Family fun and magical memory-making this Spring on the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Make tracks to the multi-award-winning* Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) this spring for plenty of family fun and memory-making moments that will last far beyond the season - whatever your age.
Half Term and Easter Holidays
Enjoy a magical journey through the scenic Rother Valley behind a heritage steam or diesel engine during the February Half Term and Easter Holidays. It’s not only a winning family day out, but great value too, thanks to the return of the popular K&ESR Kids Go FREE offer.
Up to three children under 16 can travel free with any fare-paying adult on regular services throughout both holiday periods, and tickets include unlimited travel on the same day - perfect for a full day of adventure on the line.
Kids Go Free is back for Half Term & Easter
Photo: The Life Narrator
February is also the perfect time to spot winter birds and the early signs of spring along the line, with young explorers encouraged to become nature detectives through free bird-themed onboard activities.
Sussex Wildlife Trust volunteers from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve will be travelling on selected services on Saturday 14th and 21st February and Tuesday 17th February, chatting with passengers, answering questions and helping families spot the incredible wildlife along the route.
Valentine or Galentine?
Spread a little love for someone special - and for the heritage railway itself - by reliving the romance of late Edwardian travel on board services on Saturday 14th February.
And instead of lunch, why not treat them to the legendary K&ESR Big Breakfast aboard the Rother Valley Limited 10.20am service (pre-booking required) for a truly memorable experience.
Favourite Character Appearances
K&ESR’s partnership with Fox and Edwards Events brings two much-loved character experiences to the railway this spring.
On 18th and 19th February, little ones can meet The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child, while Paddington will visit on 10th April and Bluey on 26th March.
These special experiences are not included in any Kids Go Free offers.
Tickets start from £15 per child and £25 per adult and include a complimentary activity sheet, storybook, crayons, biscuit and juice to enjoy during the journey.
Characters will be waiting to meet families and pose for photos back at Tenterden.
Families can also look forward to meeting the Easter Bunny during the Easter Holidays, with special appearances on selected days, alongside free Easter-themed activities for everyone to enjoy.
The Easter Bunny will be making appearances
Photo: Caroline Warne
Mum’s the word
Looking for a special outing for Mothering Weekend? The K&ESR will be running steam trains on both Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March, with the additional option of scrumptious refreshments to savour along with the glorious Wealden landscape, aboard the Rother Valley Limited. Choose from a Ploughman’s lunch on the Saturday and either Afternoon Tea or a Cream Tea on Mothering Sunday itself.
A mothering weekend treat
Junior engineers wanted!
The railway’s popular Junior Engineer experiences return on Saturday 25th April - a fun-filled experience to entral all young train enthusiasts keen to learn more about the workings of engines and railways.
Suitable for children aged 6-12 years, accompanied by an adult, the experience includes the opportunity to climb on the steam engine footplate or into a diesel cab, a ‘behind the scenes tour of the K&ESR locomotive workshop and the chance to learn about how engines and carriages are inspected and maintained. Chris Vine, author of the Peter's Railway books, leads the sessions, sharing his passion for all things engineering.
The events are led by Chris Vine, Author of Peter's Railway
Tracking down the dawn chorus
The K&ESR is a 10.5 mile-long nature corridor that is home to a range of precious wildlife including many rare bird species.
Join expert ornithologist David Campbell of Wildstarts for an early morning (07:30) bird song tour on
29th April or 6th, 9th and 13th May.
The return trip will include at least three stop to listen and watch for a variety of birds including Turtle Doves, Yellow Hammers, Skylarks, Lapwings and Cuckoos. A K&ESR guide will be on board to explain more about the Wealden landscape. On arriving back at Tenterden, enjoy an inclusive, delicious cooked breakfast in the Station Refreshment Room.
The railway is home some 89 species of birds
Award-winning Pullman dining (April onwards)
For that special celebration, take things up a notch and book a Saturday evening fine dining experience in the luxurious surroundings of the award-winning Wealden Pullman, a runner-up in the recent Beautiful South Tourism Awards for Restaurant of the Year. Diners will enjoy a volunteers, dressed in authentic Pullman livery, recreating the service of a bygone era.
Silver service dining aboard the Wealden Pullman
Make a day of it
The journey between Tenterden and Bodiam takes around 50 minutes each way, and a ticket is valid all day, so whenever you visit why not break the trip at Bodiam and wander to the impressive National Trust castle just a short walk from the station. Showing a same day train ticket gives discounted admission. The canine members of the family can also come along; well-behaved dogs are welcome on regular services and travel free.
Other not-to-be-missed Spring events
Monday 26th March & Thursday 30th April - Diesel Driver Experience Days, for adults with a childhood dream a chance to take the controls of a Class 14 and Class 20 respectively.
Saturday18 April – Cocktail-making on the move with Marc Taylor of Lift Your Spirits.
Sunday 26th April - Green Fun Day, with lots of eco-friendly activities, stands and advice.
Monday 4th May - Star Wars Day with themed activities and character appearances.
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May - The K&ESR’s popular 1940s Weekend, recreating the sights, sounds and atmosphere of wartime Britain with professional re-enactors and top period entertainment, once again headlined by the D-Day Darlings.
Thursday 28th May - Morning photography course focusing on steam engines and including the exclusive opportunity to take photos behind the scenes.
Friday 29th May - Murder Mystery Evening, a play written specially for the K&ESR and performed by the Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society. Option of a light supper.
All event details and online booking can be found at: www.kesr.org.uk.