Kent & East Sussex Railway - (Tenterden Town, Station)

The platform at Tenterden Town station smells of coal smoke and nostalgia - which is rather the point. The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a preserved steam line that actually runs trains, not just displays them behind ropes. You board vintage carriages pulled by proper locomotives, the sort of thing your grandparents would recognise, and rattle through the Weald countryside for a proper journey, not a five-minute tootle.

It's brilliant for families who've had their fill of theme parks. Kids genuinely get excited about steam engines - there's something about the noise and the motion that screens can't replicate. History enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic rolling stock and the engineering, while adults often find the whole experience rather meditative. The line runs between Tenterden and Bodiam, so you're getting an actual destination at the other end, not just a round trip.

Allow a full afternoon if you're doing the full journey. Nearby Ashford is the nearest proper town for supplies, but honestly, the glamping sites scattered around - Wood View Farm is closest at under three miles, with Wildside and Wheatfields not much further - make brilliant bases for a railway-focused break. Several of these places offer exclusive use, which suits families wanting to unwind after a day of steam and countryside air.

Check their website for running days and booking - they're seasonal, not daily. Admission isn't free, but it's reasonable value for an actual train ride rather than a museum visit. Worth the detour if you're in the area.