-
-
Starts
13th May -
10:00am
-
Ends
14th May -
4:30pm
-
Location
Tenterden
Detail
On Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May it’s the welcome return of the railway’s popular 1940s Weekend: two days of pure nostalgia, recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940's with trains leaving every 45 minutes (8 trains a day).
With entertainment at both Tenterden and Bodiam, visitors can fully immerse yourself in the 40's atmosphere created by re-enactors, live performers and musicians plus authentic period vehicles, displays, food demonstrations and even hairstyling.
Keep a look out for the notorious 'Viv the Spiv' with his black-market goods!
Peruse the collection of vintage military and civilian vehicles at both sites.
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.
A limited number of Platform only tickets will also be available on the day to enjoy the ‘40s vibe and station entertainments: £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children at Tenterden station only and £4.00 for adults and £2.00 children at Bodiam station only
https://kesr.org.uk/1940s-weekend/
A fully packed event not to be missed
-
Detail
Steam Up!
The late May Bank holiday weekend (Sat 27-Mon 29 May) brings Steam Up, the railway’s first steam festival since before the pandemic and its largest showcase for many years.
Leading the heritage line-up will be Battle of Britain locomotive 257 Squadron, the biggest engine ever to ride the line. In contrast, the railway’s smallest locomotive ‘Marcia’ will also be in action for a true ‘little and large’ experience! There will also be a top roster of other steam and diesel engines, including much loved ‘Swiftsure’, ‘Sapper’ and newly returned to the rails ‘Hastings’.
And the highlights don’t stop there:
Go further: A new intensive timetable will see trains running beyond Bodiam to Junction Road for the first time in many years, following several months of clearance, fencing, and track work undertaken in collaboration with the Rother Valley Railway Company. Although no longer a station, in its heyday Junction Road was the traditional stop for hop pickers making the annual pilgrimage from London to Kent.
All change! Two trains will be working on one platform at Tenterden while at Northiam both platforms will be in use, giving passengers the novel experience of changing trains to travel to Bodiam and Junction Road. There will also be a shuttle service to enable passengers to visit the Rolvenden Locomotive Works.
Access all areas. Both the Tenterden Carriage & Wagon Workshop and the Rolvenden Works will be opening their doors throughout the weekend – locations not normally open to the public. At Tenterden this will provide a rare opportunity to see the impressive restoration work being undertaken on GWR Diesel Railcar W20 and to chat with the K&ESR volunteers involved. At Rolvenden, visitors can see several locomotives under repair, including the Ford Diesel, 4253 and USA Tank No65. Elegant and much-loved Terriers ‘Poplar’ and ‘Knowle’ will also be on display. Members of the K&ESR volunteer engineering team will be on hand throughout to answer questions and explain what it takes to maintain these beautiful and historic machines.
Fun for all the family. There will be plenty of non-train activities to enjoy, with children’s fun fair rides* and traction engines at Rolvenden and Northiam, plus displays of classic cars and 1960’s scooters at Tenterden, where platform tickets will also be available for those not planning to travel. The Tenterden Tea Room, gift shop and museum will be open and there will also be an extended tea room offer at Northiam station with home-made cakes to enjoy.
-
-
Starts
16th June -
6:30pm
-
Ends
17th June -
10:30pm
-
Location
Tenterden Town Station
Detail
CAMRA Real Ale Festival Friday 16th/Saturday 17th June
Friday 16th June is Quiet Session!
Time to leave your phones at home, come down to the station with your friends for a relaxing evening and a pint (or two)....
Open from 6.30pm to 10.30pm (no music on Friday evening)
Saturday 17th June 2023
Diesel and steam trains are running on Saturday, departing from Tenterden at 10:20am, 11:15am 13:10pm 14:05pm and 15:35 pm.
Festival Live Music - Listen to the live music while enjoying a wide selection of real ales, ciders and Perry
Bands booked for Saturday are :
12.30 pm – Washed Up Jug Band
17.00 pm - People's Republic of Mercia
19.30 pm - SKA Sonic
20.00 pm – Fit 2 Funk
-
-
Starts
27th May -
6:30pm
-
Ends
1st September -
9:30pm
-
Location
Tenterden Town Station.
Detail
Real Ale Trains are now on sale now for 2023
27th May pulled by visiting Steam Loco Squadron 257,
Enjoy Real Ale and Cider aboard one of our historic locomotives as it ambles through the beautiful countryside to Bodiam in East Sussex
Diesel hauled RAT Trains will be running on.
Fri 7 July – RAT
Fri 18 Aug – RAT
Fri 1 Sep – Cider train
You can add to the pleasure of Real Ale and Ciders on board by pre-ordering a meal to enjoy before you join your train - why not make it an evening with friends? The onboard bar will remain open and selling local Ale, Cider and Local Wine on your return trip journey.
Arrive at Tenterden Town Station (where there is free parking for customers) at 6:30pm, collect your pre-ordered meal from the kiosk on the platform and board the train for a departure at approximately 7:15pm. Your train will travel through the Rother Valley to our quiet country station at Bodiam, visit the shop for an ice cream before you re-join the train for your return trip to Tenterden arriving at approximately 9:30pm giving you plenty of time to sample the on board ales and ciders from local producers.
The fare for adults is £24.50, and meals are just £14.50 so a total for your evening £39.00
-
Detail
Be a Nature Detective this February Half Term 2024
Kids for a Quid
Join us onboard our Steam hauled trains this February Half Term -
Come rain or shine you'll have a wonderful time!
With accompanied children travelling for just £1, there's never been a better time to visit the glorious Rother Valley - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Steam trains will depart from Tenterden Town Station
10th to 18th February (ex Monday and Friday)
10:20; 11:25; 13:10; 14:15
What is there to do during your visit?
The railway line wends its way through the Rother Valley and is never too far away from the local waterways. This is a superb time of year to learn more about the diversity of the birds and animals surrounding us!
All the family can enjoy our free bird-themed on-board activities to complete during the journey, taking advantage of the numerous opportunities to see the great variety of birds along the railway.
Why not become a "Nature detective" see what birds you can spot as you journey along the line? Don't forget to collect your free sticker kids!
The journey between Tenterden and Bodiam Stations takes around 50 minutes each way. Your ticket is valid for travel on any train, so why not break your journey at Bodiam & visit the National Trust Castle - a short walk from the station. Don't miss the last train back though! If you're not a National Trust member, show your train ticket to receive a discount on admission to the castle
Discounted tickets are available to purchase online until midnight on the day preceding your visit. Other ticket types are available to purchase by telephone and, subject to availability, in person at the Booking Office up to the time of departure. Well behaved dogs now travel free at the K&ESR - all we ask is that they are not permitted to sit on the seats.
Pre-book online and collect your tickets from the Booking Office on arrival - simply quote the Booking Reference included in your confirmation email.
We are also delighted to welcome members of Sussex Wildlife Trust volunteers from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve they will be on-board the trains sharing their knowledge of the fantastic variety of wildlife that you can see from the comfort of your seat.
-
Detail
Why not start your Easter Holiday with some fun at Bodiam Station!
29th, 30th, 31st March and 1st April only!
This year, we are pleased to welcome for the first time, Scotty’s Circus Workshop.
We will be running FREE circus workshops throughout the day, from 11:00 until 16:30, which offer the opportunity for children and adults alike to have a go at various circus skills. This includes plate spinning, diablos, stilt walking, fun wheels and juggling.
Catch the train to Bodiam and test your skills!
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Tenterden Station
Over the four day Easter Bank Holiday weekend, you can enjoy a delicious English Breakfast in our beautiful Art Deco Station Refreshment Rooms from 9.00am to 10am - and you'll still have enough time to catch the first train!
Add a cute Pippins Bunny to collect on the day for the special price of just £5.99 when you book online
ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED
To add to the fun, the Easter Bunny will be making appearances at Tenterden Town Station throughout the Bank Holiday weekend - a great opportunity to get that selfie!
29th March to 11th April (except Fri 5th)
Spend some time completing our Easter challenges around Tenterden and Bodiam stations and see how many bunnies and Easter boards you can find.
Onboard the train we will have the popular Easter themed activity sheets for the kids to enjoy. Once finished, make sure they pop into the Gift Shop at either Bodiam or Tenterden Station for a delicious small gift!
When trains are running our wonderful Museum is open too, so don't forget to hop in...
-
Detail
Free face painting
Live music
Nature talks and storytelling
Green living ideas
Raffle with Mr Doodle prizes
and so much more......!
-
Detail
K&ESR Diesel Gala
On the 12th, 13th & 14th April we will be celebrating everything Diesel.
BOOK NOW so you don’t miss out!
For more details about this exciting weekend and other events at K&ESR visit our website
-
Detail
"May the Fourth be with you"
Join us as we celebrate Star Wars
Dress as your favourite Character and enjoy a trip back in time on one of our Heritage locos.
Wearing anything from your favourite Star Wars t-shirt to full-on Stormtrooper costume it is completely acceptable and encouraged .
We will have a duelling area - are you Red or Blue lightsaber
On board activities for the Kids (and adults) to test your Star Wars knowledge
Amazing Face painting, who will you become?
Badge making, design your own to take home.
Prizes will be given out during the day for the best dressed Family and individual's
Starwars themed beer to drink or take home,
Purchase one of our amazing KESR posters or t-shirts
Family ticket for up to 4 only £53
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
-
Detail
Take a step back in time with a visit to the K&ESR - experience the 40s lifestyle as the railway turns back the clock to wartime Britain. Why not join in the fun and come in your own 1940s finery!
Enjoy live music at Tenterden and Bodiam, vintage stalls, 40s hairstylist and period civilian and military vehicles. Keep a look out for 'Viv the Spiv' with his black market goods!
Collect your free identity card before immersing yourself in the nostalgic 40s atmosphere created by the re-enactors, performers and authentic 1940s displays.
A variety of attractions are planned for each station. The Lindy Hoppers and 1940s singers will be performing throughout the weekend.
-
Detail
Join us for our 50th Anniversary Gala
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June 2024
Guest locos will be operating passenger services between
Tenterden and Bodiam - details will be announced here soon!
Bodiam and Robertsbridge will be linked by a Heritage bus service
(exclusively for K&ESR Freedom ticket holders)
The line between Robertsbridge Junction & Northbridge Street will be open for first time in 11 years, with shuttles operated by locomotive ‘Britannia’
-
Detail
Sunday Lunch- DATE JUST ADDED FOR FATHERS DAY 16th JUNE 2024
A traditional Roast Lunch is served on Sunday afternoons between April & October. Especially popular for birthdays and family celebrations, the Wealden Pullman is available for boarding at Northiam Station from 12.30pm.
Join us for a complimentary aperitif whilst you chat to your fellow guests and admire the lovingly restored carriages. Liveried Pullman Attendants will be pleased to show you to your reserved table and provide any beverages required.
Following departure at 1.00pm, your meal is silver-served as the train steams to Bodiam - look out for the beautiful castle just a few hundred yards from the station. On arrival, the locomotive will "run round" the train in preparation for the journey to Tenterden, passing through Northiam again on the way. Enjoy the ever changing aspect from your window: wildlife abounds in the peaceful Rother Valley. The locomotive runs around again at Tenterden before returning the train to Northiam, reached at 3.20pm.
2024 dates: Table for two people £195; Table for four £390 (price includes aperitif, meal & train fare)
If you wish to book more than one table, or have any special requirements, we suggest booking by telephone. Please note that online booking does not offer the ability to book for specific carriages within the Wealden Pullman train. If you have any queries, please contact us by email-this is sure to be popular !Early booking recommended!
-
-
Starts
29th June -
9:30am
-
Ends
30th June -
5:30pm
-
Location
Tenterden Town Station
Detail
Come join the fun and splendid madness at the K&ESR Steampunk Weekend!
Steampunk dives into the world of Victorian Science Fiction, looking back through history and the fantastical works of H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley and Jules Verne (to name a few!) bringing the genre to life in a creative, visual extravaganza!
Spread across Tenterden and Bodiam Stations, they’ll be Top Hats, Goggles, Cogs, Walking Sticks and Pocket Watches plus the most splendid and fantastical outfits on show, as we introduce you to our Steampunk world full of inventions and fun. Try your hand at Tea Duelling and learn all about Familiar Flinging. Explore the wonderful wares of our Steampunk stall holders and get your dancing shoes ready as we have some fantastic Steampunk Musical acts joining us throughout the day.
All that PLUS the beautiful K&ESR stations and vintage trains to explore and enjoy!
There will be something for everyone at the K&ESR Steampunk Weekend, so get your time travelling goggles ready, all aboard for a splendid day on the trains.
-
Detail
Tenterden Town Station will be the setting for a rally featuring more than a dozen vintage buses, with some offering free rides to a number of local destinations! This includes a service to connect with trains from both Headcorn and Ashford railway stations - Stallholders will also be present selling a selection of vintage memorabilia.
Tenterden Town Station is home to the original Maidstone & District Omnibus Station building from Mill Street Maidstone. The building was opened by The Maidstone & District Motor Services Limited on 15th August 1922 and is generally accepted to have been the first purpose-built bus station in the country. It was located on the corner of Mill Street and Palace Avenue, Maidstone and remained in use until 1976, when it was dismantled and donated to the K&ESR
-
-
Starts
17th April -
6:00pm
-
Ends
11th September -
10:00pm
-
Location
Tenterden Town Station
Detail
Spend a lovely evening travelling through the picturesque Rother Valley in a train hauled by a classic diesel heritage Locomotive. Enjoy a mouthwatering fish and chip supper served at your table .
See website for booking details and various food options
Prices from £14.00 (child)
-
Detail
There will be a display Classic Cars over the weekend There will be a varied display of members and guests vehicles - some of which have celebrated their centenary.
Vehicles will be on display all around Tenterden Station, including outside the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum and the Station Refreshment Rooms at Tenterden Station; which will be open from 10.00am serving a range of light refreshments.
Founded in 1975, the Austin Counties Car Club caters for Austin cars and derived and related commercial vehicles manufactured from 1939 – 54, (to 1957 for some commercial derivatives) starting with the Austin 8 h.p. and ending with the last pre-BMC Austin, and the last new Austin car to have a separate chassis, the A40 Somerset.
-
-
Starts
23rd March -
1:00pm
-
Ends
27th October -
10:00pm
-
Location
Tenterden Town Station
Detail
The Wealden Pullman forms the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion or for a more intimate evening. Your meal is carefully prepared onboard and served by authentically attired Pullman Attendants whilst the train gently winds its way along the Rother Valley.
Pullman service Dining carriages include historic Pullman Cars dating from the 1920's and a 1930's First Class carriage built for the Southampton Ocean Liner traffic. Each perfectly captures the atmosphere and style for which travel by Pullman train became renowned, maintaining the finest traditions of the Pullman Car Company for your enjoyment and as a reminder of a more elegant age.Choose from Saturday evenings or Sunday Lunch
Kent & East Sussex
Opening Times
Location