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PTG Tours · Escorted tour

Kent & Sussex Steam Explorer

Eight heritage railways in Kent and Sussex over five days from Ashford

Illustration of Kent & Sussex Steam Explorer

Kent & Sussex Steam Explorer is a five-day escorted tour run by PTG Tours in conjunction with Railtrail. Based in Ashford, the tour visits eight heritage railways across Kent and Sussex, immersing you in steam-age sights and sounds. Day two takes you on the narrow-gauge Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway to Dungeness and includes exclusive steam charters at the Bredgar & Wormshill and Sittingbourne & Kemsley railways, the latter with a depot visit. Day three features the Kent & East Sussex Railway's Transport Heritage Gala, a special event with extra locomotives and traction engines, before heading to Hastings. Your final railway day includes steam on the historic Bluebell Railway and a scenic run through the High Weald countryside. An experienced Tour Manager guides the group throughout, and you stay four nights at the Hampton by Hilton with bed and breakfast included, plus one dinner. This tour suits history lovers and repeat rail travellers who want multiple heritage lines in one package.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure date published (May 2026); confirm availability early.
  • From-price covers tour and accommodation; standard or first-class rail fares from your home region are added, varying by location.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Ashford (4 nights)

    Home station - Ashford

    Journey to Ashford, check in to the Hampton by Hilton Hotel for four nights. Free time before the first evening meal together at the Curious Brewery.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Ashford

    Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch, Bredgar & Wormshill, Sittingbourne & Kemsley

    Steam journey on the narrow-gauge Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway to Dungeness, with time at New Romney Station. Afternoon exclusive steam charter at the Bredgar & Wormshill Railway, then a second steam charter with depot visit and run-by at the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Ashford

    Kent & East Sussex Railway Transport Heritage Gala, Hastings Miniature Railway

    Kent & East Sussex Railway's Transport Heritage Gala with extra locomotives, traction engines and vintage vehicles on the line to Bodiam, then the Hastings Miniature Railway along the coast to Rock-a-Nore.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ashford

    Spa Valley Railway, Bluebell Railway, Lavender Line

    Steam to Eridge and diesel return on the Spa Valley Railway through the High Weald. Steam-hauled service on the Bluebell Railway with the locomotive collection at Sheffield Park and the historic Horsted Keynes station. Final stop: a 2-mile run on the Lavender Line from Isfield.

  5. Day 5

    Ashford - home station

    Depart Ashford for homeward journeys.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Narrow-gauge steam journey on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway to Dungeness, followed by exclusive steam charters at two additional railways with a depot visit.
  • Day 3The Kent & East Sussex Railway's Transport Heritage Gala features extra locomotives and traction engines on the line to Bodiam, then a coastal run on the Hastings Miniature Railway to Rock-a-Nore.
  • Day 4Steam-hauled service on the Bluebell Railway visits Sheffield Park and historic Horsted Keynes station, with a final 2-mile run on the Lavender Line from Isfield.

Included

  • 4 nights' bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal
  • Services of experienced Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Heritage railway journeys are included. PTG Tours offers optional standard or first-class rail fares from your home region to Ashford, which vary by fare zone.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, PTG Tours runs it with an experienced Tour Manager throughout the five days.
Which railways are visited?
Eight: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch (narrow-gauge); Bredgar & Wormshill; Sittingbourne & Kemsley (with depot visit); Kent & East Sussex (Transport Heritage Gala); Hastings Miniature; Spa Valley; Bluebell; and Lavender Line.
What accommodation is included?
Four nights at the Hampton by Hilton in Ashford, with bed and breakfast daily, plus one evening meal at the Curious Brewery.
How much walking is involved?
Minimal; the tour relies on coach and rail transport, with short walks at stations and heritage sites only.
When does the tour run?
One departure is listed for May 2026, priced from GBP 995 (excluding optional rail fares).

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