We took our son to the East Kent Railway to participate in a Train Driving Experience, which we purchased in advance as a birthday present. We arrived a little earlier than we needed to be and took the opportunity to have a drink in the cafe before heading out. This was a hands-on 1-2-1 session with Glen as our instructor. Whilst our son was undertaking the experience we were allowed to stay onboard and watch him in the cab operating the train. The experience was fantastic and our son thoroughly enjoyed himself operating the Pacer. Part of the track passes through a gated railway crossing and the people who stopped were taking photos of the passing Pacer train. Overall the experience lasted in excess of 2.5hours, and we felt it was well worth the money considering that it is a 1-2-1 experience and all the time spent hand on with the train. So if you are a train enthusiast and always wanted to try your hand at driving, then we can think of nothing better than an experience at East Kent Railway.

What a lovely sunny afternoon at the Shepherdswell terminus of the EKLR. Lots to see and do for free without getting on a train to Eythorne but make sure you make a donation to this worthy cause to keep this attraction and its history alive. A ride on the 2 miniature railways is very reasonably priced as well. Had a nice cup of tea at the Colonels Cafe afterwards. Didn't know this all existed until I looked on Google Maps the morning before deciding where to go for the afternoon. Our Dog was very welcome as well and was made a fuss of at the Cafe.

We had a wonderful experience here for the easter event. We loved exploring the whole site including a lovely woodland walk and took the train ride to eythorne. We were able to pay for most things by card but beware the minature trains need cash.

Such a lovely place. We had an amazing reasonably priced lunch in the cafe before Santa train. They didn't pack people in and although sold out there was lots of space. The elf on the train was very enthusiastic. If you are going make sure you visit the cafe.

Heritage railway based at Shepherds well near Dover in Kent. The railway is mainly focused on heritage diesel engines and passenger trains. The line once ran to a coal mine and some time before that also formed part of a rural passenger line. They have two steam locos but these are not in service at this time. The line now runs for about 2 miles to Eythorne . Here you will find an old signal box to explore and the only surviving class 365 EMU train which is now home to the station buffet and restaurant. The trip takes around 15 minutes each way and runs through some nice countryside, there is also a tunnel along the way. On the day of my visit they were running a class 142 Pacer ( rail bus ) which is a 40 year old two coach diesel train. They also have a class 73 ED loco that pulls ex Gatwick Express coaches. There's quite a lot of other engines and rolling stock there in the process if or waiting to be restored to running order. There is a narrow gauge line that does a trip through the woods which cost £2 per person plus a 7.5 inch gauge train that does a short run and costs just £1 per person. There is also a model railway club on site that you can visit as part of the entrance fee. For £12 you can ride on the main service all day. There are some old vehicles on site,a woodland walk,a small museum and a shop. You can eat at the colonels diner which has indoor seating or you can sit outside or in a garden area next to the line. I found everyone there very friendly and ready to talk about the railway etc. The driver of the Pacer unit allowed me to photograph the cab whilst the train was stationary. They do offer driving experiences too! Dogs are welcome pretty much everywhere and I'm sure they'll love the woodland walk. There is free parking on site and the railway is right next to Shepherdswell BR station. The site is open Tuesday to Sunday with trains in service on Sundays and some bank holidays. There are occasional special events which are posted on their website. In summary, this is not a big pish heritage railway but it's very friendly,inexpensive and if not for them and their dedication many of the trains and carriages here would have been lost forever