• 01580 765155

• enquiries@kesr.org.uk

• www.kesr.org.uk

Step Back in Time on Kent's Finest Rural Heritage Railway
The Kent & East Sussex Railway – Tenterden to Bodiam

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a fun day out, the Kent & East Sussex Railway offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Wealden countryside.

Travel 10.5 miles from Tenterden Town Station to Bodiam, winding gently through unspoilt landscapes aboard beautifully restored heritage trains. With Freedom Tickets, you can hop on and off all day, exploring each unique station along the line.

Bodiam Station is a destination in itself, set against the backdrop of the stunning National Trust Bodiam Castle. Just behind the station, you’ll find carefully reconstructed hoppers’ huts and a small hop garden that nod to the area’s agricultural past.

One of the most significant historical exhibits is the Cavell Van, housed in a siding at Bodiam Station. This humble railway van carried the bodies of three national heroes:

Nurse Edith Cavell, executed during WWI for helping Allied soldiers escape occupied Belgium
Captain Charles Fryatt, also executed for his defiance of German forces
The Unknown Warrior, whose remains were brought home in 1920 to rest at Westminster Abbey
Now beautifully restored, the Cavell Van offers a powerful and moving exhibition. Open on most days that trains run, it provides an immersive and reflective experience, telling stories of courage, sacrifice, and national remembrance.

At Tenterden Station, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable day out:

Free passenger parking
A licensed restaurant with free Wi-Fi
Gift shop and picnic area
Children’s play area
The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum (open daily the railway runs, 10:30–16:30, free admission)
Accessible facilities, including wheelchair access to the shop, restaurant, and museum

Dining on board is a real treat, with options including cream teas, light lunches, and luxury Pullman-style meals for Sunday lunches, dinners, weddings, and corporate events. Advance booking is essential for onboard dining experiences.

The railway is committed to accessibility, offering features such as:
Blue Badge parking at Tenterden Town and Northiam
Accessible toilets at Tenterden, Northiam, and Bodiam
A specially designed wheelchair coach, ‘Petros’
An induction loop in the Tenterden ticket office

Whatever the weather, the Kent & East Sussex Railway delivers a perfect day out—rich in heritage, comfort, and charm.

Plan your visit and book online at kesr.org.uk