DAYSOUT The Kent 108 cont...
SPONSORED BY
KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
© Alison Miles
TENTERDEN TOWN STATION EAST KENT RAILWAY
THE GOLDEN OLDIES
Kent’ s Heritage Railways
For a journey back in time, Kent’ s heritage railways offer the chance to explore the county’ s restored steam and diesel locomotives, bringing the Garden of England’ s railway history to life.
Setting the scene is the Kent & East Sussex Railway( kesr. org. uk). Stretching for 10.5 miles between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, the line winds through the Rother Valley’ s undulating landscape, adorned with apple orchards and rows of ripened vines.
A heritage-led day out begins aboard the Wealden Pullman, where locally sourced dishes, freshly prepared by in-house chefs, are served in carefully restored 1920’ s carriages. Sink into comfortable armchairs, admire the polished chocolate-brown livery and vintage table lamps, and experience the peerless elegance of the Golden Age of rail travel.
September also sees the popular Hop Pickers, Craft and County Fair at Tenterden and Bodiam stations on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September
( kesr. org. uk / country-fair). Celebrating Kent’ s hop-growing heritage, the event features fragrant displays of freshly picked hops, traditional basket weaving, lace making and vintage traction engines, making it an ideal day out for the whole family.
Did you know?
Kent & East Sussex Railway was recognised as the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century.
Continuing east, the volunteer-run East Kent Railway( eastkentrailway. co. uk) offers a leisurely four-mile return journey between Shepherdswell and Eythorne on one of the fleet’ s diesel locomotives. Running along the edge of the Kent Downs, the line reveals sweeping vistas across the valley before disappearing into the 550-yard Golgotha Tunnel. While daylight gives way to darkness, the illuminated carriage lights lead the way, bringing passengers closer to the historic journeys that took place over 100 years ago.
One of Kent’ s most distinctive heritage railways is the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway( rhdr. org. uk); famous for its 15-inch-gauge steam locomotives, the line also boasts more stations than any other heritage railway in Kent, calling at seven stops along its 13.5-mile route.
Beginning in the historic Cinque Port town of Hythe, the railway passes through stations including Dymchurch, St Mary’ s Bay and Romney Sands before reaching the Dungeness National Nature Reserve( rspb. org. uk). Leaving Hythe behind, suburban streets shift to open countryside before opening onto one of the largest expanses of shingle in Europe, where the rugged terrain and scattered fishing huts create an almost otherworldly setting. Stepping off the train, visitors are greeted by the metallic song of the corn buntings and the shrill calls of oystercatchers, making this one of the most unique heritage railway journeys in Kent.
Did you know?
Built in 1927, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway operates the world’ s most complete collection of one-third full-sized steam locomotives and has long been celebrated as the‘ world’ s smallest public railway’.
48 • www. insidekent. co. uk