Immerse yourself in the golden age of steam with this fantastic steam railway station tour that'll see you being shown just what goes on behind the scenes of this popular heritage railway in Kent.
Lifting the lid on this rural light railway starts in the best way possible - with introductions to your fellow tour guests and guide, along with a nice cup of tea. Then it's off to have a behind the scenes look around the carriage and wagon workshop, where you'll see skilled craftspersons working to renovate the rolling stock.
Your full day station tour then steps up a gear as you climb aboard the first steam train departure of the day from Tenterden to Rolvenden station. On arrival at Rolvenden you'll be shown around the locomotive shed where all the heavy engineering takes place to keep these magnificent locos running smoothly on the tracks.
You'll then move across the station to have a tour of the signal box and watch from the side of tracks as the steam train which departed from Bodiam stops to be filled up with water. Having witnessed this impressive 'refuelling' you'll then step aboard that train to head back to Tenterden station for lunch.
The afternoon of your exclusive station tour starts with a visit to the Colonel Stephen museum, before hopping aboard an afternoon steam train to experience and enjoy the full 21 mile round trip on the Kent and East Sussex line. Once back at Tenterden, your station tour ends with a farewell drink and the opportunity to ask those burning questions you may have to the experts.
Your day will begin with an introduction, a safety briefing and complimentary drinks. You'll visit the Carriage and Wagon workshop at Tenterden station and see the restoration projects, maintenance and repairs. Board the train to Rolvenden station for a tour of the loco shed, signal box and see the watering of an engine before returning to Tenterden for lunch in the restaurant. The afternoon includes a visit to the Colonel Stephen's museum and a full 21 mile ride on the train. You will arrive back at Tenterden for a questions and de-brief session with beverages. This is a full day experience lasting approximately 7 hours.
This experience is available on selected weekday and weekend dates from February to October. The day begins at 9:30am and finishes at around 4.45pm. You may be joining part of a group of up to 5 other participants.
The experience takes place from Tenterden Station located 12 miles southwest of Ashford. During the day you will board the train to Rolvenden Station.
There are no age restrictions however under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that you do not drive any of the trains however Steam Train Driving experiences can be found on our main Train Experiences page.
Unfortunately this experience is not suitable for spectators however the railway encourages family and friends to come and spend the day. Tenterden station offers a railway museum (small entry fee applies), display wagons, restaurant, gift shop, picnic area and a play area for children. Visitors can purchase a ticket allowing them to travel along the 10.5 mile line, exploring the local area. Tickets are £12.80 for adults and £7.80 for children.