HDL Canterbury Champion railtour

Saturday 20 July 2002

This page was last updated on 29 June 2002.

This page refers to a railtour which has now taken place. All information is left here for interest only!

Itinerary

After being unable to run any railtours during the early summer, we are pleased to announce a half-day excursion which will provide some free time in Canterbury and an evening trip around the eastern extremities of Kent.

Our train will start from Hastings in the early afternoon and pick up via Battle and Tunbridge Wells to Tonbridge. The next leg of our journey will be down the main line via Headcorn to Ashford; passengers may join our train at Ashford International station, but if so they will have to make their own way back later (at their own expense) from Tonbridge.

On arrival at Canterbury West station there will be around two hours to spend in the medieval city. The Cathedral, city walls and St. Augustine’s Abbey are all within walking distance of the station, or a pleasant afternoon may be spent just wandering around the city centre with its interesting mix of ancient and modern shops and buildings.

After our train leaves Canterbury an evening journey takes us via Ramsgate, Margate, Herne Bay, Faversham, Sittingbourne, the Medway Towns, then along the Medway Valley via Maidstone whilst those in Club Class enjoy their evening meal. At least one photographic stop (with an opportunity to stretch our legs!) is planned along the way.

Provisional Timings

These timings are approximate; final arrangements are not expected from Railtrack until about two weeks before the excursion.

outward return
Hastings depart 1318
St. Leonards (Warrior Sq.) 1321
Battle 1332
Etchingham 1346
Wadhurst 1359
Tunbridge Wells 1410
Tonbridge 1430
Ashford International depart 1510
Canterbury West arrive 1545
Canterbury West depart 1800
Evening trip via Margate and Medway towns
Tonbridge arrive 2100
Tunbridge Wells 2120
Wadhurst 2130
Etchingham 2140
Battle 2150
St. Leonards (Warrior Sq.) 2205
Hastings arrive 2208

Fares

For the round trip from stations listed above, Hastings to Tonbridge inclusive, the standard fare is £25, or £85 for a bay of four seats; the Club Class fare is £39. If you are joining at Ashford International and travelling back to Tonbridge, fares are £20 (standard), £65 (bay of four) or £33 (Club Class). There is a £5 supplement for travelling in either power car (see below).

Club Class

Travel at a seat with a table, with refreshments provided throughout the trip plus an evening meal with wine. Seating is likely to be in a DEMU trailer coach; an additional £5 supplement assures travel in Tunbridge Wells power car.

Power Cars

A £5 supplement should be added to individual (not bay) fares for travel in power cars: Tunbridge Wells (Club Class), or Hastings (standard seating). Capacity is limited.

Refreshments

Our train includes a Buffet Car with a bar. A selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks will be available during the trip at reasonable prices. There is also a trolley service.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any part of our train.

Latest information: 29 June 2002

Hastings power car is fully booked. Seats are still available in Tunbridge Wells power car and adjacent DEMU trailer (Club Class), and DEMU trailer and CEP coach (Standard Class). For Club Class a telephone booking must be made […] by 2200 hrs on Thursday 14th, but payment can be made on the day. For Standard Class, just turn up on the day, report to buffet car for a seat to be allocated, and payment can be made then.