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Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
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About Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
There's nothing quite like a ride on The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - so it's little wonder that this experience is one of Kent's top tourist attractions!
A journey on one of the small trains of this heritage railway is a unique experience combining years of steam railway heritage with some of Kent's most picturesque countryside. The natural starting place for a journey on the RH&DR is at its station in the historic and pretty town of Hythe. It's one of six along the track, which stretches 13 miles across the picturesque Romney Marsh to Dungeness, one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world, a place of other-worldly beauty and a designated National Nature Reserve.
The railway has been drawing crowds since it opened in 1927 and now operates the most complete collection of one-third full-sized steam locomotives in the world. These small but perfectly-formed trains, take just over an hour to complete the full journey from Hythe to Dungeness but there are opportunities to get off and explore along the way too. At Dymchurch, a five-minute walk will take you to the village centre with its children's amusement park, shops, cafes and sandy beach. Stop at New Romney Station and you can visit the Model Railway Exhibition, museum and children's play area. There are cafes at each of these main stations too and special events throughout the year.
Visit the RH&DR website for more details. The closest that the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway gets to mainline services is at Sandling, two-miles from the RH&DR station at Hythe. It's a 40-minute walk (downhill on the way, uphill on the way back) but there is a bus stop at the station too offering a 10-minute connection to Hythe.
Fare information can be found here.
Facilities at Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
- Coaches welcome
- Conference / Meeting facilities
- Gift shop
- Groups welcome
- Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Registered Assistance Dogs welcome
- Guided tours
- Pets welcome
- Restaurant / Cafe / Tea shop
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway?
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR) is one of Kent's most popular heritage attractions. Known as "Kent's Mainline in Miniature", it operates historic steam and diesel locomotives along a 13.5-mile route between Hythe and Dungeness.
- How long is the train journey?
A full one-way journey between Hythe and Dungeness takes just over an hour, allowing passengers to enjoy views of the countryside, coastline and Romney Marsh landscape.
- Is the railway suitable for families?
Yes. The railway is a fantastic family-friendly attraction, offering a memorable train ride, seaside stops, model railways, museums and play areas that appeal to visitors of all ages.
- Can I get on and off along the route?
Yes. Selected tickets allow visitors to hop on and off throughout the day, making it easy to explore different stations and nearby attractions.
- What can I see at New Romney Station?
New Romney Station is home to a model railway exhibition, museum, gift shop and children's play area. It is also one of the best places to see the locomotives up close.
- What is there to do at Dungeness?
Dungeness is famous for its unique shingle landscape, nature reserve, lighthouses and coastal scenery. It is an excellent destination for walking, photography and wildlife watching.
- Can I visit Dymchurch from the railway?
Yes. Dymchurch Station is only a short walk from the village centre, sandy beach, amusement park, cafés and local shops.
- Are steam trains still used?
Yes. The railway operates a collection of historic one-third scale steam locomotives, alongside diesel locomotives, making it a must-visit attraction for railway enthusiasts.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended during busy periods and special events. Some ticket types can be purchased online, while station-to-station tickets are available at railway stations on the day of travel.
- Is the railway accessible?
The RH&DR works to make its services accessible and provides facilities to assist disabled visitors. Visitors with specific requirements are encouraged to contact the railway before travelling.
- Are there cafés and refreshments available?
Yes. Several of the main stations have cafés and refreshment facilities where visitors can enjoy drinks, snacks and meals during their visit.
- Does the railway operate all year round?
The railway runs services throughout much of the year, including popular seasonal and special-event trains. Timetables vary by season, so visitors should check ahead before travelling.
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