insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 126

DAYSOUT

'Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

Steam Trains and Santa
Watching a steam train chug slowly and majestically into the station is a dream for
many. It’s evocative of an earlier time when things were done differently, and
something about steam engines has caught the imagination of old and young for
decades. One of the first ever movies by the Lumiere brothers was called Train Pulling
into a Station, and that’s exactly what it is – and yet the public were fascinated. Steam
trains were beloved then, and are even more so now.
The good news is that Kent has
three different places at which
visitors can get up close and
personal to these marvellous
machines. However, the even better
news is that all three have managed
to combine their beautiful engines
with Christmas, making them some
of the best places to take the family
for a unique adventure over the
festive period.

Romney, Hythe &
Dymchurch Railway
With 13.5 miles of track to chug
along, the miniature (one-third the
size of a standard steam train)
engines do a sterling job of
entertaining families, and have done
so for nearly 90 years.
What's more, Santa must love his
trains, as he is also making an
appearance at the RHDR this year.
Booking is essential to enjoy a 30minute train ride from Hythe to New
Romney where you will be able to
meet the big man himself. After
receiving a super gift, there will be
time to play in the magical, snowy
winter wonderland, enjoy the model
railway exhibition, and sample the
food in the buffet car. Then, it’s all

aboard and back to Hythe as the
excited children talk non-stop about
what just happened – a spot of
Christmas magic.

Kent & East
Sussex Railway

www.rhdr.org.uk

Kent & East Sussex
Railway

For the little ones, the Santa Special is a must. This particular Christmas
event has been going for almost 40 years, and it becomes more magical
as time passes. Climb aboard the train and enjoy a round trip of an hour.
During the trip, you’ll get to meet Father Christmas himself, and the children
will receive a gift. There are refreshments included, and back at the station
there is a carousel to enjoy, as well as the Snow Queen to meet and greet.
Exciting and memorable!

The line at the KESR starts at
Tenterden and winds its way
through the beautiful English
countryside for 10.5 miles until it
reaches Bodiam, and stops just by
the fabulous National Trust castle.
The railway hosts events throughout
the year including experiences that
mean you can actually drive a steam
train, and learn all about how they
work; Wealden Pullman dining
experiences (some with a theme,
such as murder mystery); and
spooky Halloween trips. However,
it is at Christmas that the railway
comes into its own. You can book
your unforgettable Christmas lunch
to eat on the train; enjoy five
sumptuous courses aboard a
festively decorated Pullman, and
each guest will receive a gift just for
coming along and enjoying
themselves.

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www.kesr.org.uk

Spa Valley Railway
Chestnuts will be roasting on an open fire in the waiting room at Eridge
Station as you wait to board the Santa Special on the Spa Valley Railway
line. Enjoy the refreshments, and then climb on board for your fantastical
journey to Tunbridge Wells. On the train, you will meet Father Christmas
and his elves, and each child will receive a gift, whilst the adults get a mince
pie to munch on. Spot the reindeer as you whizz through the Kent countryside
(they’re really there!), and when you disembark you will be able to play with
the model railways, have your photo taken with Father Christmas, have
your face painted, play with the penny arcade, and maybe even meet the
train driver. With so much to do and so much fun to be had, this is how
Christmas memories are made.
www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk