Calling All Nature Detectives!
Journey back to the golden age of rail travel, and take in the beautiful views on-board a classic steam or heritage diesel train. Steam train experiences are becoming an increasingly popular way to see some of the most hidden parts of the UK. You can expect lovingly restored Victorian coaches and locomotives, some with old-fashioned family compartments – perfect if you’d prefer to make the journey extra special in your own private space. Let the train take the strain as you sit back, relax and travel through the countryside.
In 1900 the Kent and East Sussex Railway opened, under the then name of the Rother Valley Railway, to serve the rural communities of East Sussex and Kent and to transport people from London to the South East for hop picking. It was the very first ‘light railway’ to be constructed.
The heritage railway closed to passengers in 1954 but it was saved and reopened by a charity in 1974 as the popular tourist attraction it is today. It now operates steam hauled and diesel observational trains from Bodiam Castle in East Sussex to the historic market town of Tenterden in Kent.
Tenterden Town Station is the hub of the present railway, and the administrative headquarters of the charity; it is here you’ll find most of the passenger facilities including a gift/book shop, the Colonel Stephens Museum, where you can discover more about the entrepreneur who built and operated the railway and the Carriage & Wagon Restoration Workshops.
For a unique family day out, this October half-term, board a train for a two-hour round trip and learn more about which creatures will soon be preparing for their winter slumber as the days get shorter and colder.
Children can complete the nature quiz (or activity sheet) and make their own wildlife mask during the journey. Sit back and relax as you travel together through the beautiful Wealden countryside whilst learning more about which creatures make their home along the unique environment of the railway. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the animals and birds on your journey.
Prices include activity sheet and mask for each child. Pre-booking is strongly advised and tickets offer freedom of the line during the day of your visit between Tenterden in Kent and Bodiam in East Sussex.
Trains depart Tenterden Town station at 10:40am, 11:45am, 1:15pm and 2:20pm daily from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st October 2021 (except Monday 25th and Friday 29th). There is free parking for customers at Tenterden Town station and Northiam station.
Online prices / Freedom tickets:
£49.00 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children)
£19.50 Adults (15 years +)
£13.50 Child (3−15 years)
For more information and to book online visit the website.
