VISITKENT
STEP BACK IN TIME AT TENTERDEN ’ S STEAM RAILWAY
EVERYONE CAN ENJOY A FUN STEP BACK IN TIME AT TENTERDEN ’ S STEAM RAILWAY . PERFECT TO VISIT WHATEVER THE WEATHER , THE LINE GENTLY WENDS ITS WAY FROM TENTERDEN FOR 10.5 MILES , THROUGH UNSPOILT COUNTRYSIDE TO TERMINATE IN THE SHADOW OF THE MAGNIFICENT NATIONAL TRUST CASTLE AT BODIAM . TRAVELCARDS ALLOW ALL DAY TRAVEL SO HOP ON AND OFF AT ANY OF THE STATIONS ALONG THE LINE . REFRESHMENTS AT TENTERDEN STATION AND ON MANY TRAINS , INCLUDING CREAM TEAS , LIGHT LUNCHES AND LUXURY PULLMAN DINING FOR DINNERS , SUNDAY LUNCHES , WEDDING RECEPTIONS , PRIVATE AND CORPORATE HIRE . ADVANCED BOOKING FOR ON-BOARD DINING ESSENTIAL .
The Railway ' s facilities have been carefully designed with disabled , elderly and less mobile visitors in mind . There are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders next to the platform at Tenterden Town and Northiam stations , and accessible toilets at Tenterden , Northiam and Bodiam stations . The Railway is proud to boast a specially designed coach for wheelchair users called ' Petros '. There is full wheelchair access to the shop and restaurant at Tenterden Town , and the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum has level access with 42 " aisles . The Tenterden ticket office is fitted with an induction loop .
At Tenterden Station there is ample free parking , a licensed restaurant with free wifi , gift shop , picnic area , children ' s play area , access for the disabled , and wheelchair accessible toilets . The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at Tenterden Station is also open every day the railway operates between 12.30 and 4.30 . There is no admission charge for entry but donations for its upkeep are very welcome .
The line terminates at the immaculately restored Bodiam Station . At the rear of the station reconstructed hoppers ' huts are complemented by a small hop garden . The Cavell Van is berthed in a siding at the station and is open on most days that trains operate when it is not on display at other historic sites nationally .
The railway has a popular events programme including starting this year with the celebration of the birth of its creator , Colonel Holman F Stephens , followed through the season with the family Fabulous Forties weekend in May , A Day Out With Thomas in July and September , plenty of fun for all the family in the Summer Holiday , Halloween half term and ending the year with the famous Santa Specials on the weekends in December closing the season !
Tenterden is the jewel of the Weald with a unique blend of history and heritage , cafés and restaurants and boutique shopping . The town boasts a vibrant High Street and adjoining lanes full of quirky shops , a large leisure centre complete with swimming pool , flume and fitness centre plus a large recreation ground , impressive children ’ s play areas , tennis courts and bowling green .
Rolvenden : Take a walk upon the viewing gallery for a sneak peek behind the scenes as our engines are cleaned , prepped and maintained !
Northiam : 400m walk to Bodiam Boating Station : Take a leisurely cruise along the river Rother to Bodiam . Also a short drive to Great Dixter House and Gardens .
Bodiam : The magnificent National Trust Bodiam Castle is a short walk from Bodiam station .
www . kesr . org . uk
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