Kent & Sussex Autumn Steam Explorer

DAY 1

Travel from your home station to Maidstone. After registering at the Travelodge Hotel, we have a welcome evening tour of the renowned real ale Shepherd Neame brewery. Upon completion of the tour we have a two-course Brewer's Supper, including a tasting of their fine ale, whilst enjoying the opportunity to chat and socialise.

DAY 2

Our first day of steam begins with a private coach transfer to the Bluebell Railway - Britain's very first standard gauge preserved steam railway which is holding their Giants of Steam Autumn Gala. Here we have individual day rover tickets affording multiple return journeys along the length of the line including time to view the wonderful locomotive collection at Sheffield Park and the historic station at Horsted Keynes, which has featured many times in films and television period dramas. After our visit to "The Bluebell" our private coach transfers us to back Maidstone arriving approx. 18.15 hrs.

DAY 3

Today we visit two of Kent's finest heritage railways, commencing at the beautiful Kent & Sussex Railway where we take the steam train journey from Tenterden to Bodiam and return. We break our journey on the return at Rolvenden to view the locomotive collection. We also include time to enjoy lunch and to look around at Tenterden station, including entrance to the Colonel Stephens Museum who built this and many other light railways. This afternoon, we continue by coach to Hythe for a journey on the superb Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - the world's smallest public railway (15" gauge). The exhilarating journey takes us to Dungeness then returning as far as New Romney to view the locomotives and model railway. Our coach returns us to Maidstone where the evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

DAY 4

A short road journey brings us to the Spa Valley Railway where we have ample time for a steam ride on the 5 miles route to Eridge and to view the locomotive and rolling stock collection in the historic, original, 1886 shed at Tunbridge Wells West station. A second diesel hauled run along the line includes complimentary sandwich, hot and cold drinks, or a bottle of real ale from a local brewery. In the afternoon we take the short journey to Isfield station, home of the Lavender Line for a private charter on the 2-mile run through the Wealden countryside at this very friendly standard gauge line.

DAY 5

This morning we enjoy a private charter at the unique Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway. Having been close to closure it is reassuring to be able to visit the unique 760 mm gauge line at this paper mill site - a true industrial light railway. We enjoy a final light lunch together at the railway before we bid farewell and make our way homeward from Maidstone.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner