Kent & East Sussex Railway

Travel Back in Time & Escape the Modern World.

The railway you see today at 10½ miles in length is a fine example of one of England’s light railways and originally part of a larger system which operated between Headcorn and Robertsbridge.

The K&ESR was the very first 'light railway' to be constructed: light railways are equipped with full size trains, but have steep gradients and operate at low speed.

Passenger trains ran from 1900 until 1954 but an ambitious scheme to reopen the railway from Tenterden was proposed, although it was not until 1974 that the first trains were able to run on a short section of line. The registered charity that now owns and operates the line was able to finally restore services to Bodiam in time for the centenary of the line in 2000: today the K&ESR welcomes around 90,000 people each year.

Special Offers

Kids Go Free This Summer! - Kent & East Sussex Railway

Great deal this July and August at Kent & East Sussex Railway!
-up to 3 children go free with each fare paying adult or senior ticket!
This offer is available both online and at station ticket offices, but you can save even more on adult and senior fares wh... (click the button below to read more)

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Upcoming Events

Santa Specials 2024

We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named gift, all without movin... (click below to read more)

When: Sat 30 11 2024 at 9:00 am

Until: Tue 24 12 2024 at 6:00 pm

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