Kent & East Sussex Railway
May 19, 2022
Return Steam Railway journey + optional one course lunch with time in the beautiful Market Town of Tenterden
With our starting point being at the beautiful Market Town of Tenterden in Kent, the railway we see today at 10½ miles in length is a fine example of one of England’s light railways and was originally part of a larger system which operated between Headcorn and Robertsbridge. The Kent & East Sussex Railway was the very first ‘light railway’ to be constructed, light railways are equipped with full size trains, but have steep gradients and operate at low speed.
Passenger trains ran from 1900 until 1954 but an ambitious scheme to reopen the railway from Tenterden was proposed, although it was not until 1974 that the first trains were able to run on a short section of line. The registered charity that now owns and operates the line was able to finally restore services to Bodiam in time for the centenary of the line in 2000. Today the Kent & East Sussex Railway welcomes around 90,000 people each year.
We will enjoy the return journey from Tenterden to Bodiam and back covering 21 miles of track in total. On our return we will have a little free time at Tenterden Station to grab a tea or coffee, allowing those that want to, time to explore the Railway Museum. We will then head into Tenterden itself with those that have pre-booked enjoying a one course lunch at one of the town’s favourite pubs. This is optional allowing others to find their own lunch with many excellent pubs and cafes to choose from.
The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Tenterden and all it has to offer. Either stroll the very pretty town and take in the many independent shops, stop at one of their popular cafes for a cup of tea or head for the Tenterden Museum and learn about the town’s history, entry is £2 per person and payable on the day. Leaving Tenterden at about 5pm we would hope to arrive back in Dorking for around 6.30pm.
Offer Price £49.50
per person to include return coach, return Steam Train journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway & free time in Tenterden.
Add £12.95 per person to include one course lunch – £8.95 for small Cod & Chips
Pick-up 8.30am
Location: Dorking Halls