In this issue of Community Update, we are delighted to announce Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been awarded with our Commitment to Excellence Award.
The popular Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway covers 13½ miles of wonderous scenic track, from the historical Cinque Port town of Hythe to the wild beauty of Dungeness in Kent.
Passengers can buy an all-day Romney Rover ticket, allowing them to hop on and off to explore the RSPB nature reserves, medieval churches, grade II listed lighthouses and beaches.
The railway line was built by Captain J.E.P.Howey and Count Louis Zborowski in 1927. After an arduous beginning, the story of the railway is worthy of a full-film adaption. The line was dubbed the ‘world’s smallest railway’ and was in continuous use until the outbreak of the Second World War.
The North-American fashioned No.10 (Doctor Syn) locomotive is a favourite amongst the drivers with its vertical regulator and bigger cab. The loco was removed for a service overhaul in 2018 but due to lockdown and an unexpected boiler issue, was delayed until April 2023, when it made a triumphant return to the tracks, to jubilant onlookers.
The RH&DR has something for everyone as Danny Martin, General Manager explains,
“We have themed events throughout the year. During the King’s Coronation weekend, we are running a full service, with locomotives adorned with union jacks and our stations decorated with celebratory bunting.
For Paddington Bear fans, we are running a Paddington Day on 24 June, where Paddington will be greeting children and families, booked onto the train service from Hythe. Marmalade sandwiches are optional, of course!”
The popular railway line offers bespoke packages: perfect for birthday celebrations, such as privately hiring the ‘Gladys’ Bar Car for 14 guests, to ‘driver experiences.’ Customers can hire out a loco for the day and drive it under full supervision.”
For further information and to book today, see the website below:
T 01797 362353