OUTDOORSINKENT
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
SOUTHEASTERN
For a truly nostalgic , magical journey through Kent ’ s most beautiful and picturesque countryside , the Kent and East Sussex Railway allows passengers to travel back in time starting at Tenterden Town Station and chugging 10.5 miles to Bodiam Station . Originally part of a larger system which operated between Headcorn and Robertsbridge , the Kent and East Sussex Railway was the very first light railway to be constructed , being fully equipped with full-size trains , but having steep gradients and operating 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 offering a marvellous day out for visitors .
Today , trains have hurtled into the future and now operate at super high speeds and have made the journey between London and Kent more accessible than ever before . Southeastern operates the train service between London and Kent , providing the opportunity for many more tourists to visit The Garden of England . Their Javelin trains travel at high speeds up to 140 mph and call at many stations across Kent – including popular tourist destinations such as Canterbury , Margate , Ramsgate , Dover , Whitstable and Folkestone . Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel – a single train can remove up to 500 cars from the roads ! So this summer , by using
Southeastern trains to visit the beach and explore quintessential villages such as Chartham , Chilham , Wye , not only will you save your time , but you will be helping to reduce your carbon footprint too .
Another more sustainable way to tour The Garden of England is available from the award-winning UK Electric Bike Centre , which offers a unique experience viewing the beautiful Weald of Kent countryside on an electric bike . With carefully designed routes on quiet country lanes with little traffic , cycle past castles and gardens , award-winning vineyards ( where you can stop for a tour and tasting ) and pretty villages steeped in history complete with pubs perfect for lunch and pit stops .
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