Join us on Wednesday 28th October for a day of Halloween fun, with activities including crazy science, pumpkin carving and spooky magic shows.

There's no need to book, simply turn up on the day in your best Hallowe'en costume! 👻 And don't forget to visit our spooky photo booth for your chance to WIN a family ticket to this year's pantomime Snow White at The Sinden Theatre.

Remember to bring your pennies too, as some activities (marked with a * on the poster) have a small charge of £1–£5. Activities run throughout the day, so there's plenty of time to join in the fun. To avoid disappointment, please note that the final magic show of the day is at 2.45pm.

Making a day of it? Our restaurant opens from 9am for breakfast and serves hot food until 5pm

This October half term, join us on a spellbinding steam train adventure bursting with Halloween fun for little witches, wizards, and magical mischief-makers.
🧙‍♀️ Mix potions and practise spells with Wendy The Wicked Witch at her bubbling Potions Cart.
🧙‍♂️ Be amazed by Merlin the Magician, performing enchanting tricks and ancient sorcery for the whole family.
🐉 Meet a friendly Baby Dragon perfect for photo opportunities!
🎒 Every child receives a magical activity pack to complete on board…
📜 …and at the end of the journey, they’ll be awarded a special certificate for becoming an official Junior Spellcaster!
🍬 With sweets and prizes included for the best fancy dress, this fun-filled, family-friendly Skelebration is one you won’t want to miss.
No scares, just spells and smiles!
(Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years)

Join us for an evening of entertainment.
Arriving at Tenterden from 5:30pm allows time to collect tickets, enjoy some refreshments and take your allocated seats aboard the train. Free Hallowe'en themed children's activities are also available from 5pm until the train departs including spooky face painting.
Join us at the station for your evening meal – from 5pm!
The Tenterden Station Tea Room will be open and serving up delicious hot food and refreshing drinks.
Choose from:
🍔 Burger & Chips
🌭 Sausage & Chips
🔥 Or take on the ultimate challenge… one of our legendary Foot-Long Korker Hot Dogs!
Perfect for fueling up before an evening of fun – don’t miss out!
The train creeps out of Tenterden Town Station at 6:30pm, so have your tickets ready — you never know who (or what) might be checking them…
Rattle through the dark countryside with the lights glowing softly (for the easily spooked 😱) before arriving at Northiam Station.
What’s in store?
🔥Drummers & a fire eater
🎇A dazzling firework display at Northiam *
👻Children get a spooky-themed munch bag for the journey.
Bring the whole family and dress to impress in your scariest finery 🎃
The train is due back at Tenterden Town Station around 8:15pm.
*Firework display will be subject to favourable weather conditions. All tickets are non-refundable.

We're delighted to be partnering with The Foraged Flower to host a series of relaxed and creative wreath-making workshops at Hamstreet and Tenterden Garden Centres this November.

You'll learn how to create your own fresh festive wreath using beautiful seasonal foliage and natural materials, with expert guidance throughout.

We've taken care of everything, including all materials, fresh morning pastries, unlimited tea or regular coffee, and even a mince pie or two.

The experience is £60 per person for Grovewell Gold members and £65 per person for non-members.

Sessions are 9.30am - 11.30am on the following dates:
Tenterden: 17th & 24th November
Hamstreet: 19th & 26th November

Places are limited and booking is essential.

To book, contact our team on 01233 758277 (Tenterden) or 01233 234901 (Hamstreet)

We're delighted to be partnering with The Foraged Flower to host a series of relaxed and creative wreath-making workshops at Hamstreet and Tenterden Garden Centres this November.

You'll learn how to create your own fresh festive wreath using beautiful seasonal foliage and natural materials, with expert guidance throughout.

We've taken care of everything, including all materials, fresh morning pastries, unlimited tea or regular coffee, and even a mince pie or two.

The experience is £60 per person for Grovewell Gold members and £65 per person for non-members.

Sessions are 9.30am - 11.30am on the following dates:
Tenterden: 17th & 24th November
Hamstreet: 19th & 26th November

Places are limited and booking is essential.

To book, contact our team on 01233 758277 (Tenterden) or 01233 234901 (Hamstreet)

🎅 Santa Specials 2026
Tickets Now On Sale

Step aboard our festive heritage steam train and experience the magic of Christmas with the whole family.

Meet Santa in your carriage, receive a special gift, and enjoy a wonderful festive journey through the countryside.

✨ Everything is included in the price — no hidden extras.

🎄 A Christmas tradition for thousands of families every year
🎟 Limited seats per train – early booking strongly recommended

🎁 What’s Included With Every Ticket

Your Santa Special experience includes:

🚂 75-minute return journey on our heritage steam train
🎅 Meet Santa on board with a personalised gift for every child
👶 Babies under 18 months travel free – and receive a gift too
🎠 Unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers at Tenterden
📸 Free framed family photograph to take home
❄️ Entry to the magical Winter Wonderland at the station
☕ Complimentary hot drink or mulled wine for adults

📷 Don’t forget your camera — magical memories guaranteed.

📅 2026 Santa Special Dates

• Sunday 29 November
• 5 & 6 December
• 12 & 13 December
• 19 & 20 December
• 23 December
• 24 December – Christmas Eve

For those who prefer a calmer experience, the 11:15am train on Sunday 29 November will operate as a Quiet Train.

A wheelchair-accessible coach is available on this service.

✨ Choose Your Christmas Package

All packages include the full Santa Special experience, with additional festive treats depending on your choice.

Bronze Package

A festive and fun Santa Special experience.

🥧 Festive refreshment pack
• Mince pie for adults
• Chocolate bar and soft drink for children

🎩 Live magician entertainment on board
🍫 Chocolates from Santa for older children

Silver Package

Add even more festive magic.

🎄 Join Jingle & Sparkle as they search for the next generation of Spirit Elves
🎅 Elf hat for every guest
📜 Children earn their Diploma of Elfship

Gold Package

Our most magical Christmas experience.

🥂 Unlimited prosecco, beer, alcohol-free or soft drinks served at your seat
🍰 Luxury festive cakes and mince pies
🍫 Character chocolates for children and luxury chocolates for adults

🎟 Book Early to Avoid Disappointment

Santa Specials are extremely popular and many trains sell out weeks in advance.

Give your family a Christmas memory they will treasure forever.

🎄 Book your 2026 Santa Special tickets today.

We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named gift, all without moving from the the comfort of your allocated seats. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey!

The day includes: 75 minute return steam train journey in festively decorated carriages, age-appropriate present addressed with your child's name, babies under 18 months of age are free of charge and receive a gift, free unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers at Tenterden, free photograph of your family group, visit to the station’s Winter Wonderland and complimentary mulled wine or hot drink for adults The main attraction, Santa himself, will be travelling on the train giving presents to your children - have your camera ready to capture that all-important moment.

Three different packages are able to be purchased (bronze, silver and gold), all offering wonderful benefits for you and your family.

Much more info and booking can be found on our website: kesr.org.uk/santa-specials-2024/

Steam into the New Year
Celebrate the New Year with a steam-hauled journey!
Join us on 31 December and 1 January for two days of steam travel through the countryside. Step aboard, soak up the atmosphere of the railway and enjoy a memorable day out as we Steam into the New Year.
Whether you're looking for a festive family day out, a chance to enjoy a scenic winter journey, or simply love the sight and sound of a steam locomotive, there's no better way to welcome the New Year.
Come and celebrate the New Year with us — all aboard for Steam into the New Year!
Check our website for timetable information.