Kent & East Sussex Railway - (Tenterden Town, Station) — Attraction in Ashford

Disappointed. I booked tickets for 1 Jan 2025. Based on the travel directions provided on their website, I planned my journey by taking a train to Headcorn and expected to use the connecting bus service to Tenterden as recommended. However, upon arrival at Headcorn and waiting for about 1 hour for the bus 12, I discovered that buses in Headcorn were not operating due to the public holiday (New Year). Called their customer service but their said there is nothing they could do, but to try call a cab. I tried calling the cab hotline at the Headcorn rail station, but none of them picked up.

The entire experience resulted in wasted time, energy, and disappointment, as I was unable to enjoy the ride I had eagerly anticipated. It was raining too and I waited in the rain for the bus for almost 1 hour which never came, and had to wait for hours in the Headcorn rail station before I could board my train back to London. I basically travelled for nothing and wasted the entire day!

Tried emailing them to seek for a refund of the KSER tickets. They didnt even bother replying.

+++ updated on 26 Feb after KESR's reply +++

Wow. Im surprised that you could reply to a google review instantly but couldn't do so when I tried to email you to seek a refund. Take a look at the screenshot. I emailed you on 1 Jan, but you didn't even reply or decline me.

I know the KSER experience is great as there are so many other good reviews (which was why I booked too). What im truly disappointed is that you didn't reply to my email, which explains why I rated the google review only in Feb even though the incident happened on 1 Jan. Not even an interim reply that you are looking into the matter or what.

I gave the benefit of the doubt that KSER could be busy with other enquiries, but it seems like you are free enough to reply to a google review instantly. I think it is fair to say that your service recovery is really poor. You only care about things that affect your image.

We could have taken this offline if you had replied to my email or explained your policy stance. Anyway, you dont have to reply to my email anymore. I know my...

Excellent day out for the family, the Kent & East Sussex Rail runs from its terminus in Tenterden (Kent) to Bodiam in East Sussex. There are plans to extend the line by 2027 to Robertsbridge and join up with the Rother Valley Railway line and the main line station at Robertsbridge.

This heritage line not only runs steam trains by also heritage diesel trains as well, though it's worth checking what days trains run and the time tables. Also prices change each year, but there are concessions for children and the over 60s.

There are places for refreshments at some of the stations from food to snacks. At Tenterden there is a small gift shop and café, as well as the history of the K&ESR, along with the Colonel Stevens Museum, the engineer who built the K&ESR - along with other railways across the UK.

At Rolvenden, there is the engine sheds, while at Northiam and Bodiam there is stations to get on and off at - with Bodiam located not far from Bodiam Castle.

With a return tick for the whole line, a visitor can hop on and off - depending on how many trains are running that day. Individual tickets to stations are available as well.

Some trains have a carriage for disabled access with a wheel chair and some have steps to help the less able to get out.

Much of each station on the line has some access for those with disabilities and access on to the platforms.

There are also glamping opportunities at some of the stations where visitors can stay if travelling from afar and wishing to stay in the area. These facilities are either in tents or converted carriages.

Also during the year, there are plenty of events held at the K&ESR.

For returning visitors, there is the opportunity to by a 12 month pass, by making your ticket purchase a donation and gift aiding as well which can save a...

So much fun! Riding the stream train was awesome. Staff are friendly and really nice. The food was great and the picnic plough.ans was delicious as was the cream tea box. Also tiny bottles of processo and cans of gin and tonic were very cheap indeed.

The views from the train were stunning and each station was as cute as the next.

On the table top of our train seats was a "what animals you might see" during your train ride, pri Ted on to the table top and we were luckily surprised that we did see many of those animals, exactly where the map said, including deer!!

We went to Bodiam and alighted. Walked for 3 mins and we were at a lovely pub for a quick bevvie and some slap up yummy grub! We had soft pulled chicken tacos, deep fried hallumi bites and some cheesy chips for the kids.

Then we crossed over the road to go to Bodiam Castle which was a nice quick walk around, climb to the top, looked at the kou and ducks in the pond and headed back to the pub.

The price of the entrance to the g Castle wasn't cheap for what it was but it didn't break the bank either.

After a swift drink in the pub we walked back to catch the last train back to Tenterden.

The weather was beautiful, so were the people and the surroundings! All in all a brilliant day!

Tickets for the steam train were decently priced but not what I would call a very cheap day out. I got the tickets as a fathers day gift from our boys, as he loves steam trains. He was overjoyed and so excited. He said the pullman carriage was...