Kent & East Sussex Railway

Attraction

Kent & East Sussex

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Kent & East Sussex Railway

"Kent's finest rural heritage railway"

Everyone can enjoy a fun step back in time at Tenterden’s Steam Railway. Perfect to visit whatever the weather, the line gently wends its way from Tenterden for 10.5 miles, through unspoilt countryside to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. Travelcards allow all day travel so hop on and off at any of the stations along the line. Refreshments at Tenterden station and on many trains, including cream teas, light lunches and luxury Pullman dining for dinners, Sunday lunches, wedding receptions, private and corporate hire. Advance booking for on-board dining essential.

The Railway's facilities have been carefully designed with disabled, elderly and less mobile visitors in mind. There are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders next to the platform at Tenterden Town and Northiam stations, and accessible toilets at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam stations. The Railway is proud to boast a specially designed coach for wheelchair users called 'Petros'. There is full wheelchair access to the shop and restaurant at Tenterden Town, and the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum has level access with 42"aisles. The Tenterden ticket office is fitted with an induction loop.

At Tenterden Station there is ample free parking, a licensed restaurant with free wifi, gift shop, picnic area, children's play area, access for the disabled, wheelchair accessible toilets. The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at Tenterden Station is also open every day the railway operates between 12.30 and 4.30. There is no admission charge for entry but donations for its upkeep are very welcome.

The line terminates at the immaculately restored Bodiam Station. At the rear of the station reconstructed hoppers' huts are complemented by a small hop garden. The Cavell Van is berthed in a siding at the station and is open on most days that trains operate.

Monday

Closed
Tuesday

10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday

10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday

10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday

Closed
Saturday

10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday

10:00am - 5:00pm

Events
Jobs
Offers

1940's Weekend
- Starts
  
  19th May - 10:00am
- Ends
  
  20th May - 5:30pm
- Location
  
  Tenterden
Detail

Another action packed 1940s weekend at the Kent & East Sussex Railway Magnificent steam trains will be joined by a Spitfire flying display, vintage military vehicles and even an appearance by Winston Churchill at this year's Kent & East Sussex Railway 1940s weekend. Visitors will be given their own identity cards and can enjoy unlimited travel for the day, with steam trains running every 45 minutes between Tenterden and Bodiam. There is a packed programme of events at both stations and parking is free at Tenterden and Northiam. Steam locomotives scheduled for the event, on19-20th May 2018, include USA tank engine WD300 'Frank S Ross' of the Longmoor Military Railway and Austerity tank engine No 25 ‘Northiam’. Spitfire displays will take place at the Railway on both days, subject to weather conditions. Churchill will not be the only character paying a visit - Viv the Spiv can be spotted with his black-market goods. A variety of attractions are planned for each station, and re-enactors and 1940’s singers will be performing throughout the weekend. Activities at Tenterden Station include singing from popular 40’s group ‘My Favourite Things’, Swingtime Sweethearts and energetic dancing from the Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers. Visit vintage stalls selling authentic 40s clothes and accessories and perhaps book an appointment with the guest hairdresser to complete your 1940s makeover (additional cost applies). Learn how Air Sea Rescue helped airmen forced to ditch in the Channel and talk to the ARP Air Raid Precaution teams for an insight into life on the home front. Peruse the collection of vintage military and civilian vehicles. At Bodiam Station there are interactive land army displays and activities. Re-enactors and military and civilian vehicles all add to the atmosphere. Explore the Desert Rats encampment display filled with authentic kit, weapons and jeeps. Listen to popular tunes from the era sung by two 40’s singers Adam Hoffman and Miss Holiday Swing. A fully packed event not to be missed