Are your bags packed ready to steam in to the summer? We've taken a trip into the world of heritage railways to show

you which ones you can get on board with this summer...

ROMNEY, HYTHE & DYMCHURCH RAILWAY

Did you know we have the world’s smallest public railway here in Kent? The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch heritage railway, which is now steaming

across Romney Marsh for visitors throughout the summer, has seven stations, most of which are also perfect for a day out at the beach. If you travel from Romney Sands or Dungeness, for instance, you can head to Dymchurch, where the station is only a five minute walk to the long sandy beach. If you’re heading to the railway at the moment, you’ll need to wear a face covering and social distance. Inside, the carriage compartments are separated by perspex.

To pre-book your ride, go to the website at rhdr.org.uk

KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY

The popular railway, which reopened in mid July, has added Wednesdays and Thursdays to its services in August, and also has a limited number of tables for two throughout the month. Passengers will need to keep to safety measures including a new one way systems. The railway operates between Tenterden and Bodiam.

Book at kesr.org.uk

EAST KENT RAILWAY

The railway, which runs from Shepherdswell in Dover to Eythorne, will be carrying family groups on the train this summer.

The site, which has been hit by recent vandalism, has also reopened its model railway exhibition with some safety changes and limited numbers of visitors. Find out more at eastkentrailway.co.uk

SITTINGBOURNE AND KEMSLEY LIGHT RAILWAY

The railway, which is celebrating 50 years of public trains during 2020, reopened to the public last week, with trains running every Sunday and Wednesday, plus on the August Bank Holiday Monday too.

To book and find out more go to sklr.net

BLUEBELL RAILWAY, EAST SUSSEX

The railway, which will be familiar to fans of Downton Abbey, began running its steam trains in 1960 and now runs across 11 miles between

magnificent Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.

It is one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, and has of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages in the country.

Public train services will be reopening on Friday, August 7, which also coincides with the railway’s 60th birthday celebrations.

Find out more at bluebell-railway.com

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY

The spectacular Tunbridge Wells railway is due to reopen in August, and although a date has not yet been made public, events have been planned for later

in the month. They include fish and chip lunches and cream teas for the August bank holiday weekend.

Carriages have been adapted to make them Covid-secure and social distancing will be expected of visitors. The fish and chip lunches from Saturday, August 29 to Bank Holiday Monday August 31 include cod & chips or sausage & chips to gluten-free battered cod and chips or veggie burger and chips.

You can also currently book in advance for cream tea during the bank holiday weekend. Customers will be issued with etickets. To book go to

spavalleyrailway.co.uk

For more days out ideas across Kent click here.