This page was last modified on 13 March 2002
Our spring tour this year will take in two of the main lines in Kent we have yet to cover on recent rail excursions, and give around two hours of free time in Dover.
As is often the case, our initial journey from Hastings will take us via Tonbridge and Orpington, stopping to pick up at principal stations. On reaching London Bridge our train will stand for about an hour giving an opportunity for a break in the journey to view Southwark Cathedral, or a stroll across London Bridge to see the River Thames with Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.
On leaving London Bridge our journey will be via Chislehurst, Swanley, Sole Street, Chatham and Canterbury East to Dover Priory where there will be a two-hour stop.
At Dover the town centre is nearby for shopping or sightseeing. There is an opportunity to travel on restored buses provided by the Dover Transport Museum for either a local sightseeing tour, or a trip to their museum. The latter covers a wide variety of transport including buses, trains, aviation and maritime. An additional charge of £3 per person is payable for either of these local bus excursions which must be booked at the same time as your rail journey. A reminder to this effect is included with the fares info below.
On leaving Dover our train will travel via Deal, Minster, Canterbury West, Ashford, Maidstone East and Swanley to Chislehurst, where we reverse and re-trace our steps via Tonbridge back to Hastings. During the course of the day we expect to travel via some loop lines and spurs infrequently used by passenger trains.
These are the confirmed timings for this trip:
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For travel to Dover and back from stations listed above, Hastings to Orpington inclusive, the standard fare is £32, or £120 for a bay of four seats; the Club Class fare is £47. If you are joining at London Bridge and travelling back to Chislehurst, fares are £27 (standard) or £100 (bay of four). There is a £5 supplement for travelling in either power car (see below).
Travel at a seat with a table, and refreshments are provided throughout the trip plus a meal with wine on the way home. Why not spoil yourself! Travel is likely to be in a DEMU trailer coach, or an additional £5 assures travel in Tunbridge Wells power car. Due to journey timings, Club Class is not available to those joining at London Bridge.
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; a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks will be available throughout the trip at a reasonable price. There is also a trolley service.
If intending to travel on the vintage buses, the £3-per-head fare must be paid when booking for the railtour; please ensure you specify either the Sightseeing Tour or the Transport Museum Visit.
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.
Bookings have now closed and the railtour has taken place.