Tourist Profile Let off steam, on line -
Weald’s light railway has a birthday to celebrate
THE bank holiday offers a fantastic chance to check out one of the landmark features of the Weald on an anniversary trip aboard a steam train on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
The light railway is holding a three-day gala to celebrate the opening of the first two-mile stretch of fully restored track from Tenterden under the charity that has been directing the restoration of the line since 1974.
As well as travelling behind the
line’s six-strong steam locomotive fleet, there will be an opportunity to see the Sentinal 0-4-0 vertical boilered tank locomotive Gervase – its only appearance in the South East this year. Other gala highlights include shuttle services between Bodiam and Junction Road on a section of line not regularly used, shunting demonstrations at Tenterden, and a special 10am through-service from Tenterden to Junction Road (booking advisable).
But if you fancy making a real day of it, with all the trimmings, the line will be serving a special six-course anniversary dinner, with canapés, on Saturday, May 24. In keeping with the Pullman tradition, gentlemen are requested to wear a tie. The train leaves Tenterden station at 7.30pm – but you will need to book your place well in advance.
Passenger trains will run along the 10-mile track from
Tenterden Town Station to Northiam and Bodiam, with a regular service from 10.45am until 4pm on all three days of the bank holiday birthday celebrations (May 24-26).
You can board trains at Bodiam and Northiam (where
your ticket earns you a discount on entry to the castle and The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum), and at Tenterden station, off High Street, free parking is available. If you get on at Rolvenden or Wittersham Road you will be able to buy your ticket from the train’s inspector, although not all trains will stop at these stations.
At Tenterden, the carriage and wagon shed will also be open to visitors, providing a fascinating look behind the scenes at the painstaking work that goes into restoring and running the line.
Gala ticket deals
Adult £18, senior £15, child £13, family £50, member £11.
Two days: adult £35, senior £28, child £25, member £21.
Three days: adult £45, senior £35, child £30, member £25.
Anniversary dinner: £85.50, first class, £95.50 Pullman class, per person.
For more information and bookings call 01580 765155 or visit
www.kesr.org.uk
22 Mid Kent Living
Dining images courtesy of Lewis J Brockway Train top right image courtesy of Hugh Nightingale
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