DAYSOUT
FAMILY FUN IN KENT GREAT VALUE DAYS OUT ON THE RAILS WITH THE K & ESR!
There can be few better ways to slow down and savour a day out than from the comfort of a heritage steam or diesel train rolling through the beautiful Wealden countryside. The Kent & East Sussex Railway( K & ESR) offers just that, transporting passengers on a 10.5-mile journey between Tenterden and Bodiam through one of the country’ s most picturesque landscapes.
This summer, the award-winning heritage railway has even more reasons to visit, having recently been named Best Family Experience in Kent 2026 for the second consecutive year. Along with the return of the railway’ s popular‘ Kids Travel Free’ offer, there’ s a packed programme for a day out on the rails with many activities costing just £ 10- a bargain!
Young travellers can join the Explorer’ s Express: an interactive adventure for children aged six to eleven. Through storytelling, fascinating railway tales and hands-on activities, hosted by railway founder Colonel Stephens( brought to life by an actor), discover the history of this much-loved railway while travelling through the Rother Valley. Every child also receives an illustrated activity book to continue the adventure at home.
For very young visitors, the Teddy Express promises magical moments with songs and stories. Children are encouraged to bring their favourite cuddly toy along for the ride and receive a special K & ESR teddy bear and commemorative certificate.
Aspiring young detectives can put their powers of deduction to the test aboard The Great Train Mystery, an interactive whodunnit packed with clues, suspicious suspects and plenty of laughs as the mystery unfolds during the journey.
Also returning is the hugely popular Bricks on the Move, where an entire railway carriage becomes a travelling LEGO © and DUPLO © play area. Families can build imaginative railway worlds while enjoying the ever-changing views from their carriage window.
Tenterden Town station will host a variety of hands-on workshops throughout August, including circus skills, folk art, calligraphy and willow weaving. Model railway enthusiasts will also enjoy a special exhibition of layouts created by talented railway modellers.
Why not add a tasty Saturday lunch or cream tea with Rother Valley Limited to plans, served in premium dining car Diana,
or finish the day with a fish and chip supper available on selected Wednesday evenings during August.
All of this comes in addition to the regular attractions of the railway. Visitors can explore the fascinating Colonel Stephens Museum, browse the gift shop, enjoy refreshments in the Art-Deco Station Tea Room, or simply sit back and admire the views of a landscape rich in wildlife and history. At Bodiam, passengers can stop off to see the historic Cavell Van, learn about Kent’ s hop farming history and visit nearby Bodiam Castle where a same day ticket gives a discount on entry.
Whether you’ re travelling for the scenery, the nostalgia, the family activities or simply the joy of riding a heritage train, a warm welcome is guaranteed from the railway’ s army of dedicated volunteers, ensuring a memorable day out for all generations.
For more information and advance booking, please visit the website.
kesr. org. uk kentandeastsussex KentandEastSussexRailway
50 • www. insidekent. co. uk