group visits 2014

Introducing 3 New Joint Visits for 2014

Kent & East Sussex Railway

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K&ESR

Group Visits2014

Celebrating Forty Yearsin Preservation

England’s finest rurallight railway

A warm welcome awaits your group.

Contents Group VisitsKent & East Sussex Railway is the country’s finest example of a rural light railway.

The line gently wends its way from Tenterden - “The Jewel of The Weald” - for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.

Whether you are interested in heritage, shopping, nature, food and drink, or recreation, there is always something for groups to enjoy when visiting the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

You will find a warm welcome and the day will be a truly memorable experience. We cater for all kinds of groups and our facilities are fully accessible. Our friendly team have

2 Traditional Fish & Chip Suppers On Train Fish & Chip Suppers

4 A Ride on the Wild Side Wildlife Heritage Foundation - Big Cats Sanctuary

6 Swords, Shields and Passing Fields Battle Abbey

8 Whistle Stops and Waterways Bodiam Boating Station

10 Right On Track For a Great Day Out The Kent & East Sussex Railway

12 Cream and Steam Away Chapel Down Winery

14 Reins and Trains Stevenson Brothers

16 Vines, Wines and Railway Lines Biddenden Vineyards

18 Teas, Toys and Trains The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum

20 Gardens and Guards Great Dixter House & Gardens

Kent & East Sussex Railway - Group Visits 2014

extensive experience of arranging group excursions and will help plan all the details to make it a perfect day to remember.

For group visits we offer:• Reduced rates, with 10% discount on all fares, for

groups of 20 or more people (not applicable with combined visits)

• FREE parking for cars and coaches

• FREE train travel and refreshments at Tenterden for the coach driver (conditions apply).

• Approved tour operators can be invoiced.

BookingThe prices shown will help you work out the cost of your visit. If you would like more information, or want to make a firm booking, please call our dedicated reservations office on 01580 765155, 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday - Friday or 9.00am to 2.00pm weekends. We are here to help and are always happy to discuss ideas with you.

On-train cateringThe Big Breakfast · Start your visit to the K&ESR with a traditional full English Breakfast. Served in the Tenterden Town Station restaurant and available from 10am. Book in advance and we’ll give you a free mug of tea or coffee! £6.95.Tea or Coffee · with fresh pastry. £3.75 plus fare.

Ploughman’s Lunch · Traditional cheddar cheese and ham ploughman’s, including tea or coffee. £6.70 plus fare.

Fish & Chip Lunch · Including tea or coffee for 15 or more on the 1.15pm steam departure from Tenterden any Tuesday or Thursday (on running days only) between April and September. £9.50 plus fare.

Cream Tea · Two scones, butter, cream and jam, served with a selection of cakes, including tea or coffee. £5.70 plus fare.

Children’s Party Boxes · Individual birthday boxes packed with party food and a drink. £3.20 plus fare.

1Kent & East Sussex Railway - Group Visits 2014

Travel Prices: Tenterden to Bodiam

Single Return

Adult £11.00 £16.00

Child £7.50 £11.00

• Return journey takes around one hour 45 mins. Single journey takes around 45 mins.

• Advance booking is essential for all group packages to ensure that necessary seats have been reserved, and that the railway is prepared for your visit.

• A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total cost is payable at the time of booking. The balance and confirmation of final numbers are required ten days before the date of travel.

Traditional Fish & Chip Suppers

2 Kent & East Sussex Railway - Group Visits 2014


Enjoy the relaxed, convivial atmosphere and beautiful views that can only be truly appreciated from the unique location aboard our train.The Rother Valley in summer provides some magnificent sunsets and an abundance of wildlife on and along the banks of the River Rother.

Your train, which is available for boarding at Tenterden Town Station from 6.00pm, departs at 6.30pm. During the journey visitors are able to purchase soft drinks, local beers and wines from the trolley service provided.

The food is freshly cooked and delivered to the train during the course of the journey. Your Fish & Chips can be eaten during the journey or on the platform in the evening tranquility of Bodiam Station, where visitors can stretch their legs.

‘The Cavell Van’, which depicts the story of the Unknown Warrior, Captain Fryatt and Nurse Edith Cavell, is opened for viewing.

Bodiam Station shop is also opened for the sale of ice

cream, tea, coffee, cakes and souvenirs. Toilet facilities are available at Tenterden Town, Northiam and Bodiam stations. The train is scheduled to arrive back in Tenterden around 9.15pm.

Fish & Chip Supper Dates

May June July August September 7 4, 18 2, 16, 30 13, 27 3

Your choice of meal may be taken from

Cod Plaice Haddock Jumbo Sausage & Chips & Chips & Chips & Chips

Chicken Veggie Burger Vegetarian Spring & Chips & Chips Roll & Chips

On Train Fish & Chip Suppers

An evening experiencefor groups

£7.50 plus fare


A Ride on the Wild Side


Wildlife Heritage Foundation

Big Cats SanctuaryGroups of 15+ £48.00 per head

whf.org.uk

Telephone 01233 771915

An exciting new experience for groups was announced in September 2013 by the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation (WHF), a taste of African Safari in Kent!For the first time groups can encounter the Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s 50 Big Cats as part of a unique and exclusive package with the Railway. As a centre of excellence for conservation and breeding, the WHF normally limits entry to those on a special package, for example, a ‘Ranger for the Day’ or an ‘Overnight stay in a Luxury Lodge’ experience.

The attractions have released twenty dates for 2014. Available on most Tuesdays between April and October the day will start when your group arrives at the WHF near Headcorn. A welcome talk with refreshments will provide an introduction about the amazing work carried out by the Sanctuary before getting a chance to see these beautiful animals up close. When touring the 38-acre site your guide

will explain the complexity of managing the attraction and highlight the challenges faced on a daily basis by Big Cats both in captivity and in the wild along with the intricacies of the European Endangered Species Programmes and how they operate to help save the World’s Endangered Big Cats from extinction.

Following your visit to the WHF your coach will deliver you to the Kent & East Sussex Railway in time to enjoy a cooked lunch before taking the 3.30pm steam departure for a 50-minute gentle ride to Bodiam. The group visit is for a minimum of 15 people and a maximum of 53 people.

The experience is £48 per person to include welcoming refreshments at the WHF and a cooked lunch on arrival at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Station.

Newfor 2014


Swords, Shields and Passing Fields


Arriving between 10.00am and 11.00am you’ll step into England’s story with a morning visit to Battle Abbey, site of the Battle of Hastings. Discover the fascinating story behind one of the most famous dates in England’s history and experience the atmospheric battlefield and abbey ruins.See the spot where King Harold is commonly believed to have fallen, then enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the newly restored Duchess of Cleveland’s walled fruit garden.

Explore the hands-on exhibition and watch the introductory film, bringing alive the dramatic Norman Conquest. Take a break in the café during your visit, where each group member will receive a 10% discount off non alcoholic drinks and café purchases.

A 1pm departure from Battle Abbey will allow sufficient time for your group to travel to the Kent & East Sussex Railway station at Northiam, to catch the 1.45pm steam train to Bodiam, which returns to Tenterden at 3.10pm. The

Your party will enjoy a Ploughman’s lunch on the return trip from Bodiam, while the scenery and stunning countryside of the Rother Valley rolls by the window. Arrive in Tenterden still with time to optionally explore the historic high street with its wonderful collection of independent shops.

Please contact the Railway in the first instance first to book your train on 01580 765155, and then contact Battle Abbey (Monday to Thursday) to complete the package booking.

Battle Abbey

Groups of 15+ £24.50 per head

english-heritage.org.uk/1066


Newfor 2014


Whistle Stops and Waterways


Arrive at Bodiam Station in time to take the 11.40 steam train to Northiam where you’ll alight and make your way down the 400m footpath to Bodiam Boating Station. Bodiam Boating Station is a family run business offering boat cruises, kayak and rowing boat hire, camping and a tea garden.

Here you will sit in the delightful tea garden and enjoy a choice of Traditional Cream Tea or Ploughman’s lunch and hot beverage.

Once refreshed, you will be invited to join our captain aboard the M.V. Dannie Lee, our ex-Royal Navy Lifeboat.

If you are lucky, you might spot a Kingfisher or white Barn Owl as you journey slowly along the River Rother, taking in all that this High Weald AONB has to offer.

You will arrive at Bodiam Castle by 2pm, where you will disembark, giving you plenty of time to explore this 14th Century National Trust treasure.

£21.45 per person if having the Ploughman’s Lunch.

£19.95 per person if having the Cream Tea.

Bodiam Boating Station

For groups of 12 to 24 people

bodiamboatingstation.co.uk


Newfor 2014


Right On Track For A Great Day Out... Whatever The Weather!The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum is next to the Carriage & Wagon shed at Tenterden

Colonel Holman F Stephens was an English eccentric and brilliant railway engineer.

He built and ran the Kent & East Sussex Railway and incredibly another 16 light railways!

His legacy is commemorated in this intriguing award-winning museum and can be enjoyed even more with an easy-to-use audio-visual guide.

There is a small entry charge of £2 adult, £3 couple, accompanied under 16’s FREE.

K&ESR Gift Shop at TenterdenPop into our gift shop situated on the platform at Tenterden Station.

There’s an amazing array ofpocket-money gift ideas, local produce, quality souvenirs and a DVD and book section that appeals to everyone.

The shop also stocks cards, collectors’ models, clothing and lots of ‘Thomas and Friends’ models.


Right On Track For A Great Day Out... Whatever The Weather!Station Restaurant at Tenterden

Take time out from your travels to relax in our award winning 48-seat licensed restaurant.

Whether it’s breakfast, morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Look out for our homemade dishes and daily special offers!

We use local produce where possible and that includes our very own ale, Levers Alone, which can be enjoyed here or purchased to take away in a gift pack.

During the summer season, light refreshments and gifts are also available from the station Tea Room at Northiam and Gift Shop at Bodiam Station.

The Cavell Van at BodiamBe sure to visit the restored Cavell Van, an important railway legacy of the Great War era.

Built in 1919, its historic significance originates from its role in conveying the remains of three war heroes repatriated from Europe.

Inside, visitors can learn about Nurse Edith Cavell, Captain Charles Fryatt and the Unknown Warrior while watching newsreel footage from The British Pathé Film Archive showing scenes from 1919 and 1920 of the three burial processions, as well as earlier scenes of the trenches.

The Cavell Van is a static exhibit at Bodiam Station. It is free to enter and is open every day the railway operates.

Multimedia Guide and AppVisitors will discover the people, history and geography of the landscape that shaped the Kent & East Sussex Railway with our audio-visual guides.

Find out about the history of the line, what it feels like to drive the trains, and hear from the people who keep it running today – plus uncover the fascinating secrets of the countryside around you at every twist and turn of your journey.

The audio-visual guides are so easy for everyone to use. They are crammed full of stories, anecdotes, archival photographs, interviews and more. Supplied with two sets of headphones and costing just £2.50 per day and the player can be reserved at the time of booking. The Guide also provides a tour of the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum. The K&ESR App. that includes both tours, can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.


Cream and Steam Away


Arrive at Chapel Down Winery at 10.30am for coffee, then enjoy a guided tour of the Vineyard and Winery.Then follows a wine tasting and visit to the Wine and Fine Food Store. Lunch can be served in the Swan at Chapel Down, at extra cost if pre-booked.

In the afternoon, browse amongst the antique shops in Tenterden’s tree-lined High Street before taking the 3.30pm steam train through the Rother Valley to Bodiam, where your coach will meet you. The price includes a Cream Tea on the train.

Steam Away As above, but without the Cream Tea - £20.75.

Chapel Down Winery


chapeldown.com



Reins and Trains


Start your day with an exclusive glimpse into the world of Stevenson Brothers, internationally-renowned creators of wooden rocking horses at their workshops in Bethersden.Since 1982, twin brothers Marc and Tony have striven not only to ensure the unique skills required to make the most beautiful horses in the world survive but that the pleasure of owning a Stevenson horse is available to everyone.

Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the workshop and showroom at Bethersden, where they will see antique horses being restored in the ‘Rocking Horse Hospital’.

See horses being painted and fitted with their leather tack and a view of the saddler making her beautiful miniature saddles and bridles, there’s even a hairdressing salon, where the horsehair manes and tails are made.

It’s then a short trip on your coach to Tenterden to board the 1.15pm steam train.

During the leisurely 21-mile round trip you’ll enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch at reserved tables. Returning at 3.10pm

Stevenson Brothers


rockinghorses.uk.net


you may choose to visit the many shops that line the town’s picturesque high street or simply re-join your coach for the journey home.


Vines, Wines and Railway Lines


Arrive at Biddenden Vineyards at 12.00 noon and enjoy a Ploughman’s Platter served with a glass of wine in the fascinating surroundings of Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard.After lunch, take a tour of the vineyards and winery, to see how wines, traditional Kentish ciders and apple juices are produced – with time for a little tasting.

At approximately 2.40pm rejoin your coach and take the short transfer to Tenterden in time for the 3.30pm steam departure.

On-board you’ll sample nostalgia and service from a bygone era. Enjoy a Cream Tea on a leisurely round trip through the beautiful Rother Valley, arriving back at Tenterden shortly after 5.00pm.

Biddenden Vineyards


biddendenvineyards.com


WINE • CIDER • APPLE JUICE


Teas, Toys and Trains


Start your day at Tenterden Station and alight from the train at Northiam Station half an hour later to enter a breathtaking world in miniature.The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum houses a unique collection of nostalgic pedal-powered toys superbly displayed in a lovingly restored former Mill.

It has just entered the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest collection of pedal-powered model vehicles in the world.

Groups of all ages will enjoy a trip down memory lane as exhibits date from as early as Victorian times! The attraction boasts a delightful tea room and tranquil garden.

As The Mill overlooks the station at Northiam, it’s simply a hop to rejoin a train to continue your trip.

There are a number of ways to enhance your visit with the railway’s catering options listed on the previous pages and these can be arranged with a phone call to the Railway’s sales team.

The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum


themilltoymuseum.com



Gardens and Guards


An opportunity to enjoy an exclusive tour ofGreat Dixter House and its superb gardens, followed by a Cream Tea aboard a steam trainon the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

Tour is available daily* April to September.

Coach parties arrive at Great Dixter at 11.00am for a private tour of the house and an exclusive chance to wander round the superb renowned gardens, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and the home of the late Christopher Lloyd OBE, who devoted his lifetime to creating one of the most experimental gardens of our time.

Depart at 1.30pm for a short trip by your coach to the nearby Kent & East Sussex Railway station at Northiam, to catch the steam train to Bodiam, which then returns to Tenterden at 3.10pm.

The party will enjoy a Cream Tea on the return trip from Bodiam, whilst viewing the superb scenery of the Rother Valley and High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Great Dixter gardens are a delight all year round, but considered by many to be stunning in April, May and September. All bookings are subject to availability.

*Every K&ESR operating day (see timetable for dates).

Great DixterHouse & Gardens


greatdixter.co.uk


By Car, Minibus or Coach - FREE Parking*We are less than an hour by car from the M25. Tenterden and Northiam are on the A28 between Ashford and Hastings and

both stations have car parks, which are free all day for our passengers. In the event of our car park at Tenterden being full,

pay and display coach and car parks are available nearby.With effect from 1st April 2014, coaches can enjoy 3 hours of FREE

parking in the Station Road Coach Park.*For some Railway events a car park charge will be made on entry,

fully refundable against the cost of your train fare.

By Private HireAble Cars: 07879 913491 · MTC Taxis: 01580 890003

Train services are operated by the Kent & East Sussex Railway Co. Ltd.- a charitable company limited by guarantee.

Registered Charity No. 262481. Every effort will be made to provide the advertised services and events, but unforeseen circumstances may

entail alterations and cancellations at short notice.The Kent & East Sussex Railway Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries accept no liability for any delay, loss, inconvenience or disappointment caused, nor guarantee any connections with the services of other transport operators. The information contained in this brochure is believed to be

correct at the time of going to press.

Photographs courtesy of:Lewis J. Brockway, Bill Oates P.A., Tony Eaton, Matt Hyner, Ralph Tilley

and respective attractions.

KENT

SUSSEX

Tenterden

DOVER

FOLKESTONE

EASTBOURNE

CANTERBURY

RYE

ASHFORDTUNBRIDGE

WELLS

M20

A28

A28

A28

TONBRIDGE

MAIDSTONE

HASTINGS

NORTHIAM

BODIAM

Kent & East Sussex Railway Company Ltd.Tenterden Town Station, Station Road

Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HETelephone: 01580 765155 (day)

Telephone: 01580 762943 (24-hour timetable)Email: [email protected]

Web: www.kesr.org.uk

There are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders next to the platform at Tenterden Town and Northiam stations where cars and minibuses can be accommodated.

Larger coaches are advised to drop visitors off close to each station but should take advantage of our free car parks. Accessible toilets can be found at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam stations.

We are proud to boast a specially designed coach

for visitors with mobility conditions and wheelchair users called ‘Petros’ which is fitted with ramped access, wide aisles, an accessible toilet and moveable seating.

The images on this page illustrate some features of the coach. There are more

Accessibility

pictures, plus an ITV news item that can be viewed on our website.

There is full wheelchair access to the gift shop and restaurant at Tenterden Town, and the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum has level access with 42” aisles.

The Tenterden ticket office is fitted with an induction loop.

A ‘text-talk’ facility is also available from every page of our website.

All our facilities have been carefully designed with disabled, elderly and less mobile visitors in mind.

group visits 2014

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