Kent and East Sussex Railway East Kent Railway Kent UK

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

One of the most popular attractions in the Hythe and Romney Marsh area is the historic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. A 'mainline in miniature', this little public railway (the world's smallest!) opened in 1927 and stretches for 13.5 miles from Hythe to Dungeness taking in Romney Marsh.

The five stations on the line include Hythe, Dymchurch, St Mary's Bay, New Romney, Romney Sands and Dungeness. Each location offers a different host of attractions from the superb sandy beaches (a well kept secret) around Dymchurch and New Romney to the historic lighthouse and RSPB centre at Dungeness. Most attractions at each stop are within easy walking distance of the stations. New Romney is the main station on the line where you'll find the engine and carriage sheds, a Toy and Model Museum, the Model Railway Exhibition and a kids playground. For comprehensive details of facfilities at each station check the Railway's webguide right.

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Kent & East Sussex Railway

This little 10 mile light rural Kent and Sussex railway is a gem, with three main stops Tenterden, Northiam and finally Bodiam in Sussex. Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most striking castles with moat and medieval battlements. Part of the route of this light railway journey is actually below sea level, flying across old marshland that was once under the sea. Hard to believe today that Tenterden and surrounds grew prosperous as a result of its shipbuilding industry and activities around Smallhythe port.

The main station at Tenterden is headquarters for the line with on-site shop, buffet restaurant and adjacent museum taking a look particularly at light railway founder Colonel Holman Fred Stephens who also played a part in 16 other light railways around the country! You don't have to wait long after departing from Tenterden station to be greeted by the stunning valley scenery of the Higher Weald. Next stop is Rolvenden, just one and a half miles from Tenterden. With a hop on/hop off ticket you can take your time and explore the area around each of the stops. Rolvenden was actually Tenterden's original station, and you'll find several historic locomotives on show here. Rolvenden village is a fair distance away from the station stop - one and a half miles. Within the village is a fine collection of old vehicles at the CM Booth exhibit which includes a selection of prized Morgan 3-wheel cars mostly from 1913-1935, a 1904 Humber Tricar, a 1929 Morris van, early cycles and motorcycles and more.

The journey continues on through marshland called the Rother Levels onto next station Wittersham Road which is pretty remote. Onwards to Northiam noting views of the River Rother. You can park and ride at Northiam station too - recommended for visits to Bodiam Castle as this National Trust site lacks its own parking facilities. From Northiam to Bodiam it's 3 miles, but you'll see views of striking medieval Bodiam castle on the approach. Read more via the Kent and East Sussex Railway webguide.

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East Kent Railway

The little East Kent Railway currently runs for 4 miles round trip from Shepherdswell to Eythorne and sits within the context of a project to preserve the last of the Kent Coalfields in the area. The light railway was built between 1911 and 1917 specifically to serve the coal mines in the area. Initial plans were to link it all the way to Richborough port but these never materialised.

The line section from Shepherdswell to Tilmanstone colliery however remained in operation until the miners strike of 1984. The colliery finally closed in 1986 followed by closure of the line in 1987. Volunteers began plans to reopen the line from 1989, and today regular heritage passenger trains are run entirely by volunteers.

Facilities are extensive at both the Shepherdswell and Eythorne stations. Shepherdswell boasts a miniature railway, visitor centre, museum and shop, static buffet carriages, picnic and viewing areas and free car park on-site. Eythorne station also has a free car park, toilets, a renovated selling signal box and tea bar and shop.

For more details on the history of the East Kent Railway and coalfields see the weblink right which also lists prices, regular events and timetable. Events cater particularly well for children and include a Teddies Picnic, 1940s re-enactment, Heritage Bus Rally and Ghost Trains.

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Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Steam Railway

The East Kent Railway evolved to serve the East Kent collieries whilst the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway was built to transport raw materials need for the paper production industry prevalent in the Sittingbourne area. This unique line has a particular edge in that the steam engines still operating are original engines and rolling stock which has always run on this line.

The line is the preserved southern half of the once Bowateer Railway and you can board heritage steam trains at Sittingbourne Viaduct Station situated just a few minutes from Sittingbourne town centre alongside the Sittingbourne retail park. For information telephone 0871 222 1568, and for more details see the Railway's weblink right which includes events and timetable listing.

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Spa Valley Railway Tunbridge Wells Kent

The pretty light stream railway - the Spa Valley Railway runs for 3 1/2 miles from Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge. The train stops at one stop along the way - High Rocks. Find Tunbridge Wells' main Spa Valley station south of the Pantiles along and off Edgridge Road. Tunbridge Wells West is the headquarters station, and on-site you can view a Victorian engine shed with a collection of historic locomotives. A gift shop, model railway and buffet are also on-site.

Hop off at High Rocks for the High Rocks Inn with restaurant. Woodland walks and trails are also around the station (pick up suggested walks ideas from any of the stations). The line moves onwards through stunning Kentish Weald countryside to Groombridge Village, home to a historic pub, picture-postcard church and the celebrated Groombridge Place Gardens (see Groombridge Gardens webguide right).

Special evening Fish and Chip Suppers and Real Ale Trains are laid on annually, as well as Days out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends for the tots. Check the Spa Valley Railway timetable via the webguide. The season tends to kick off in the second half of March around the Easter period. Plans are currerntly afoot to extend this popular railway on to Eridge, which would make the line a total of over 5 miles.

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