Often considered second to a self-drive journey, rail travel – celebrated as one of the greenest modes of transport in the UK – is making a steady comeback. If you’re looking for an efficient, relaxed way to travel without any inconvenient petrol station stops, a day out by rail fits the bill.

This welcome shift for rail travel shines alight on Kent’s rich railway heritage. In 1830, the county’s first station laid the foundations for an expanding rail network, sparking a surge in new stations. Today, Kent is home to around 108 open train stations and a growing number of lovingly restored former stations reinvented as popular visitor attractions. 

While slow tourism continues to grow in popularity, with direct rail links from London, visitors can step aboard heritage railways, discover beautifully revived stations and enjoy seamless journeys through Kent’s countryside. This September, discovering the Garden of England by rail has never been easier, so without further ado… All aboard!

Unique Rail Transformations: Kent’s Oldest Stations

Wealden Pullman

Over the last 50 years, adaptive reuse has taken on a whole new meaning, with disused railway stations across Kent transformed far beyond their original purpose. Once bustling transport hubs, these former stations now stand as historic landmarks and popular tourist attractions. 

Starting at the very beginning of Kent’s railway history, an honourable mention has to go to the once well-travelled Crab and Winkle Line. Connecting Canterbury and Whitstable, the railway first opened in 1830. A landmark achievement, it was the first railway to be built on Kentish soil and was home to the world’s first steam-driven passenger railway station, then known as Canterbury North Lane, with services running to Whitstable Harbour railway station. 

Although the line closed in the 1950s, visitors can still experience its legacy today. Much of the former trackbed has been transformed into the scenic, seven-mile, traffic-free Crab and Winkle Way, which is ideal for walking and cycling between Canterbury and Whitstable. 

Following the route of the old railway, you’ll reach the Winding Pond around halfway along the trail. Built in 1829, it once supplied water for the steam engines that helped haul passenger carriages out of Whitstable. Restored in 1999, the site is now a peaceful picnic spot and welcome place to unwind while exploring the Crab and Winkle Way.

Heading to the seaside town of Folkestone, you’ll find the renowned Folkestone Harbour Arm. Dating back to 1850, what began as Folkestone Harbour Station has evolved dramatically over the past 176 years. It once served as the final stop for passengers embarking on grand tours of continental Europe and played a vital role during the First World War, earning the nickname the ‘Gateway to the Trenches’.

Spa Valley Railway
Image by: David Chandler

Today, the station has found a new identity. Lovingly restored, the former railway has been transformed into a vibrant promenade lined with wildflowers where the tracks once lay. Along the Harbour Arm, visitors can browse independent shops, food vendors and restaurants, including SIP at the Signal Box.

Housed inside the station’s former signal box, the independent cafe serves speciality coffee, warming chai lattes, indulgent hot chocolates and fabulous afternoon teas. Grab a seat and soak up the harbour views, where a once-bustling railway station has become a peaceful destination enjoyed by both new visitors and returning locals. 

Further into East Kent, the picturesque village of Lyminge is home to the former Lyminge Station. Once a stop on the Elham Valley Railway, which connected Canterbury to Folkestone, the station closed in 1947 after more than 60 years of service. Carefully restored and still retaining the distinctive clapboard exterior, the building has served as the village library since the 1980s, giving this small piece of Kent’s railway heritage a new lease of life.

The Golden Oldies: Kent’s Heritage Railways

East Kent Railway

For a journey that takes you back in time, Kent is home to several heritage railways where restored steam and diesel locomotives bring the county’s railway history to life. First up is the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Known as the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century, the 10.5-mile line runs between Tenterden Town and Bodiam through the picturesque Rother Valley. 

For a special day out, step aboard the Wealden Pullman, offering a memorable dining experience. Enjoy locally sourced ingredients prepared by in-house chefs, all served in carefully restored 1920’s carriages that recreate the elegance of the Golden Age of rail travel.

The railway also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, with September welcoming the Hop Pickers, Craft and County Fair at Tenterden and Bodiam stations on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September. Celebrating all things hops, the weekend features talks on Kent’s hop-picking history, artisan crafts, local makers and traditional countryside activities including basket weaving, lace making and displays of vintage traction engines.

Heading over to the East Kent Railway, this volunteer-run heritage line is based in Shepherdswell near Dover. Originally constructed between 1911 and 1917 to serve the Kent Coalfields, first discovered in 1890, it now offers a leisurely four-mile round trip between Shepherdswell and Eythorne.

The journey passes along the northern edge of the Kent Downs before entering the 550-yard Golgotha Tunnel. Built in 1912 for the East Kent Light Railway, the tunnel was originally designed to carry two tracks, although only one was ever completed, making it one of Kent’s most distinctive and remarkably well-preserved pieces of railway heritage. 

Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Image by: Graham Gillson

Heading to West Kent, the Spa Valley Railway operates heritage steam and diesel trains along a scenic five-mile route through the High Weald, linking Tunbridge Wells to Eridge. At Tunbridge Wells West station, visitors can explore the 1886 engine shed before browsing the on-site gift shop. 

Just a 10-minute walk from the station lies The Pantiles, one of Tunbridge Wells’ most iconic landmarks. Home to regular markets, independent boutiques and a variety of cafes and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to round off a day of rail travel with relaxed dining and a spot of window shopping.

Rounding off the heritage railways is the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Kent’s famous 15-inch gauge heritage steam railway. Built in 1927, it operates the world’s most complete collection of one-third full-sized steam locomotives and has long been celebrated as the ‘world’s smallest public railway’. The 13.5-mile route runs from Cinque Port in Hythe to Dungeness National Nature Reserve, where visitors can embark on one of Kent’s most unique railway journeys.

At the last stop, passengers can experience the remarkable landscape of Dungeness, home to one of the largest expanses of shingles in Europe and often described as Britain’s only desert. Renowned for its unique ecology, the reserve supports an abundance of birdlife alongside rare coastal plants, including sea kale and the bright yellow horned poppy. More than simply a scenic railway, Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway offers a memorable journey through one of Kent’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Fast Track to Kent: Southeastern Days Out

Southeastern Railway

The beauty of rail travel lies not only in the journey itself but also in its unrivalled versatility. A trip can be a leisurely experience or a prompt, no-fuss escape, depending on the occasion. This brings us to the modernised world of rail travel with Southeastern Railway. Operating direct journeys from London and across the county,  Southeastern handles three main corridors through Kent, making it easy to explore every corner of the county by rail.

Step aboard the South Eastern Main Line, a long-distance route running from central London to the Kent coast that finishes at Dover Priory. Along the way, trains pass through Sevenoaks, just 21 miles south-east of Charing Cross. In little more than 30 minutes, visitors can reach Knole Park, a remarkable estate that has remained largely unchanged for more than 300 years. 

The 600-year-old estate was the birthplace of acclaimed writer and gardener Vita Sackville-West and later inspired Virginia Woolf’s novel Orlando. Knole is also home to Kent’s only surviving medieval deer park, where herds of Sika and Fallow deer are believed to be direct descendants of those that roamed the estate during the Tudor period. 

Another Southeastern route worth experiencing is High Speed 1 (HS1), the UK’s fastest domestic train service. The aptly named Javelin travels directly from St Pancras International to Ashford International in just 38 minutes, making it ideal for a morning or afternoon excursion. 

Once in Ashford, a short 15-minute walk leads to Ashford Designer Outlet. Home to more than 100 designer, premium and high street brands, the outlet offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, with convenient refreshment stops along the way. A visit to the Cornish Bakery for a fresh pastry and barista coffee makes for a perfect pitstop treat.

Finishing off our rail discoveries, step aboard the Chatham Main Line, connecting Chatham and London Victoria in under 45 minutes. Along the route, Faversham offers an inviting stop. Once a quaint market town, it has evolved into a characterful destination that blends medieval streets with a thriving creative community. 

While there, visit Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer. Since 1698, the brewery has been dedicated to producing great beer. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, complete with tutored tastings and a visit to the brewery shop before stepping back aboard the Chatham Main Line to discover where your next stop will take you across the Garden of England.