Make tracks for the multi-award winning* Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) this Spring for plenty of family fun and to make memories that outlast the year – whatever your age.
Half Term and Easter Holidays
Taking a magical ride through the scenic Rother Valley, behind a heritage steam or diesel engine over both the February Half Term and Easter Holidays, will not only be a winning day out but also a win for family wallets with the return of the K&ESR Kids Go FREE offer. Up to three under 16s can travel for free with any fare-paying adult on regular services during both these holidays and tickets allow unlimited trips on the same day.
Kids Go Free is back for Half Term & Easter
February is also the perfect time to spot winter birds and early signs of Spring along the line, with young explorers becoming nature detectives with free bird-themed onboard activities. Sussex Wildlife Trust volunteers from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve will be travelling on selected services on Saturdays 14th & 21st and Tuesday 17th February, chatting to passengers, answering questions, and pointing out the incredible wildlife to be seen.
Valentine or Galentine?
Spread a little love for that special someone, as well as for the heritage railway, and relive the romance of late Edwardian travel on board services on Saturday 14th February. And instead of lunch, how about treating them to a legendary K&ESR Big Breakfast aboard the Rother Valley Limited 10.20am service (pre-booking required).
Favourite character appearances
The K&ESR’s partnership with Fox and Edwards Events is bringing two special and much-loved characters to the railway this Spring. On 18th and 19th February, little ones can meet The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child, while Paddington will be visiting on 10th April and Bluey on 26th March.
These experiences are not included in any Kids Go Free offers but tickets (which start at £15 per child and £25 per adult) include a complimentary activity sheet, storybook, crayons, biscuit and juice to enjoy during the journey with the characters waiting to meet families and pose for photos back at Tenterden. That’s not forgetting the chance to meet the Easter Bunny during the Easter Holidays who’ll be making special appearances on selected days, with special free Easter-themed activities for everyone to enjoy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ENDS
