Kent & East Sussex Railway
Kent & East Sussex Railway
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The K&ESR opened in 1900 as England’s first ‘light railway’, serving the rural communities of East Sussex and Kent. Closing to passengers in 1954, the line was saved and reopened by a charitable organisation in 1974. It now operates steam hauled and diesel observation trains on a 10.5 mile line from Bodiam Castle in East Sussex to the historic market town of Tenterden in west Kent.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Martin Atkins
    Bedfordshire, United Kingdom87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well chuffed!
    We've visited the excellent museum and displays at Tenterden station before but this was the first time we'd been on the trains. We boarded at Northiam as we were staying in the old carriages there. Lovely little station with good gift shop and very helpful and friendly volunteer staff. Train came up from Bodiam, decorated for Halloween so looked brilliant. Carriages are clean, way more comfortable than on our main line, and the ticket inspector was really chatty and friendly. Beautiful views outside, and a map printed on each table showing the line and what to look out for at various points on the route. We went up behind the steam loco but returned later in the rail car, which allows views out of the front, and has bigger windows, more like being on a bus. Again it provided great views of the beautiful countryside and the workings of a heritage railway line. Loved it, will ride again next time we're down.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 November 2023
  • Scottie-EQ
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wealden Pullman Sunday Lunch
    @MrsEeky and I visited last Sunday as we had booked up for Sunday roast on the Wealden Pullman. We both had a great 'first class' 3 course meal along with some drinks. The stewards worked very hard to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying the dining experience. Shout out to the chefs, stewards and everyone else involved in making our dining experience enjoyable. Would definitely recommend, and would book up again sometime
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 November 2023
  • cyjenks
    Canterbury, United Kingdom5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bit of Christmas Magic
    What a wonderful experience we had on the Santa Train yesterday. We booked a carriage for three grandparents, mum and dad and Billy (6) and Florence (4). It was magical from the start when the children took a look at the fire in the engine to the end when we rode on the carousel. The magician and Santa and his Elves were terrific and the children were given excellent gifts. The staff and volunteers went out of their way to ensure we had a great time. We would recommend the Santa Train to any family wanting a bit of Christmas magic
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 December 2023
  • Tracey w
    Kent, United Kingdom34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Fantastic Santa Special Train…
    We had the pleasure of experiencing the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Santa Special, and boy was it fabulous not only for the kids but also great fun for the adults! Checking in was with ease, great staff, professional and made most welcome! Included with the ticket, the train experience, including Santa (very handsome and cuddly) and his merry helpers the fantastic elves, who engaged with all the passengers, getting them singing along to jingle bells, an age appropriate present showing the child’s name from Santa! the magician, excellent within his field and was very interactive with his audience and a bag of refreshments, mince pies and chocolate, and of course the train ride through the countryside, the sights and smells of the steam train era, it was fantastic! Then at the station there was a carousel, we all jumped on that a few times , great fun had by all, there was also a winter wonderland marquee, with a model village, along with a photo opportunity, receiving one free print and then you can choose if you would like more at a fair price. The train station is lit up with festive lights, including a Christmas tree and a large lit up rudolf pulling santas sleigh. A great wow factor, pure Magical experience had by all..
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 December 2023
  • Scratcher1
    Enfield, United Kingdom22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Santa train 2023
    Lack of Christmas music throughout the journey and no commentary ( 8 year old spent entire journey colouring her poster). Staff and helpers were all very friendly and approachable Food was very nice and quite reasonably priced especially the free mulled wine and hot chocolate ( for the 8 year old). Free Carousel ride was a bonus. Santa was excellent as was the magician.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 December 2023
  • Dave A
    Dartford, United Kingdom81 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A trip back in time.
    This was a mid/post pandemic visit (2020) - only just found the pictures. Reduced service for obvious reasons. Very pleasant trip recalling some dim and distant memories of childhood trips. The museum is also worth a visit.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 March 2024
  • Riverdancer41
    Faversham, United Kingdom78 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a lovely day!
    Absolutely loved this experience. We booked with Fox and Edwards and enjoyed every minute! Everyone was so happy, helpful and smiley. All, and I mean all staff were so welcoming and attentive. The train journey was lovely, we had a gorgeous ploughman's and tea or coffee was served there and back. We also so got a lovely little train shaped ginger biscuit when the journey ended. My lovely Mum didn't want to leave. Thank you so much for a brilliant day! Xx
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 March 2024
  • Ladykane1982
    Chingford, United Kingdom1,080 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Volunteers are amazing
    3rd year in a row we visited the railway, staying at the railway retreats in Northiam we bought a 2day ticket and we used it over our 4day stay. The volunteers are amazing, they make the experience, they always stop and chat, absolutely awesome throughout the line. We love visiting.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 April 2024
  • Hi I'm Trevor
    England, United Kingdom13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolutely fantastic railway
    I visited the railway on my own a few years ago but really wanted to return one day and that's exactly what I did I was aware of a diesel gala taking place at the railway which I saw as a perfect opportunity to visit. Despite the fact that the Kent and East Sussex railway hasn't operated a diesel gala in 14 years they definitely delivered on a brilliant experience. Well done K&ESR hopefully this event was popular enough to make diesel galas an annual event
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 1 May 2024
  • Cheekycockney190757
    Basildon, United Kingdom11,482 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely railway and stations on the route.
    I visited for the first time on Friday 12th April 2024 as part of the Kent & East Sussex Railway Diesel Gala. Upon arrival, there was plenty of parking adjacent to the main station on the line at Tenterden (which is a beautiful little village in itself). This station included a small museum as well as a cafe. On the day of the gala, this was supplemented with show stands and additional scheduled train services including an external locomotive. I took several services to other stations on the line inc Rolvenden & Northiam the latter of which provided an opportunity to view the adjacent holiday accommodation which is provided in re-purposed railway carriages. The best part of this railway, like all volunteer-run attractions, is the volunteers themselves who show off this wonderful railway at its best. Worth a visit even when there isn't a gala.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 May 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,263 reviews
Excellent
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Average
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Poor
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KK48
Gillingham, UK661 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Family
After many previous visits and always excellent this visit was the first we have been truly disappointed with.
In July 21 with COVID conditions running on a compartment for group of up to 8 we paid £80 for the compartment for our daughter’s birthday. We assumed the compartment would be cleaned between trains as there were only two running on the day. We initially found the floor covered in dog hair. Although disappointed we were further let down as when we got off to find our cloths were covered in dog hair meaning the seats must also have not been cleaned between journeys. This is in addition to the disrespectful previous occupants who should not allow dogs on the upholstery.
Luckily we are not allergic to dog hair but felt very dissatisfied.
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BootsiedelaFuente
Hastings, England, United Kingdom6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Family
A great trip with such friendly and welcoming staff, marred by virtually no one in our carriage (or any other, as far as I could see) wearing a face mask. I’m pregnant and booked this feeling reassured that the people running this railway had put everything in place to make it as Covid safe as they could, which on paper they absolutely had. However, if no one abides by their rules - or the law, for that matter - it’s pretty meaningless. And those flouting the rules didn’t have a medical reason for doing so, many had masks on them; they just weren’t using them.
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kenton H
Sittingbourne, UK10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
I booked this trip for my partners birthday in July, but due to covid 19 the trip was cancelled, i was kept informed of what was happening and offered alternative dates as soon as they was able to run.
The wait was well worth it, the experience is one i would recommend and will be doing again.
The service you receive from the staff is first class, nothing is to much trouble. All the staff are volunteers giving up their free time, this make the level of service even more exceptional.
The food was lovely and plenty of it, 6 courses!! The homemade soup was amazing, i dont usually like vegetable soup. The tomato and basil sauce with the chicken was delicious. Followed by a selection of cheese and biscuits, then a selection of desserts, which would not have been out of place in a top class restaurant.
A big thank you to Louise for her exceptional service, nothing was to much trouble and she was very attentive.
Well done to KESR for providing such a wonderful experience, keep up the good work.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind words, it was a pleasure to have you aboard!
Written 20 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Deano T
London, UK363 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019
We took this train to Bodiam Castle and really enjoyed it. The train took around 30 mins and there was enough space to accommodate everyone. There was a special carriage for us to put our pram in as well. The walk from the station to Bodiam castle was around 10 mins. Would highly recommend this especially as it could be closed down in the next couple of years if it is not saved.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

alan g
Hawkinge, UK35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
Booked this on line on Sunday 25 September 2022 and travelled on the following Tuesday. Took advantage of ordering some snacks and two bottles of Proseco.
Both the food and drinks were good and imo not overpriced. We took the earliest train and it was still quite busy. All the staff we dealt with were friendly. At each station the staff waived at the train and even some vehicle accupants at crossings waived too!
We found this a great, enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Glad we took the early train as some of the customers waiting to get on the train when we arrived back at Tenterden seemed rude and unfriendly!
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

YvonneZYX
Preston, UK47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
The main reason for our recent trip to Kent was to visit the Chapel Down Winery and on the same day we also visited the Kent & East Sussex Railway. We booked online and parked in the free railway car park. We visited the small railway museum prior to our trip and bought a coffee from the lovely cafe. The site is very clean and well maintained and the uniformed staff are lovely and keen to share the history and stories of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Unfortunately due to the drought and risk of starting a fire, the steam engine was not available to pull the carriages, however the old Diesel engine provided a great round trip from Tenterden to Bodiam and back. If we had had more time we would have stayed in Bodiam for a few hours to visit the castle which is free to walk around the grounds, before then returning to Tenterden. So if you want to visit the castle, book your tickets to allow that time.
The train journey was really good, the uniformed staff very informative and keen to share stories of the train and the surrounding areas. On our return, we were a little early for our winery trip so had a reasonably priced, well-filled sandwich each and a coffee before we left .
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EmzDee83
London, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
We went for a train ride, Tenterden - Bodiam shorly after they re opened from Lockdown. Everything was well organised for a safe and fun journey.
Everybody was very friendly and welcoming. It is obvious that everybody that works there are passionate about what they do.
It was like going back in time, I really enjoyed the journey and best of all dogs go free.
I love it when establishments recognise dogs as part of the family. We booked the ticket to have a carriage to ourselves, it was really nice and clean.
The car park is free.
I would definitely do it again.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fred b
linslade95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
Went on a behind the scenes day here, from the welcome arrival to a non stop day from riding the train, visiting carriage refurbishing sheds, loco sheds, being given hands on experience in the signal box and given a complete history of the line, what more can I say, all platforms building in a beautiful condition truly a well worth visit. Cafe had excellent meals at good prices and good size portions. Pets welcome.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

alicemiracelchick
Benfleet, UK199 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
My son really wanted a steam train ride after reading the Adventures on Trains series. What a fantastic day we've all had, although fortunately less dramatic than the books!

You need to arrive at least 20 min early, I would suggest earlier so that you can explore the station area and perhaps purchase some refreshments. The KESR is staffed by wonderful, costumed volunteers who regale you with stories and anecdotes that really add to the experience.

We chose the 11.15, which gave plenty of time to explore at Bodian Castle (National Trust), have a picnic and be back in time for the 3.30 back to Tenterden. There was still time to explore the small museum back at Tenterden station. The teashop at Bodian Station is much better value than the National Trust one at the castle, I recommend saving your pennies to buy something here to enjoy on the return journey.

A thoroughly satisfying day out, thank you KESR!
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Surrey_family67
London, UK40 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Family
Went on this last week with family bubble.

Staff v friendly and kids loved it.

Social distancing measures in place but unless you pay for one of the private coaches that seat 8....you are in a shared coach (every other row of seats closed to maintain distancing) BUT very sad that almost all the adults no board ignored advice and didn't wear masks!

Love to go back when things are more back to normal in future.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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