Kent & East Sussex Railway

Escape the everyday on the Kent & East Sussex Railway to enjoy a unique view of the beautiful Wealden countryside from the ‘olde-worlde’ comfort and charm of a heritage steam or diesel train.

Voted Best Family Experience in Kent by the public two years running – 2025 and 2026 – in the Muddy Stilettos Awards, the railway became a heritage line in 1974 and operates as an educational charity, celebrating the +120-year history of the country’s first light railway and the form of transport that changed the world.

On your visit, you’ll experience a magical 10.5-mile journey between Tenterden and historic Bodiam Castle through an outstanding National Landscape that’s reputed to be the finest example of a medieval landscape in north-west Europe – all the while keeping watch for the wonderful wildlife to be spotted along the route.

Before boarding the train at Tenterden Town Station why not visit the Art Deco Tea Room to pick up some refreshments? If you pre-book, you can choose on-train catering served at your seat. This includes the Rother Valley Limited dining car offering onboard brunches and lunches on selected services. Or, for that special occasion, book a fine dining experience or Sunday lunch aboard the luxurious Wealden Pullman.

A Freedom Ticket enables unlimited same day travel and there are up to five trains daily in high season from April to October. Special deals and exciting events happen throughout the year, so there’s always something new and different to experience both on the trains and at the stations, including behind the scenes tours, themed events and of course the famous Santa Specials each December.

Whenever you travel, you’ll be assured of the warmest of welcomes from the railway’s friendly volunteer staff who always do their absolute best to ensure passengers have a wonderful day out. In fact, the K&ESR received a coveted Tripadvisor’s ® Travellers’ Choice® Award in both 2024 and 2025. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing the K&ESR amongst the top 10% of places to visit around the world recommended on Tripadvisor.

Be sure to leave time to visit the fascinating Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at Tenterden station, the model railway room and gift shop. Meanwhile at Bodiam station you can find out more about the history of hop picking in Kent and visit the historic Cavell Van which transported the body of the Unknown Warrior to London for burial at Westminster Abbey, after the end of the First World War. There is also the opportunity to head to the nearby Bodiam Castle – which can be seen from the train as you approach the station and is literally a short walk away - or explore the local countryside on a nature walk, guides for which can be downloaded from the website.

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

Visit the website for more information and to book and save on ticket prices.