Lieven & Lydia
1 Oct 2026
We are rather spoilt for vintage railways in Kent. From a tiny railway hidden beside Tonbridge Castle to proper steam trains travelling across the Weald, and miniature locomotives running all the way across Romney Marsh, there are some genuinely lovely railway days out within reach of Woodlands.
1. Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
We love this one even though it is a bit of a drive!
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is quite unlike anything else. Beautiful one-third-size steam and diesel locomotives travel for 13½ miles across Romney Marsh, linking Hythe, Dymchurch, New Romney and Dungeness.
Most people seem to start at Hythe and travel towards Dungeness, but we prefer doing it the other way around.
Drive down to Dungeness and start your journey there. Parking is easier – and free at the station – and there are often foxes hanging around the car park and surrounding shingle, which is quite a sight in itself.
From Dungeness, take the little train across Romney Marsh towards Dymchurch and Hythe. Dymchurch is worth getting off at, particularly with children, for its big sandy beach and old-fashioned seaside feel. Great stop for an ice cream. Then continue on to Hythe for lunch and a wander around town before catching the train all the way back to Dungeness.
It makes for a really lovely day out. Definitely check the timetable before setting off, as services vary throughout the year.
2. Kent & East Sussex Railway
Another one we love, and probably our favourite if you want the full traditional steam-train day out.
The railway runs from beautiful Tenterden through the countryside to Bodiam. The journey takes around 45–50 minutes and brings you within a short walk of Bodiam Castle.
Bodiam Castle is looked after by the National Trust and is absolutely worth visiting. It is one of those castles that looks exactly like a castle should: a huge moat, towers, battlements, spiral staircases and a portcullis.
There is also a very good traditional pub, The Castle Inn, directly opposite the castle – making this one particularly easy to turn into a proper day out.
OUR EXPERT DAY TRIP
Head to Tenterden in the morning, park at the railway and take the steam train through the countryside to Bodiam.
From Bodiam station, walk across to Bodiam Castle and spend an hour or two exploring the castle and grounds.
Then head across the road to The Castle Inn for a proper pub lunch.
After lunch, wander back towards the railway and catch the steam train back to Tenterden.
3. Tonbridge Model Engineering Society
A completely different scale – and a lovely little local find.
Hidden beside Tonbridge Castle and the swimming pool is a miniature railway that has been running on this site for more than 70 years. The track is around a third of a mile long and you actually sit astride the little passenger carriages while miniature steam or electric locomotives pull you around the grounds.
It isn't somewhere you need to build an entire day around. Instead, combine it with Tonbridge Castle, a walk along the Medway and lunch in town.
Rides are run by volunteers and public running is normally on selected weekend afternoons during the warmer months, although it depends on volunteers and which engines are available, so check before travelling.
Particularly good with smaller children.
Two we haven't tried yet...
We haven't visited the next two ourselves yet, so we can't give them the same personal seal of approval as the three above. They are firmly on our list, though, and both look like excellent options for anyone who hasn't quite had enough steam trains yet.
4. Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway
Hidden in the countryside near Sittingbourne, Bredgar & Wormshill is a wonderfully eccentric narrow-gauge railway running through parkland and woodland.
On its main event days there are steam trains, engine sheds, old machinery, tractors and other bits and pieces to explore. On other operating days there are usually diesel train rides.
5. Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway
Another slightly unusual one.
This railway was originally built in 1905 to serve Sittingbourne's paper industry, and remarkably still operates original locomotives and rolling stock over part of the original industrial railway.
The train travels from Sittingbourne Viaduct to Kemsley Down, so it feels more industrial and authentic than some of the prettier heritage railways.
Enjoy your day out!