The Kent & East Sussex Railway

07/09/2026

GALA ANNOUNCEMENT – Southern Through the Ages

On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November 2026, we will be holding a ‘Southern Through the Ages’ Gala!

This event marks a farewell to A1X Terrier 2678 ‘Knowle’ before it is taken out of service pending overhaul.

Service will consist of passenger trains, freight trains and mixed trains running along the K&ESR.

Currently, we can confirm that Terrier 2678 ‘Knowle’, Class 205 DEMU 1118 and Austerity 68032 will be operating over the weekend.

More locomotives to be announced soon, watch this space…

Experience Ashford & Tenterden Tenterden, Kent - The Jewel of the Weald Steam Railway Steam British Steam Locomotives Ladies of Steam, LLC Staycations UK Steam Locos In Profile

06/09/2026

🚗 Austin Counties Car Rally Returns!
📅 10th & 11th October 2026
📍 Tenterden Town Station

We’re thrilled to welcome back the Austin Counties Car Rally! Expect a fantastic line-up of beautiful classic Austins displayed across the station site — perfect for car lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates vintage style.

✨ Wander among these timeless vehicles outside the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum and the Station Refreshment Rooms, open from 10:00am with tasty light refreshments.

🎟 Free entry with train tickets. Not travelling? No problem — grab a £1 Platform Ticket from the booking office when you arrive.

👉 Book online and save: https://kesr.org.uk/austin-counties-car-rally/

We’d love to see your photos — share them with us on the day!



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06/09/2026

Another beautiful day weather wise for our Hop pickers Craft and Country Fair. Even the Mortis Dancers couldn't resist having a go on the pump trolley
Visit 1066 Country Tenterden and St Michaels Chat Tenterden, Kent - The Jewel of the Weald

05/09/2026

🎅✨ Now Summer holidays are over… why not start planning Christmas? 🎄

Make this Christmas one to remember with an unforgettable Santa Special experience for the whole family! 🚂🎅

Step aboard a festive steam train and enjoy a magical journey through the beautiful winter countryside, with a special visit from Santa along the way. 🎁✨

📅 Santa Special dates 2026:

🎄 29 November – our first train of the day is our award-winning Quiet Train, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed experience.

🎄 5 & 6 December
🎄 12 & 13 December
🎄 19 & 20 December
🎄 23 & 24 December

🎟️ Book early and make Christmas 2026 a family memory to treasure!
🎟️ Find out more and secure your tickets here:https://kesr.org.uk/santa



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05/09/2026

There is lots to see this weekend at our Hop pickers, Craft and Country Fair weekend.
Why not peruse the stalls at Tenterden before hopping on a train down to Bodiam to enjoy country demonstrations!?
Here is a flavour from Bodiam and Tenterden this morning…
Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pump Trolley won’t be operating today BUT look out for more dates this autumn!!!
Tenterden and St Michaels Chat Experience Ashford & Tenterden Visit 1066 Country Tenterden, Kent - The Jewel of the Weald

04/09/2026

⚙️ Stationary Engines at Tenterden Station
📅 SUNDAY 20th September | ⏰ 11:30am – 4:30pm

Step back in time and discover the power behind the past! We’re delighted to welcome back the Sussex & Kent Weald Stationary Engine Group to Tenterden Station, where they’ll be showcasing a fascinating collection of restored stationary engines in action.

These remarkable machines once powered pumps, generators, mills, and factory equipment — and now, lovingly restored, they offer a captivating glimpse into our industrial heritage.

Bring the family, enjoy a day at the railway, and marvel at the engines that helped drive the world forward.
Book online and save, platform tickets just £1 available on the day only
https://kesr.org.uk/stationery-engines/

Tenterden Town Council Tenterden, Kent - The Jewel of the Weald Tenterden Tenterden Chamber
Visit 1066 Country Experience Ashford & Tenterden Steam Visit Tenterden

04/09/2026

For news from across our railway, here’s the latest update from our Chairman, Derrick Bilsby…

KESR Chairman's Update, including a Robertsbridge extension update,...

03/09/2026

We have one more Valuation days coming up this year on 15th October.

We will have the pleasure of welcoming back The Canterbury Auction Galleries to Tenterden Station. They have had incredibly busy day so don't delay give them a call and book your slot today!

They can’t wait to see what treasures you bring this time! 🎨🖼️


Tenterden, Kent - The Jewel of the Weald Experience Ashford & Tenterden
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03/09/2026

🎄 ALL ABOARD FOR A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS! 🎄

Create magical memories aboard the Santa Special steam trains at the Kent & East Sussex Railway this Christmas! 🚂🎅

We’ve been making Christmas extra special since 1974 – and this year, Santa’s steam train is back for another season of festive fun! ✨

Climb aboard our Santa Special and journey through the beautiful Kent & East Sussex countryside as Father Christmas visits every carriage to meet the children and hand out personalised gifts. 🎁

It’s festive, it’s magical – and it’s full steam ahead for an unforgettable Christmas experience! 💫

📅 Santa Special 2026 Dates:
🎅 Sunday 29 November – Quiet Train
🎄 Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December
🎄 Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 December
🎄 Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December
🎄 Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 December

🚨 QUIET TRAIN OPTION 🚨
For those who prefer a calmer experience, our first train on Sunday 29 November is our special Quiet Train, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and a wheelchair-accessible coach.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale NOW – and trains can sell out!
👉 Book your magical Christmas adventure: https://kesr.org.uk/santa-2026/

📸 Get your cameras ready – Santa’s waiting! 🎅🚂✨




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03/09/2026

🚂✨ SIT BACK, RELAX & ENJOY THE JOURNEY ✨🚂

Join us aboard a steam train and enjoy a relaxing journey through the beautiful Rother Valley. 🌿🚂

🎟️ Plan your journey: kesr.org.uk