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Places of interest

Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

4.7 · 2,106 reviews
Nostalgic and scenic
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, 2 Littlestone Rd, Littlestone, New Romney TN28 8PL, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The railway was used by the British military during World War II to create an 'Armoured Train' for coastal defense.

2

It holds the title of the world's smallest public railway, often referred to as 'Kent's Mainline in Miniature'.

3

The fleet includes steam locomotives designed by Henry Greenly, some of which date back to the 1920s.

4

The line ends at Dungeness, which is home to a unique desert-like landscape and two iconic lighthouses.

5

During the war, the line was cut at two points to prevent enemy use, but it was reopened fully in 1946.

Overview

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RHDR) is a world-famous heritage line operating one-third full-size steam locomotives across 13.5 miles of the Kent coastline. It runs from Hythe to Dungeness, passing through New Romney, Romney Sands, and Dymmchurch. The railway was founded in 1927 by racing drivers Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski. It is currently the world's smallest public railway. The line traverses the unique shingle landscape of Dungeness, which is classified as a National Nature Reserve. Passengers can choose between open-air carriages and enclosed historical coaches. The track gauge is exactly 15 inches. It operates primarily as a tourist attraction, connecting several seaside villages and coastal trails.

Photo spot

The Dungeness terminus, where the steam trains contrast against the rugged shingle beach and lighthouse.

Insider tips

Purchase a 'Day Rover' ticket to hop on and off at different stations along the route.

Bring binoculars if you plan to visit the Dungeness end of the line, as it is a premier bird-watching site.

Check the daily timetable boards at the stations to plan your return journey carefully.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk between stations along the tracks, as this is private property and hazardous.

Good to know

Operates on a seasonal basis, generally running daily from spring through autumn with limited weekend-only services in the winter months.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-week during the summer months to avoid weekend peak passenger volumes.
Address
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, 2 Littlestone Rd, Littlestone, New Romney TN28 8PL, United Kingdom
50.986, 0.954
Get directions
Details
Railway Gauge15 inches
Route Length13.5 miles

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-week during the summer months to avoid weekend peak passenger volumes..

The Dungeness terminus, where the steam trains contrast against the rugged shingle beach and lighthouse.

Close by you'll find The Victorian Fountain, St Nicholas Church, New Romney, Dungeness National Nature Reserve.