It must be something about the charming, rolling Kentish landscape that makes steam trains so familiar. Thomas the Tank Engine, Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig regularly visit Kent’s vintage stations. But there’s also plenty to excite heritage rail enthusiasts and volunteers. Take a look at these to get started.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
About the Kent and East Sussex Railway The railway was originally built to serve farmers in rural southern Kent to the East Sussex border. It was built cheaply because it was expected to be lightly used. And by the time a preservation society took over operating the line in 1974, it had suffered bankruptcy and negligence. Its restoration involved work on the tracks and rebuilding a bridge over the River Rother. As with most heritage railway companies in the UK, it is largely maintained and operated by volunteers. Some services are operated at least occasionally each month of the year, although the main steam and heritage services operate from June to September. Most of the stock is classic British Rail wagons. The line also has a Pullman dining car.
Where is it going? The line travels 10.5 miles through the Rother Valley, south of the River Rother, from Tenterden in Kent, through stations at Rolvenden, Wittersham Road and Northiam to Bodiam in East Sussex. Most of the stations are little more than vintage passenger shelters. Tenterden City Station is the headquarters and has most of the passenger services, as well as a museum and transport workshop. Special events include visits from Thomas the Tank Engine.
Highlights Bodiam Station, the terminus of the line, is approximately a third of a mile walk from Bodiam Castle, a fairytale moat castle built in 1385 and now owned by the National Trust.
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Spa valley railway
About The Spa Valley Railway This company operates traditional steam trains and classic diesel engines from April to early November, with special tours on select days throughout the year. Considering itself the “friendliest” steam railway in the Southeast, the organization has a full program of special events for children: Thomas the Tank Engine, visits from Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder and Peppa Pig, as well as CAMRA Real festivals. Ale, Swinging Legguards from the 1960s and 1940s. The volunteer railway has 11 steam engines and 10 diesel engines.
Where is it going? The line travels 5 1/2 miles through Kent and Sussex Weald from Royal Tunbridge Wells to the main line junction at Eridge, with stops at Groombridge and High Rocks. On weekends, it is scheduled to connect with the South trains from London and Uckfield (check National Rail Inquiries).
Highlights Eridge Station, a main station that still works, was built in 1868 and still retains all of its original buildings and canopies. There are good country walks and country pubs close to all four seasons.
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Romney, Hythe y Dymchurch Railway
About the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway This small steam railway has been driving its fleet of steam locomotives and third size diesel engines along the tracks just 15 inches apart since 1927. For many years it was the Smallest public railway in the world. All the locomotives were built between then and 1935. They run safely at 25 mph and, yes, you can sit in them or in the pulling carriages for a great ride down Romney Marsh.
The line was the product of the fantasies of two rich men. Captain JEP Howey, a gifted racing driver, millionaire land owner, and miniature railway fan, was joined by Count Louis Zborowski, a wealthy and well-known racing driver. In the 1920s, Zborowki owned and raced a series of Mercedes he called the Chitty Bang Bang that inspired “Chitty Chitty Bang Bant,” the book, film, and musical of almost the same name.
Where is it going? The miniature railway runs 13 and a half miles along the otherworldly Kentish coastal region known as Romney Marsh. Begin your journey in Hythe, one of the original Cinque Ports towns established by Royal Charter in 1155. Stops include Dymchurch, St. Mary’s Bay, Romney Warren, New Romney, Romney Sands and Dungeness.
Highlights All resorts are just a short walk from the sandy and pebbled beaches of the Kent coast.
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More steam trains and heritage railways in Kent
We also recommend taking a look at these vintage and steam rail enthusiasts in Kent:
- Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Rail
- Bredgar and Wormshill Light Rail
- East Kent Railway
- The Leas Lift, Folkestone
