Kent & East Sussex Railway

Ashford

Type:Steam Railway

Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE

Tel: +44 01580 765155

Kent & East Sussex Railway

About

Escape the everyday with a trip on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoy a unique view of the beautiful Wealden countryside from the old-world comfort and charm of a heritage steam or diesel train. Step back in time as you climb aboard to experience a magical 10.5-mile journey from Tenterden to historic Bodiam Castle through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) that's reputed to be the finest example of a medieval landscape in NW Europe - all the while keeping watch for the wonderful wildlife to be spotted along the route.

You'll be assured of the warmest of welcomes from our friendly volunteer staff who always do their absolute best to ensure passengers have a wonderful day out.

With up to five trains travelling each day from April to October you won't miss out on the fun whatever time you arrive or whatever the weather. Special deals and amazing events happen throughout the year, including: the popular 1940s weekend, 'Steam Up' Gala, Teddy Bears picnics, Fish & Chip supper trains, Real Ale & Cider trains and, of course, the famous Santa Specials. There's always something new and different to experience both on the trains and at the station: just keep checking the website for the latest news and offers.

Before boarding your train, why not enjoy some delicious food in our Art Deco Tea Room, along with a variety of hot and cold drinks. You can also pick up a munch bag for the kids so they don't get hungry on the journey. Or if you prebook you can receive on train-catering. And for a special occasion, why not make a booking to dine in style aboard the Wealden Pullman and enjoy a delicious Saturday evening dinner or traditional Sunday lunch served by livered Pullman attendants.

Do leave time to visit the fascinating Colonel Stephens Museum at Tenterden station which tells the story of the K&ESR as the country's first - and original - light railway, the model railway room and gift shop, all at Tenterden. At Bodiam station, you can see the historic Cavell Van which was used to take the remains of the Unknown Warrior to London in 1920 and there is the opportunity to head to the nearby castle or explore the local countryside on a nature walk, guides for which can be downloaded from the website.

So, why not make a date to ride back in time to a quieter, calmer world and help preserve one of the country's most beautiful heritage experiences.

Book online to save on ticket prices at www.kesr.org.uk.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Age 3 - 15 yrs Freedom ticket in advance£13.50
Age 3-15 yrs Freedom ticket booked on the day£14.00 per ticket
Family 0f 4 booked on the day£69.00 per ticket
Family of 3 (2Adults 1 Child) advance booking£58.00
Family of 3 (2adults and 1 child) on the day£64.00 per ticket
Family of 4 booked in advance£63.00 per ticket
Freedom Ticket in advance online£24.50
Freedom Ticket on the day£27.50 per ticket
Platform Ticket - on the day£1.00 per ticket

Carers free - please see T's & C's on website

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant - Light refreshments are currently available from Tenterden Station
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Dogs Accepted

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.Pre-booking necessary to qualify for reduced group admission rates.
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

From junction 9 of the M20 take the A28 to Tenterden. Turn right into Station Road in the centre of the town.

Public Transport Directions

Bus number 400 from Ashford to Tenterden.

Gradings

  • Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction
Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction

Awards

  • Visit England Awards -Code of Practice Code of Practice 2012
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -WTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Bronze Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Bronze 2022
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Silver Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Silver 2023

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year
2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

What's Nearby

  1. Colonel Stephens Railway


    The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum
     
    Recording the Career of Holman Fred Stephens,…

    0.04 miles away
  2. The Chapel Down Winery

    Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling…

    2.05 miles away
  3. Biddenden Vineyards Ltd

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    2.64 miles away
  1. South of England Rare Breeds Centre

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  2. Great Dixter House and Gardens

    Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden of world renown, a centre of education, and a…

    6.42 miles away
  3. Bodiam Castle

    Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval…

    7.71 miles away
  4. UK Electric Bike Centre, Vineyard tours on an electric bike

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  5. Rye Heritage Centre

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  6. Rye Castle (The Ypres Tower)

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  7. Royal Military Canal

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  8. Godinton House and Gardens

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  9. Balfour Winery

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  10. Camber Castle

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  11. Camber Sands

    This stunning stretch of sandy beach is home to the only sand dune system in East Sussex.…

    9.79 miles away
  12. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

    Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is an important wildlife site set in an exceptional coastal…

    9.87 miles away
  13. Ashford & Tenterden Tourism Association

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    9.95 miles away
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