In the north of England in 1825, the first railway line in the world to use steam was opened by the Stockton and Darlington Railway company. This was the beginning of the modern railway as we know it and it has since expanded across the globe and been one of the most energy efficient and fastest ways to travel.
To celebrate Railway 200 here in Kent, we’ve gathered a range of ways to celebrate our rich heritage and modern day rail travel– so, let’s jump on the footplate and get rolling…
The Old Crab and Winkle Railway walk
A close rival to being the first railway in Britain, the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway was opened in 1830 directly linking the two towns, even offering the first ever season ticket in 1834. Since its closure in 1953, the railway’s former line has been preserved as a traffic free way to cycle and walk between the coast and city. On the journey you’ll pass through dense woodland, spot The Winding Pond which provided water for the engine and visit the 13th century St Cosmus & St Damian Church in Blean.
Hornby Hobbies x One:One Collection
The name Hornby Hobbies has been synonymous with the railway as they have produced models for over 100 years. Their visitor centre, the WonderWorks in Margate has been inspired by various modelling brands and is an immersive day out for quite literally all ages of the family. On the 9th and 10th August, there’s a special open weekend to celebrate Railway 200 which includes a rare preview of the upcoming exhibit, the One:One Collection, which has full-size locomotives, plus entry to the WonderWorks - which includes model railway layouts and brand exhibits in the former Hornby factory.
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Another historic line in Kent, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway was opened in 1927 and is a light railway that runs between Hythe and Dungeness. This one, however is still operating! Running a mix of steam and diesel engines, the RH&DR is primed for a coastal day out with fish and chips at the end of the exhilarating journey. The railway is also celebrating Railway 200 themselves with a special Autumn Gala on the 18th and 19th October. If you’d like to take the railway theme even further and spend the night, stay at Bloom Stays’ Sunray in Dungeness, which has been lovingly created around a vintage railway carriage. Or, also in Dungeness, Channel View which is a contemporary property standing where an abandoned railway carriage was once located.
Southeastern
We can’t write a railway feature and miss off Southeastern! Providing journeys right across Kent, their stations are dotted throughout the county so getting to all of these locations is simple – from Whitstable to Chatham to Sturry. Don't forget to book your train journey via their website at southeasternrailway.co.uk to enjoy fee-free bookings. Plus, on the Sunday 24th August, they are opening their Ashford depot for everyone to visit – see their trains, plus a number of specials, up close and explore the depot that makes everything run smoothly!
Historic Dockyard Chatham
While this one has a bit more of a maritime theme, did you know that The Historic Dockyard Chatham has a working railway in it? Many years ago there was 17 miles of it, ensuring that goods traversed the site with ease. While the working side of the dockyard has moved on, there is still a working section that during special events such as Salute to the 40s, is opened up for people to travel on - keep an eye on their events page to see when you can hop aboard.
Canoe Wild
Continuing the water theme, did you know Canoe Wild can be accessed via the railway? While you may think of the serene views and calmness of the countryside, their Fordwich site is just a five minute walk from Sturry train station, which has trains to Canterbury, Ashford and beyond to London. Plus, if you’re doing a trip to Grove Ferry, they can even drive you right back to the train station!
Spa Valley Railway
Based in the royal town of Tunbridge Wells' West station, the Spa Valley Railway is a heritage railway in the heart of Kent where families can take a ride on historic steam and diesel trains through the Kent countryside. With a scenic route stopping at villages such as Eridge, you can make a full day of it getting off and enjoying a lunch and hopping back to Tunbridge Wells! Equally, on the weekend of the 8th, 9th and 10th August they are hosting their Diesel Gala, bringing together heritage locomotives to driving experiences - but the events don't stop there as they have plenty for all ages (quite literally - from a Peppa Pig themed one to the Kent Gin Train!).
