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Kent & East Sussex Railway

Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE
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Call direct on:

Tel+44 01580 765155

Add Kent & East Sussex Railway to your Itinerary

KESR

About

Escape the everyday with a trip on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoy a unique view of the beautiful Rother Valley 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 the High Weald National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) 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. 


The railway is in fact a unique and special nature corridor which supports a wealth of biodiversity, including key habitats for many endangered bird species including the Turtle Dove, Nightingale and Cuckoo, and rare bumblebees such as the Ruderal.
With up to five trains each day (April – October) there is plenty of fun to be had whatever time you arrive and whatever the weather. You’ll also 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. Our excellent service is frequently mentioned on TripAdvisor.


Special deals and amazing events happen throughout the year, so there’s always something new and different to experience - from the popular 1940s weekend, Steam and Diesel Galas to Fish & Chip supper trains and of course, the famous Santa Specials. Just keep checking the website for the latest news and offers.


Before boarding your train at Tenterden Station, you can 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. If you prebook you can receive on train-catering. 
For that 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.

Social Media Links:

YouTube      -   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuvdq_qD1bQRc_B72zm3Tw
Instagram   -     https://www.instagram.com/kentandeastsussex/
Twitter   -     https://twitter.com/KandESRailway
Facebook     -   https://www.facebook.com/kentandeastsussexrailway
Linkedin   -     https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kent-and-east-sussex-railway-company-limited
Threads    -     https://www.threads.net/@kentandeastsussex
Tiktok    -    @kesrly

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Please check website for pricing.

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 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)

Events

Saturday, 14th March 2026 - Sunday, 15th March 2026

Small train engine on a floral-patterned background with a large bouquet of colourful flowers emerging from its smokestack.Mothering Weekend
more info

Sunday, 29th March 2026 - Sunday, 19th April 2026

Easter scene with a train driven by a bunny, colourful eggs in the smoke, flying rabbits and flower baskets along a blossom path.Easter Holiday Kids go FREE!
more info

Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 - Wednesday, 22nd April 2026

Wednesday, 29th April 2026 - Wednesday, 29th April 2026

Wednesday, 6th May 2026 - Wednesday, 6th May 2026

Wednesday, 13th May 2026 - Wednesday, 13th May 2026

Saturday, 23rd May 2026 - Saturday, 23rd May 2026

Wednesday, 3rd June 2026 - Wednesday, 3rd June 2026

Saturday, 20th June 2026 - Saturday, 20th June 2026

Saturday, 27th June 2026 - Saturday, 27th June 2026

Saturday, 4th July 2026 - Saturday, 4th July 2026

Wednesday, 8th July 2026 - Wednesday, 8th July 2026

Wednesday, 15th July 2026 - Wednesday, 15th July 2026

Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 - Wednesday, 2nd September 2026

Wednesday, 23rd September 2026 - Wednesday, 23rd September 2026

Wednesday, 30th September 2026 - Wednesday, 30th September 2026

Wednesday, 7th October 2026 - Wednesday, 7th October 2026

Saturday, 10th October 2026 - Saturday, 10th October 2026

Saturday, 17th October 2026 - Saturday, 17th October 2026

Black steam locomotive on railway tracks with a person leaning from the cab on a bright, clear day.Behind the Scenes Experience
more info

Thursday, 23rd April 2026 - Thursday, 23rd April 2026

Monday, 17th August 2026 - Monday, 17th August 2026

Thursday, 15th October 2026 - Thursday, 15th October 2026

Van branded ‘The Canterbury Auction Galleries’ parked outside a building with a promotional banner by the entrance.Antiques Valuation Day
more info

Saturday, 25th April 2026 - Saturday, 25th April 2026

Saturday, 15th August 2026 - Saturday, 15th August 2026

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

Person holding a poster in front of a steam locomotive at the Kent and East Sussex Railway.Junior Engineering Experiences
more info

Wednesday, 29th April 2026 - Wednesday, 29th April 2026

Wednesday, 6th May 2026 - Wednesday, 6th May 2026

Saturday, 9th May 2026 - Saturday, 9th May 2026

Wednesday, 13th May 2026 - Wednesday, 13th May 2026

Person standing in the aisle of a vintage train carriage addressing seated passengers.Early Morning Bird-Song Tours
more info

Wednesday, 29th April 2026 - Wednesday, 29th April 2026

Wednesday, 13th May 2026 - Wednesday, 13th May 2026

Wednesday, 27th May 2026 - Wednesday, 27th May 2026

Wednesday, 10th June 2026 - Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Wednesday, 17th June 2026 - Wednesday, 17th June 2026

Wednesday, 1st July 2026 - Wednesday, 1st July 2026

Wednesday, 15th July 2026 - Wednesday, 15th July 2026

Wednesday, 29th July 2026 - Wednesday, 29th July 2026

Wednesday, 5th August 2026 - Wednesday, 5th August 2026

Wednesday, 19th August 2026 - Wednesday, 19th August 2026

Wednesday, 26th August 2026 - Wednesday, 26th August 2026

Wednesday, 9th September 2026 - Wednesday, 9th September 2026

Crispy battered fish served on top of thick-cut chips with a sprinkle of parsley.Fish & Chip Evening Special
more info

Monday, 4th May 2026 - Monday, 4th May 2026

Train under a dramatic sunset sky with two glowing beams, one red and one blue, rising from its smokestack.Star Wars Day
more info

Saturday, 16th May 2026 - Sunday, 17th May 2026

1940 Weekend
more info

Saturday, 23rd May 2026 - Sunday, 24th May 2026

Model railway scene featuring a detailed steam train crossing a stone viaduct between two tunnels in a rocky landscape.RVR SAMREX Model Railway Exhibition 2026
more info

Thursday, 28th May 2026 - Thursday, 28th May 2026

Saturday, 27th June 2026 - Saturday, 27th June 2026

Wednesday, 8th July 2026 - Wednesday, 8th July 2026

Steam rising from the wheels and mechanisms of a vintage steam locomotive.Photography Course
more info

Friday, 29th May 2026 - Friday, 29th May 2026

Friday, 26th June 2026 - Friday, 26th June 2026

Friday, 31st July 2026 - Friday, 31st July 2026

Friday, 28th August 2026 - Friday, 28th August 2026

Person in vintage-style clothing with a fur stole and pearl necklace standing on a dimly lit train platform.Murder Mystery Evenings
more info

Sunday, 29th November 2026 - Sunday, 29th November 2026

Saturday, 5th December 2026 - Saturday, 5th December 2026

Sunday, 6th December 2026 - Sunday, 6th December 2026

Saturday, 12th December 2026 - Saturday, 12th December 2026

Sunday, 13th December 2026 - Sunday, 13th December 2026

Saturday, 19th December 2026 - Saturday, 19th December 2026

Sunday, 20th December 2026 - Sunday, 20th December 2026

Wednesday, 23rd December 2026 - Wednesday, 23rd December 2026

Thursday, 24th December 2026 - Thursday, 24th December 2026

Children watching Santa present a bright, glowing train labelled K&ESRSanta Special 2026
more info

Awards

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

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