Down the Line

Your journey begins in the quiet village of Shepherdswell, just off the A2 and within a moments stroll from the mainline station.

A Buffet - the Colonel's Cafe - is available if you wish to stop for tea and a slice of cake, or a hot meal before or after you travel.

Feel free to have a wander to the miniature railway, or the shop, but don't miss the train!

Once you have got your tickets, it will be time to join the train for the journey to Eythorne. The staff will greet you as you make your way down the platform and onto the train before departure time.

Always allow at least five minutes to buy your tickets and join the train to avoid leaving anyone behind!

Along the way, we pass over North Bank Level Crossing, where you will see the train staff opening the gates over the road to allow the train to proceed. Once clear, the train will move over the crossing and stop again to allow the staff to get back on.

Shortly after leaving the crossing, you will see the entrance to Golgotha Tunnel, one of the longest in the South East! The lights will go on, as we pass through this long tunnel, and then through a cutting on the other side.

On the right, you may be able to see the old trackbed which branched off to what was Guilford Colliery, near Coldred. The train pauses here, to check the points to make sure it is safe to enter into Eythorne station.

The line opens out into countryside, but remains in a gentle valley until we regain the tree line again for the approach to Eythorne.

We now arrive into the charming wayside station of Eythorne. Here the train will stay for about 15 minutes, dependent on the timetable, before it heads back to Shepherdswell.

Feel free to visit the tea bar, or have a wander along the platform. The signal box may be open for viewing.

At Christmas, this is where you will find Santa's Grotto, accompanied by a warm winter's welcome.