tells the story of the K&ESR as the country’s first - and original - light railway, the model railway room and gift shop, all at Tenterden. At Bodiam station, you can see the historic Cavell Van which was used to take the remains of the Unknown Warrior to London in 1920 and there is the opportunity to head to the nearby castle or explore the local countryside on a nature walk, guides for which can be downloaded from the website.

So, why not make a date to ride back in time to a quieter, calmer world and help preserve one of the country’s most beautiful heritage experiences. 

Book online to save on ticket prices at www.kesr.org.uk 
 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Please check website for pricing.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      896
    • Very Good
      247
    • Average
      48
    • Poor
      26
    • Terrible
      16

    Recent Reviews:

    • Scratcher1
      Enfield, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Santa train 2023
      4 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 24th December 2023
      Lack of Christmas music throughout the journey and no commentary ( 8 year old spent entire journey colouring her poster). Staff and helpers were all very friendly and approachable Food was very nice... Read full review
    • M2107JCdavea
      Dartford, United Kingdom
      A trip back in time.
      4 of 5 stars
      Monday, 4th March 2024
      This was a mid/post pandemic visit (2020) - only just found the pictures. Reduced service for obvious reasons. Very pleasant trip recalling some dim and distant memories of childhood trips. The... Read full review
    • Riverdancer41
      Faversham, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      What a lovely day!
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 11th March 2024
      Absolutely loved this experience. We booked with Fox and Edwards and enjoyed every minute! Everyone was so happy, helpful and smiley. All, and I mean all staff were so welcoming and attentive. The... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Road Directions

    From junction 9 of the M20 take the A28 to Tenterden. Turn right into Station Road in the centre of the town.

    Public Transport Directions

    Bus number 400 from Ashford to Tenterden.

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
    • Guide Dogs Permitted
    • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

    Catering

    • On-Site cafe/restaurant - Station refreshment rooms at Tenterden, tearooms at Northiam. Afternoon tea or morning coffee and lunches available on many trains. Wealden Pullman for dinners.
    • Picnic Site

    Establishment Features

    • Dogs Accepted

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)

    Payment Methods

    • Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.Pre-booking necessary to qualify for reduced group admission rates.
    • MasterCard accepted
    • Visa accepted

    Provider Preferences

    • In countryside

    Specialist Features

    • Family Fun
    • Marketed Towards Children
    • Marketed Towards Families

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Educational Visits Accepted

    Opening Times

    Open Christmas
    Open New Year
    Kent & East Sussex Railway (22 May 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

    Events

    Friday, 29th March 2024 - Sunday, 31st March 2024

    Easter Fun at the Kent and East Sussex RailwayStart your Easter Holiday with some fun at Bodiam Station!
    more info

    Sunday, 7th April 2024 - Sunday, 7th April 2024

    Poster for Green Fun DayGreen Family Fun DayHead to Tenterden Town Station for live music, storytelling and fun activities.
    more info

    Friday, 12th April 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

    a diesel train engine on a trackDieselGalaHeritage diesel engines pull their first passenger carriages at the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
    more info

    Wednesday, 17th April 2024 - Wednesday, 11th September 2024

    Fish and Chips Evening SpecialsHave your supper on board a heritage locomotive travelling through the picturesque Rother Valley
    more info

    Saturday, 18th May 2024 - Sunday, 19th May 2024

    illustration graphic of a steam train1940's WeekendTake a step back in time with a visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
    more info

    Saturday, 29th June 2024 - Sunday, 30th June 2024

    steampunk railway posterSteam PunkCome join the fun and splendid madness at the K&ESR Steampunk Weekend!
    more info

    Sunday, 11th August 2024 - Sunday, 11th August 2024

    vintage green double decker buses.Bus Rally 2024Vintage buses descend upon Tenterden at the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
    more info

    Saturday, 12th October 2024 - Sunday, 13th October 2024

    photograph of a vintage Austin car.Austin Counties Car RallyClassic cars at the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
    more info

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Tourism Awards - Bronze Beautiful South Tourism Awards - Bronze 2024

    What's Nearby

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