STEP BACK IN TIME AT TENTERDEN’S STEAM RAILWAY
Everyone can enjoy a fun step back in time at Tenterden’s Steam Railway. Perfect to visit whatever the weather, the line gently wends its way from Tenterden for 10.5 miles, through unspoilt countryside to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. Travelcards allow all day travel so hop on and off at any of the stations along the line. Refreshments at Tenterden Station and on many trains, including cream teas, light lunches and luxury Pullman dining for dinners, Sunday lunches, wedding receptions, private and corporate hire. Advanced booking for on-board dining essential.
The Railway’s facilities have been carefully designed with disabled, elderly and less mobile visitors in mind. There are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders next to the platform at Tenterden Town and Northiam stations, and accessible toilets at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam stations. The Railway is proud to boast a specially designed coach for wheelchair users called ‘Petros’. There is full wheelchair access to the shop and restaurant at Tenterden Town, and the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum has level access with 42″ aisles. The Tenterden ticket office is fitted with an induction loop.
At Tenterden Station there is ample free parking, a licensed restaurant with free wifi, gift shop, picnic area, children’s play area, access for the disabled, and wheelchair accessible toilets. The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at Tenterden Station is also open every day the railway operates between 12.30 and 4.30. There is no admission charge for entry but donations for its upkeep are very welcome.
The line terminates at the immaculately restored Bodiam Station. At the rear of the station reconstructed hoppers’ huts are complemented by a small hop garden. The Cavell Van is berthed in a siding at the station and is open on most days that trains operate when it is not on display at other historic sites nationally.
The railway has a popular events programme including starting this year with the celebration of the birth of its creator, Colonel Holman F Stephens, followed through the season with the family Fabulous Forties weekend in May, A Day Out With Thomas in July and September, plenty of fun for all the family in the Summer Holiday, Halloween half term and ending the year with the famous Santa Specials on the weekends in December closing the season!
Tenterden is the jewel of the Weald with a unique blend of history and heritage, cafés and restaurants and boutique shopping. The town boasts a vibrant High Street and adjoining lanes full of quirky shops, a large leisure centre complete with swimming pool, flume and fitness centre plus a large recreation ground, impressive children’s play areas, tennis courts and bowling green.
Rolvenden: Take a walk upon the viewing gallery for a sneak peek behind the scenes as our engines are cleaned, prepped and maintained!
Northiam: 400m walk to Bodiam Boating Station: Take a leisurely cruise along the river Rother to Bodiam. Also a short drive to Great Dixter House and Gardens.
Bodiam: The magnificent National Trust Bodiam Castle is a short walk from Bodiam station.
