Railways
A nostalgic vintage steam train or high speed to London in 38 minutes? You can do both here!
Whether you're a serious steam buff or just someone who enjoys great views, the Kent & East Sussex Railway is a real treat. It puffs from attractive Tenterden to imposing Bodiam Castle. Settle back in vintage carriages to chug along for just over 10 miles through glorious Weald of Kent views. Be sure to stop in at The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum during your visit to the railway! For an elegant, memorable meal - or an informal fish and chip supper - book a table in a 1920s Wealden Pullman silver-service dining car. Look out too for their special events.
For marshland views and tiny trains, head to the delightful Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. The world's smallest public railway, it sees one-third scale steam and diesel trains trundling beside Romney Marsh between Hythe and Dungeness. 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.
The area's proud railway past is also celebrated at the new Railway Room at Ashford Borough Museum. Enter via the replica ticket office and pass the Hornby model railway.
And the town's strong train-related traditions continue. Ashford is within easy reach of London and Europe, making rail travel ever-more tempting today. Thanks to High Speed 1, it's just a 38 minute ride from London. With Eurostar journeys from Kent hoping to return in 2022, meaning you’ll be able to leave Ashford International Station and be in Paris, Brussels and Lille in just a couple of hours.
