East Kent Railway Trust

Lovely little attraction to visit, attended on bank holiday Monday and wasn't too busy. Lovely atmosphere from all the workers and people visiting. Five pounds for a return journey is a bargain.

Went on a holiday and they opened at 10 am. Had a train ride at 10.45 am at a cost of 2 pounds per person. We all enjoyed it a lot and it’s a definitely worth train ride. Toilets were clean and free parking. A place to enjoy by the kids. Recommended for a half day visit.

More than ten years since our last visit to the EKR and I must say that the volunteers have clearly been working their socks off! Shepherdswell station is much as I remember it but the addition of the woodland walks and miniature railway ensure there is plenty to do between trains. At the other end of the line, Eythorne station is looking really smart. The signal box is resplendent, as are the converted wagons that serve as the station’s cafe and facilities. There’s also a large picnic area with glorious views of the Kent countryside. Plenty to occupy you during the 20 minute layover before the return journey to Shepherdswell.

If that’s not enough to tempt you to visit, did I mention that it is an absolute bargain? We paid just £2pp for our return tickets on a special bank holiday operating day but even the standard fares are a steal at £20 for a family of four.

As a final feather in the EKR’s hat, they welcome dogs both on site and on the trains. The woodland walks are perfect to burn off some puppy energy before a relaxing ride on a the trains.

Very impressed with dedication and enthusiasm of the amazing volunteers who keep history and heritage alive. Mining is part of Kent history and the trains played a major role. There is a cafe at each end. Toilets too. The woodland railway was so cute. The model railways in the victoriana carriages was impressive, such detail and imagination. Large car park once you drive through past the 'normal' station, follow the signs. £8 per adult. The train itself is not that long but sitting in the old carriages is like stepping back in time. Very nostalgic.

There is much more to do than look at trains There is the woodland walk to go on a nice Cafe also 3 model Railway layout built in side real Railway carages check out the web sites for more information on ways to get there

When I first gave a review I accidentally only gave it one 🌟 star when I intended to give five stars. We had an Amazing family day out in memory of my dad who's plaque is at Eythorne Station where we scattered his ashes. He was Station Master at Didcot and was a steam train enthusiast. We were made to feel so welcome when visiting last Sunday and the staff went out of there way to be helpful and friendly. The meal in the cafe at Shepherdswell was excellent and we are looking forward to visiting again !!! and would certainly recommend East Kent Railway as a good place to visit !!!

One of our best days children enjoyed the train singing songs and chatting to the elf and 🎅 helpers. So empress with the grotto not rushed at all like stepping back in time x

Five stars for the enthusiasm and friendliness of the staff alone! We went on the Christmas train with daughter and nieces (6, 7 & 10) and they all loved it. Staff put everyone at ease, went out of their way to make it a magical experience, and really made us welcome.
Trains may not be as fancy as other Christmas Santa trains but the effort put in to make it special was amazing. Christmas decorations everywhere, from the path leading down to the station, to the train, to the platforms. Staff all dressed up and Christmas music playing on the train. We even went through a tunnel that was a magic portal and took us to the north pole (but further south than where it snows because otherwise the train would get stuck ;) )

There's a big car park but signage is a little unclear - the main railway station carpark is right next to the entrance but drive through the gate and there's a huge carpark if you keep going. Toilets available - again not the fanciest but serviceable and clean. (More toilets available at the other end of the train line too). Cafe on site which we didn't visit but looked quite big from the outside.

Lots of railway 'stuff' lying around the car park - almost looks like a junkyard in some places (not in a dangerous way) but this added to the charm for me.