Press release
19 April 2011

Enjoy a Fun Day Out with Thomas
at the Kent & East Sussex Railway

Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 23 and 25 July 2011 to meet everyone's favourite steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine.

Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller'.

Tickets cost £13 per adult and £10 per child and include a 1 hour train ride to Wittersham Road behind one of the Railway's engines, the chance to enjoy "Thomas & Friends" station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children's events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown.

Families can also enjoy face painting, temporary tattoos, roundabout rides and a bouncy castle.

Uncle Myles and Billy the Magic Rabbit will be performing their special brand of Punch & Judy together with magic and balloon models at 11:30, 12:50, 2:10 & 3:30 every day.

Tickets to the event also include a screening of the new DVD entitled, 'Misty Island Rescue' on the Railway's big screen TV, regular 'Annie & Clarabel' rides behind Thomas at the station, a free sticker for every child and an A5 size Junior Engineer's Certificate which is available from Mrs Kindley.

Other delights not to be missed include the "Thomas Model Railway Layout" and "An Imagination Station" with lots of Thomas toys and colouring activities as well as the special "Thomas" souvenir shop, which will be selling gifts to help families remember their special day!

At certain times children will have the exciting opportunity to visit Thomas' footplate with a grown-up and have their photo taken. They can also join in with filling an engine's boiler with water.

There's also a special sing-along session and a 'coal' cake presentation for Thomas each day at 2:40pm.

In the Tenterden station refreshment rooms visitors can enjoy a variety of hot and cold meals or something from the delicious take away BBQ.

Ticket prices

Fares include a one hour return train journey as well as all the activities shown above. Adult: £13, Child: 18 months -15 years inclusive £10

Those wishing to make their day extra special can upgrade their ticket to a first class seat for an extra £3 per adult and £2 per child.

Babies under 18 months are free of charge, providing they do not occupy a seat.

Trains depart promptly so visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. On each day the Kent & East Sussex Railway opens at 10am to allow visitors to take full advantage of all the activities on offer.

Book early to avoid disappointment. To book tickets contact the Kent & East Sussex Railway booking office on 01580 765155, weekdays between 9am and 5pm, weekends between 9am and 2pm or book online.

For images please contact Caroline Edmunds on 01892 616647 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Editors Notes

• All activities are taking place at Tenterden Town station which has limited car parking , free to visitors.
• The railway caters for disabled and elderly visitors and has special carriages fitted with ramped wheel chair access, wide aisles and moveable seating. There are toilets for the disabled at Tenterden station and limited allocated parking spaces.
• Tenterden is situated on the A28 between Ashford and Hastings.
• On each of the "Days Out with Thomas" No refunds will be given for missed trains and seats on later trains cannot be guaranteed and will be subject to an administration charge of £2 per person.