This page was last updated on 29 June 2002.
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.
These timings are approximate; final arrangements are not expected from Railtrack until about two weeks before the excursion.
| outward | return | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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).
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.
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.
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 is not permitted in any part of our train.
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.