We were the last two from our coach trip to board the steam train at Tenterden so there were no forward facing seats left; our fault, but we are `newbies`when it comes to day coach trips – all the regulars probably got off the coach and straight on the train, not bothering with taking photos of the station, looking round the excellent railway museum where we learned about the history of this, the first `light` railway which opened in 1900, closed in 1954 and then was then re-opened in 1974 and is now run by volunteers as a heritage line.
We were looking forward to the journey and seeing the surrounding countryside from a train, a nice change from driving through that area, as we’ve done many times. But first there was the important business of a cream tea that was delivered to us in cardboard boxes containing two scones, a mini Victoria sponge, pots of jam and clotted cream; we were also served tea and coffee by the stewards as we set off on our 10.5 mile journey, heading towards Rolvenden, we didn’t stop at Wittersham Road – not all trains do – but did stop at Northiam, the next station, where several old carriages have been re-purposed as holiday accommodation, sitting right next to the railway line. Once the refreshments had been cleared away there were two more vacant tables so my husband and I moved seats and sat at one of them as my original seat had been in full sun and the day was really warm; it also meant we could face the front if we wished. As we approached Bodiam I looked out for Bodiam Castle but it was too far away to get a good photo. Quite a few people got on the train there and had obviously been to the castle in the morning as there were children wearing or carrying souvenirs of their visit – plastic helmets, swords etc. The train stops at Bodiam long enough for the engine to be shunted from the front of the train to what was the back, ready to pull it back to Tenterden, which towards the end is quite a steep haul. The journey took just under 2 hours return and all through lovely countryside with views of oast houses and farms, cattle and horses, the track following the Rother Valley and crossing marshland inhabited mainly by sheep.
Not all the trains have a steam locomotive, some are pulled by diesel engines, but it’s possible to check the timetable online to see which days and times the steam engines will be in action. Some trains have First Class compartments for a small supplement. There are several special events throughout the season – a Santa special, Star Wars event, 1940’s weekend and more, but it’s not necessary to travel on a ‘special’ or have a cream tea, nor does one have to travel the full length of the route. Tickets can be bought on arrival at the station but they’re cheaper if bought online in advance and for special events it’s probably best to book in advance. There are also Freedom Tickets for more flexibility. All the information and options are on the website.
I can thoroughly recommend the K&ESR but before you get on your train at Tenterden make sure you visit the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum there to learn about the many railways Colonel Holman Fred Stephens was associated with, including the Rother Valley Railway which later became the Kent and East Sussex.
