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.

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Luxury Dining On The Wealden Pullman PDF Print E-mail

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Photo Courtesy of Bill Oates PA

The 'Wealden Pullman', introduced in 1974, forms the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion or for a more intimate evening. Your meal is carefully prepared onboard and served by authentically attired Pullman Attendants whilst the train gently winds its way along the Rother Valley. Dining carriages include two historic Pullman Cars dating from the 1920's, which capture perfectly the atmosphere & style for which travel by Pullman train became renowned. Thus the finest traditions of the Pullman Car Company are maintained for your enjoyment and as a reminder of a more elegant age.pullman_couple

More about the Wealden Pullman

The Wealden Pullman is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers,
who take great pride in recreating levels of service seldom enjoyed in today's busy world. Enjoy a complimentary aperitif whilst you admire the carefully restored steam locomotive or explore the intricate marquetry panelling in Pullman Car ‘Barbara'. Take your seat and savour the moment as the train gently departs on its relaxing journey....... The ‘Wealden Pullman' departs Tenterden Town Station on most Saturday evenings from April to November. Selected dates feature ‘Sherlock Holmes Murder & Mystery' or ‘1940's' themes.

Photo Courtesy of Lewis J Brockway

A traditional Roast Luncheon is also served on most Sunday afternoons between April & October.

During December, Christmas is celebrated with five-course dinners on Saturday evenings.                                                                                  

The ‘Wealden Pullman' also welcomes the New Year with a very special service featuring an eight-course meal, extended journey, complimentary drinks, onboard Jazz Band & an exclusive firework display at midnight. Plese note that this years New Years Eve service is fully booked.

Pullman leaflet front coverFacilities & Seating Arrangements

Please note that table positions are fixed. 360° panoramic views of the dining car interiors are also available here. Limited access by wheelchair users is available to Pullman Car ‘Theodora'. Please contact us for advice. Toilet facilities are available in each dining car and accessible toilets are located at Tenterden Town, Northiam & Bodiam Stations. In accordance with UK laws, smoking is not permitted onboard the train.

Dress code

Many of our guests choose to complement the period atmosphere of the ‘Wealden Pullman' in their dress style. Guests are respectfully advised that T-shirts, jeans and trainers are not permitted: in keeping with the Pullman tradition, gentlemen are requested to wear a tie.

Special Dietary Requirements

We aim to accommodate all guests' special dietary requirements. In order to meet your specific needs we require any such details at the time of booking. Our Chef will contact you to discuss your requirements personally. We regret that we shall be unable to accommodate any requests made once the train has departed.

How to book

‘Wealden Pullman' services are extremely popular, so early reservations are strongly recommended. Availability changes daily: current information may be obtained by contacting the Booking Office by telephone on 01580 765155. Most major credit/debit cards are accepted. Alternatively, please call in at the Booking Office within Tenterden Town Station to make your reservation in person. ‘Wealden Pullman' Gift Vouchers are also available from our online shop.

Booking Conditions

Payment in full must accompany your booking. We shall be pleased to cater for any special dietary requirements, but these must be advised at the time of booking.
In the event of your requesting cancellation, a refund will be made if the seats can be resold. In such cases, an administration fee of £10.00 per ticket will be levied. A similar charge will apply to requests for alterations, which will be granted at the discretion of CSRE Ltd. The ‘Wealden Pullman' is normally hauled by a steam locomotive. The K&ESR reserves the right however to substitute diesel haulage in the event of breakdown, hire fire risk or other operational need.
Catering services are provided by Colonel Stephens Railway Enterprises Ltd. - a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kent & East Sussex Railway Company Limited - the registered charity that owns and operates the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Conditions of Carriage of passengers & their luggage are available for inspection at all station Booking Halls.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 29 July 2010 14:09 )
 

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...
VAQAS is the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme