From Paddington to Christmas Grotto: ‘Kent’s Mainline in Miniature’ has it covered
The 19 th century writer and cleric, Richard Harris Barham once famously wrote, “The World
according to the best geographers, is divided into Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Romney Marsh.”
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR) covers 13.5 miles of track, from the historic
Cinque Port town of Hythe to the terminus hamlet of Dungeness, often referred to affectionately as
the ‘end of the world.’ The shingle headland meanders around the south-edge edge of Romney Marsh,
populated with abandoned winch huts, rusted fishing boats and a third of all UK plant species.
Passengers can buy an all-day Romney Rover ticket, allowing them to hop on and off to explore the
Dungeness RSPB nature reserve, with its ‘migration hot spot’ birds such as Swallows and Swifts. For
history enthusiasts, there is the Grade-II listed Dungeness Old Lighthouse, which shone a guiding
light for passing mariners between 1904- 1960 and an abundance of fascinating, medieval churches.
The railway service is known locally as “Kent’s mainline in miniature” and is perfect for exploring
the local area, on one-third full size steam and diesel locomotives. The popular line was built in 1927
and was in continuous use until the outbreak of the Second World War, when it was acquisitioned by
the army; reopening again in 1946.
In 2020, after COVID, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Association opened the Heritage
Centre at New Romney Station, housed within the original old paint shop building. The fascinating
exhibition covers the history of the railway and surrounding Romney Marsh area. The railway has
seen its fair share of celebrity and Royal Family visitors over the years, originating back to the
Hollywood comedy duo act: Laurel and Hardy cutting the ribbon to re-open the railway in 1946.
The RH&DR has something for everyone, across all generations as Mia Ilic: Marketing Manager
explains,
“We have themed events running throughout the year. During the recent King’s Coronation weekend,
we ran a full locomotive service, with all our trains and stations fully decorated with celebratory
bunting. Our annual May Steam and Diesel Gala featured all our steam locomotives, plus River Esk &
Shelagh of Eskdale. But don’t worry if you missed it, we are also having an End of Season Gala from
the 21-22 October, later in the year.
Our reoccurring Fish n’Chip Supper evenings in May, June and July take advantage of the longer
summer evenings, with stunning, panoramic views of the Dungeness National Nature Reserves, whilst
tucking into fish n’chips.
We have some wonderful events for children, the first is our Paddington Express on Saturday 24 June.
The nation’s favourite bear will be appearing at regular intervals at New Romney station on the day
and families can ride the Paddington Express from Hythe to New Romney Station and back. The
second is our Bluey & Bingo event on the weekend of the 16- 17 September. The popular TV cartoon
duo will be greeting children throughout the day, as passengers disembark the trains from Hythe to
New Romney Station.”
The highly anticipated event of the RH&DR social calendar are their ‘Santa Specials’ which take
place from the last weekend in November, first three weekends in December and exclusively from 21-
24 December. With six trains running daily, there are plenty of opportunities for families to book
tickets. New Romney Station is transformed into a magical, winter wonderland with a snow machine
and all the trains are decorated with festive, Christmas lights. The guest of honour: Santa arrives on
his sleigh at Hythe station, pulled by one of the locomotives and all children are invited to meet Santa
in his grotto and receive an age-related gift. A professional photographer is on hand to take
commemorative photos of the children with Santa. There are festive refreshments including mince
pies for all our guests and mulled wine for adults.
“Santa Specials have been running for over thirty years, so we’ve seen many generations of families
visiting over the years. It has a lovely community atmosphere and the Quiet Train, which we
introduced last year was hugely popular. Designed for children with SEND or sensory needs, the quiet
train is highly inclusive, for families that otherwise might have missed out,” Mia elaborates.
One delighted parent reviewed the Quiet Train on the Facebook page,
“The whole experience was just magical and our autistic son loved it. There aren’t many things he can
do and enjoy, so this was just the best day for us: seeing him so happy.”
The RH&DR is a favourite amongst train enthusiasts. The No.10 (Doctor Syn) locomotive is a
particular favourite amongst the drivers and enthusiasts with its vertical regulator and bigger cab.
After a long hiatus for a routine service overhaul in 2018, followed by successive Lockdowns, it
finally returned in April 2023 to delighted onlookers. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the train
fan in your life, why not consider a ‘driver experience?’ Experience driving a locomotive, or being
upfront on the footplate, under full supervision.
For further information and to book any of the forthcoming events, see the website below:
T 01797 362353
info@rhdr.org.uk
https://www.rhdr.org.uk/
Special Events 2023
February 11- Valentine’s evening dinner
February 13th-17th- Children’s week with the bug
March 19th- Mother’s Day
April 2nd- Dr Syn returns
8th-9th- Easter egg hunt
May 13-14th- May Gala
31st- Wednesday night fish and chip supper
June 17th- Saturday night fish and chip supper
18th- Father’s Day
24th- Paddington visits Rheder
July 15th- Saturday night fish and chip supper
29th- New Romney Country Faire
September 3rd- Bus Rally day
16-17th- Bluey and Bingo visit Rheder
23rd- Sunset Diner
October 21-22nd- Autumn Gala
27th- 29th- Halloween
November 4-5th- Unusual Trains weekend
25-26th- Santa specials
December 2-3rd- Santa specials
9th-10th-Santa specials
16-17th-Santa specials
21-24th-Santa specials
30-31st- Mince pie specials