
Locomotive-loving Londoners, here’s something that’ll be right up your street track. If you’re looking to escape the chaos of the capital and hop aboard a vintage steam train, allow us to point you in the direction of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. This historic miniature railway has been chugging away for almost 100 years, and is well worth journeying just outside of London for.
Known as ‘Kent’s Mainline in Miniature’, the picture-perfect railway line runs from Hythe through to the seaside village of Dungeness, via some unique corners of Kent for passengers to jump off and explore.
The railway line proudly boasts the most complete collection of one-third full-sized steam locomotives in the world. And although that makes next to no sense to me (a complete-and-utter railway-rookie); it sounds pretty darn impressive, hey?
The track stretches 13.5 miles and it takes just over an hour to complete the full journey. The breathtaking backdrops make it difficult to resist hopping off at each station along the way, though. 11 steam locomotives and two diesel trains run daily – each looking completely different (and like they’ve just jumped off the pages of a storybook).
The history of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Having officially opened on July 16, 1927; the railway line is steeped in history and heritage. It was taken over by the military during World War II, when a miniature armoured train was used on the line – and was formally reopened in 1947 by none other than Laurel and Hardy. The railway line has also played an important role in the local public transport network over the years, transporting children to school and people to work.
Nowadays, the railway is one of Kent’s top tourist attractions, and locals and tourists alike board the train to be transported back in time. All I can say is that if I looked that good at almost 100 years old; I’d been bloomin’ delighted.
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway once proudly held the title of the world’s smallest public miniature railway, but unfortunately lost it when the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway was opened in 1982. I guess second place isn’t too bad though, right?
How to get there
Hythe station is less than a two hour drive from London and there is free parking available at the station. If travelling by train from the capital; high-speed train services run from St Pancras International to Folkstone Central, where you can then take a bus to Hythe station.
Find out more and plan your trip here.