From traditional country fairs and spooky steam trains to a magical Christmas journey with Santa, the Kent & East Sussex Railway has a packed programme of family events this autumn and winter.
If you’re looking for something a little different to do with the children over the coming months, Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has plenty to tempt families onto the rails.
Running through the beautiful Rother Valley, the heritage railway is combining steam train journeys with country traditions, crafts, Halloween adventures and plenty of Christmas magic.
Here are four events to put in the diary.
Hop Pickers, Craft & Country Fair – 5th & 6th September
The season gets underway with the Hop Pickers, Craft & Country Fair, taking place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September.
The event celebrates the heritage, crafts and countryside traditions of the Rother Valley and offers families the chance to enjoy a heritage train journey as well as exploring the country fair.
At Tenterden, visitors can browse local crafts and independent makers, discover traditional products and see impressive traction engines.
Head to Bodiam for traditional craft demonstrations, vintage vehicles, live forge demonstrations, woodland skills, music and Morris dancing.
There’s also an opportunity to discover the fascinating history of hop picking in the area.
Families can visit the railway’s hop garden, look inside a traditional hoppers’ hut and discover what life was like for the thousands of people who travelled from south-east London for the annual hopping season.
Country Fair entry is included with your train ticket, making it a great opportunity to combine a heritage railway trip with a fascinating day of local history and countryside traditions.
The Spellbound Express – 28th, 29th & 30th October
Things take a magical turn during October half term with The Spellbound Express.
Taking place on 28th, 29th and 30th October, the Halloween-themed steam train adventure is aimed at children aged 4 to 12.
Calling all witches, wizards and magical mischief-makers, the Spellbound Express promises a journey filled with spooky and magical fun.
It could be a particularly memorable way for children to celebrate Halloween half term, with families encouraged to book online and save.
The Fright Night Express – 30th & 31st October
If your family prefers its Halloween entertainment a little more frightful, the Fright Night Express takes over on 30th and 31st October.
Based at Tenterden Town Station, the event begins from 5pm and promises frightful fun for all the family.
There will be haunted hot food and free activities, making it an evening event with plenty to keep families entertained.
With steam trains, Halloween atmosphere and plenty of spooky goings-on, it’s a fun way to round off half term – although younger children may prefer the daytime magic of the Spellbound Express.
Santa Special Steam Trains – Christmas 2026
And then, of course, it’s time for Christmas! ??
The Santa Special Steam Trains promise to transform Tenterden Town Station into a festive wonderland.
Families can climb aboard a steam train and enjoy a magical Christmas experience with Santa, making memories together as the festive season gets underway.
The beautifully illustrated event poster features Santa travelling aboard the railway with children and a miniature K&ESR steam locomotive – setting the scene for what promises to be a very special Christmas railway adventure.
The event takes place at Tenterden Town station, with families able to book online through the Kent & East Sussex Railway website.
From discovering the history of Kent’s hop-picking traditions to spooky Halloween adventures and a magical meeting with Santa, the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s events offer families plenty of reasons to climb aboard.
And because the railway itself winds through the beautiful Rother Valley, the journey is very much part of the experience.
Whether you’re looking for an educational day out, Halloween fun or an early Christmas treat, there’s something for families to enjoy.
Event at a glance
| Event | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hop Pickers, Craft & Country Fair | 5–6 September | Crafts, country fair, vintage vehicles, hop-picking history |
| The Spellbound Express | 28–30 October | Magical Halloween steam train, ages 4–12 |
| The Fright Night Express | 30–31 October | Halloween fun, haunted food and free activities |
| Santa Special Steam Trains | Christmas 2026 | Santa, steam trains and festive magic |
Find out more and book: Kent & East Sussex Railway
