Kent & East Sussex Railway

England's Finest Rural Light Railway

 

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10th Anniversary Celebrations at the K&ESR's Hoppers Weekend

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On the 11th and 12th September, visitors to Bodiam station can enjoy a whole weekend of "opping nostalgia" as the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosts its tenth annual Hop Pickers Weekend. The event is open from 10.30am to 6:00pm each day. Saturday's evening entertainment is free to enter and the beer tent and BBQ will be open.

Carriage Maintenance Building Extension Appeal - click here for more information

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The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden has launched an appeal to raise £200,000 to double the capacity of its main carriage maintenance building at Tenterden station. The expansion is needed to provide sufficient high quality trains to operate the current train time table which currently carries 90,000 passengers annually.

Pensioner's treat, £7.50 a seat at the Kent & East Sussex Railway!

From 14 to 16 September 2010 anyone over 60 years of age can enjoy a great value day out when they visit The Kent & East Sussex Railway, as all Senior Rover tickets will cost just £7.50 each! (Usually £11.80). Visitors can enjoy a 21-mile nostalgic steam train ride in beautifully restored carriages on a journey through picturesque countryside between Tenterden and Bodiam Stations.

Cavell Van Restoration Appeal - Latest Progress Report - click here for more information

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We need to raise £35,000 to restore the van in time for the National Service of Remembrance on 11 November 2010. The ‘Cavell Van’, built in 1919, is important in the railway preservation movement for being the prototype of a class of vans used for mail and luggage on express passenger trains from the 1920s.

Visit Our Kent & East Sussex Railway Photo Albums - Updated 13th August

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Our Photo Album contains 100's of images taken by Lewis Brockway in several collections including our Steam & Diesel Gala's, 1940's & 70's weekends and Thomas & Friends 65th Anniversary. We also have a Volunteers Photo Album available for viewing from the main menu link.

NEW DVD - Available From The K&ESR Online Store

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Now available - Kent and East Sussex Railway on Parade 2002-2009. All the events on the railway between 2002 and 2009 are recalled on this 90 minute DVD. Features galas, visiting engines, events, behind the scenes and much more. £13.00 inc VAT, Click on the title to purchase online.

<< >> Play > Stop

Eating At The K&ESR PDF Print E-mail

As well as Luxury Pullman Dining we are pleased to offer a range of everyday catering options either served onboard your train or from the Station Refreshment Rooms menu.

The 2009 train service affords on-train catering on three of the five daily trips leaving Tenterden at 10:40, 1:15, 3:30 and from Bodiam at 11:40, 2:15 & 4:30. You may depart from either station and opt to have your meal either during a single (50 minutes) or return (1¾ hrs) journey.

ON TRAIN CATERING - must be pre-booked

Same applies as above re on train catering days of operation

Tea or Coffee with a fresh Pastry
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a delicious Danish Pastry served at your table as you steam along the Rother Valley £3.50 per person

Cream Tea
Two warm scones, butter, jam and Rodda's Cornish Clotted Cream. Served at your table with a selection of cakes and tea or coffee. £4.90 per person

Ploughman's Lunch
A traditional Ham & Cheddar Ploughman's Lunch, served with tea or coffee
£5.95 per person. Why not add a fruit tart & cream for an additional £2.75?

Children's Party Boxes
Combine the excitement of a trip on a steam train with a special Birthday tea. Children have individual party boxes packed with a selection of food and a drink, whilst adults have the option of a ploughman's lunch or cream tea. It's a real treat for the whole family - because we do all the preparation, as well as the cleaning up!
£3.00 Child, Adult prices as above.

Picnic Hampers
Let us prepare a sumptuous hamper for you and your companions, which will be ready for collection when you arrive at Tenterden Station. Typical content includes: freshly cut sandwich, pork pie, gala pie, crisps or Pringles, Scotch egg, side salad, yoghurt, cheese & biscuits, fresh fruit and a drink. Napkins, cutlery & condiments are also provided. The hamper may be returned to staff at any station.
All this for just £4.50 child, £8.50 adult.

FISH & CHIP SUPPERS

Join our Heritage diesel observation train on one of the Wednesday summer dates for a FISH & CHIP SUPPER. Advance booking is required for these popular services.
Board the train at Tenterden from 6:00pm ready for a 6:30pm departure. Enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of locally brewed beer from the at-seat trolley service as you travel towards Bodiam (additional charge applies). Whether booking online or by telephone, your menu choice will have been confirmed ready to be delivered freshly cooked to coincide with the train's arrival at Northiam Station. There is a short comfort break here before continuing to Bodiam and the return to Tenterden, where arrival is at around 9:15pm. Choose from:
Cod & Chips
Plaice & Chips
Haddock & Chips
Jumbo Sausage (in batter) & Chips
Chicken & Chips
Vegetarian Spring Roll & Chips

Tenterden Town Station Refreshment Rooms

This building was formerly the Maidstone & District Motor Services waiting room at Palace Avenue, Maidstone. Originally erected in 1922, it is reputed to have been Britain's first purpose built bus station. Re-erected at Tenterden Town Station in 1986 & recently refurbished, its Art Deco interior is a pleasant place to enjoy a meal, local ale or some light refreshments. Additional seating is also available outside, from where you may watch the trains arrive & depart. The children's play area is adjacent to the Refreshment Rooms and offers shaded picnic tables.

The Station Refreshment Rooms are accessible to wheelchair users and are open every day that train services operate, from 10am to 4.30pm. Breakfast is generally available from 10am to 11am, whilst lunch is served from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Our menu varies in season, but a typical example may be viewed here.

We are also pleased to make the Station Refreshment Rooms available for private functions on non-operating days throughout the year: please contact us.

See More Information For Group Catering

Last Updated ( Monday, 07 June 2010 10:51 )
 

K&ESR Daily News

Thursday 2nd September

Today we are running our Green Service, 3 steam and 2 heritage diesel departures each day. First train (steam) leaves Tenterden at 10.40.

Next Special Event

Saturday 11 and
Sunday 12 September

Visitors to Bodiam station can enjoy a whole weekend of "opping nostalgia" as the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosts its tenth annual Hop Pickers Weekend.  More info

Monthly Competition

WIN FREE Tickets for the K&ESR

August WINNER .... 
Mrs Harwood from Sidcup - Congratulations!

Read more...
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