The English love their railways! After a brutal closing of railway lines began in the 1960s – at that time with the so-called “Beeching Act” –around 50% of all lines were closed. In many places, volunteers have tried to save some particularly attractive railway lines and a large number of organisations have now been founded that have taken over old railway lines and sometimes operate them themselves on a daily basis. However, the focus is not on transport from A to B, but on a classical travel experience.
Here is a very small selection of routes without ratings.
Island Line – Ryde – Shanklin (Isle of Wight):
The Island Line from Ryde to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight is still operating regularly. As a special feature, old London Underground carriages run on this old railway line and additional sidings have even been laid out for this.
We have a detailed report on this line in the Highlights section.
IOW Island Line – Overview (Source: SouthWest Trains
IOW Island Line –Ryde St. John Street halt. Note its beautiful old station architecture
Kent & East Sussex Railway – Tenterden (Kent)
The Kent & East Sussex Railway offers regular steam and diesel train services in the Weald of South East England. It is definitely worthwhile to make a trip from the operational centre in Tenterden to historic Bodiam Castle.
A little tip: The surcharge for first class is minimal – and especially on busy days it’s money well spent.
We have a detailed report on this line in the Highlights section.
Kent & East Sussex Railway – Train departs from Bodiam
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway – New Romney (Kent)
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, located southwest of Folkestone, is a very special railway: It operates on a daily basis on a track width of only 15 inches (381 mm – “standard” is 1,435 mm) with coaches and locomotives in a 1:3 scale. Despite its small size, it is a completely normal railway and serves regular transportation needs.
We have a detailed report on this line in the Highlights section.
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
Watercress Line – Alresford (Hampshire):
The “Watercress Line” in Hampshire gets its name from the former main product of this region, which was transported to the markets in London. Today, it is a museum line with a regular schedule.
The Watercress Line (Hampshire)
The Watercress Line (Hampshire)
The Watercress Line (Hampshire)
