All aboard for a ‘Summer of Fun’ on the Kent & East Sussex Railway
From budget-saving offers to fun events with a difference there is something for everyone, whatever their age, to experience and enjoy on the award-winning Kent & East Sussex Railway this Summer.
Extra fun for creative explorers
A brand-new FREE experience Bricks on the Move arrives this May Half Term with a regular railway carriage transformed into a hands-on creative play space, filled with thousands of LEGO and DUPLO bricks ready for building, imagining and exploring.
Families can build railway-inspired creations
Photo: Brilliant Bricks
Children, and grown-ups too, are invited to take a seat, dive into the bricks and build their own railway-inspired creations at Kent & East Sussex Railway.
From trains and stations to bridges, landscapes and imaginative inventions, there are endless creative possibilities. Thousands of mixed bricks will be available during each session, alongside creative prompts designed to spark ideas in a relaxed and welcoming environment where families and friends can build together.
Perfect for all ages, the experience is free with a travel ticket. Spaces are limited, however, so pre-booking is essential.
Visitors can also take part in a hands-on willow weaving workshop with Marianne from Craftybasketry. Guided by expert tuition, children aged 8 to 12 can create their own dragonfly during a one-hour session, while those aged 12 to 15 can make a bird feeder to take home in a two-hour workshop.
Children attending a workshop can travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult or senior, who will also receive a discounted ticket. Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.
Weave a bird feeder or a dragonfly
Photo: Craftybasketery
There’s plenty more family fun to enjoy at Kent & East Sussex Railway throughout the Summer holidays, with a packed programme of children’s activities including the Teddy Bear Express, the Great Train Mystery, Circus Skills workshops and the return of Bricks on the Move.
Visitors are encouraged to keep checking the Kent & East Sussex Railway website for dates and full event details.
Summer offers
Senior Saver tickets will be available throughout May, excluding the 1940s Weekend on 16th and 17th May, with passengers aged 60 and over able to travel for £20 when booking in advance.
The popular Kids Go FREE offer also returns during the Summer holidays, running from 21st July until the end of August. Available on regular services excluding special events and character experiences, the offer allows up to three children under 16 to travel free with a fare-paying adult, with unlimited journeys included on the day of travel.
Passengers travelling with any of these offers can also claim a discount on same-day entry to Bodiam Castle, located just a short walk from Bodiam Station.
Alongside these offers, local residents living within selected TN postcode areas can purchase a Summer Season Ticket. Costing only around a third more than a standard one-day Adult or Senior Freedom Ticket, the pass offers unlimited travel throughout the entire Summer period. Proof of ID and postcode address will be required alongside the season ticket when travelling.
Evenings out with a difference
For those looking for a memorable Summer evening experience, the railway is also offering atmospheric events that combine a scenic journey through the beautiful Rother Valley with the chance to learn a new skill, solve a murder mystery or simply enjoy traditional fish and chips on board.
For those looking to add some drama to their evening – especially Agatha Christie fans - a K&ESR Murder Mystery Evening could be just the ticket!
Step aboard for a journey of intrigue, deception and high drama. Will you uncover the culprit or will they walk free? You can even enjoy a delicious two-course dinner while you try to solve the mystery.
Specially written for the K&ESR and performed by the Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society, there are four Friday evenings to choose from: 29th May, 26th June, 31st July and 28th August. Prices: Non-dining £47 (Adult) £25 (Child 15yrs and under); Dining £71.50 (Adult) £32.95 (Child 15yrs and under).
Cocktail-making with 'Lift Your Spirits'
Photo: Marc Taylor
For adults only, become a mixologist at an exclusive cocktail-making class on board the late afternoon departure from Tenterden on Saturday 20th June.
Learn to create two different cocktails (or alcohol free ‘mocktail equivalents) under the expert tuition of mixologist Marc Taylor. You can then drink your creations, accompanied by delicious nibbles, as you travel through the beautiful Wealden countryside between Tenterden and Bodiam in the elegant luxury of premium dining carriage ‘Diana’. Tables for two or four: £99 / £198. Tables for two or four: £99 / £198.
Fish and Chip Specials will also be running on selected mid-week dates throughout the Summer and into September. Early booking is recommended as these dining experiences are very popular and sell out quickly. Prices vary according to your food choice but for Cod & Chips it’s £49.50 (Adult) and £16.00 (Child) including travel.
Snap happy
Always wanted to take great photos of steam trains with expert tuition and capture life behind the scenes at a heritage railway? Join one of three photography courses taking place over the Summer on Saturday 27th June, Wednesday 8th July and Thursday 6th August.
Capturing a 'steam up' at Rolvenden
Photo: Steve Hedges
Each morning photography course at Kent & East Sussex Railway is limited to groups of up to six people and led by professional photographer Steve Hedges, who brings more than 30 years of experience and will share expert advice and practical tips on capturing the perfect shot.
The experience begins with the opportunity to photograph the atmospheric ‘steam up’ activities at Rolvenden Station, before participants enjoy a light breakfast in the Station Refreshment Rooms back at Tenterden.
Guests will then travel by steam train to Bodiam Station to photograph the ‘run around’ and re-coupling procedure before returning to Tenterden.
And there’s more…
Tenterden Town Station will also host a packed programme of summer attractions, including Road Traction Engines on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June, a Vintage Bus Rally on Sunday 9th August and a Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday 22nd August.
As part of the railway’s partnership with Fox and Edwards Events, children’s favourite Zog, ‘the brave little dragon’, will also be making a special appearance on Monday 17th August.
Further information and booking details for all upcoming events can be found on the Kent & East Sussex Railway website.