Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
📍 Hythe, Greater London
Fifteen-inch gauge heritage railway with steam and diesel trains across seven stations from Hythe to Dungeness. Rover tickets allow unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel, with a lighthouse, model railway, and seafood cafe at the end of the line.
Brilliant 15 inch gauge railway. We parked at their RHDR Hythe station for the day (£6). We took the train all the way to Dungeness station (approx 1hr), visited the lighthouse (£5 entrance fee and 160 steps to the top, but it does have 2 landings for a rest and information about the lighthouse). Dungeness station has a café with indoor seating and toilets; also parking here is free. The café serves a good variety of food, but you may need to pay by cash as their internet connection for electronic payments isn't very reliable! New Romney station is the main hub of the railway. It has a café with seating. Above the café is a model railway layout with museum exhibits (extra small entrance fee if you didn't buy the all inclusive ticket). The model railway is computer controlled and has buttons to press which activate different features on the layout (great for youngsters). There is also a heritage area near the signal box showing the history of the railway. We'll definitely be visiting again as it is was such an enjoyable day out.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for railway-enthusiast families and children aged four and up who enjoy long scenic journeys with stops to explore. The Dungeness combination — lighthouse, fishing boats, and shingle landscape — adds genuine discovery beyond the train ride itself. Carriages have low roofs and small doors that can challenge taller adults.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,761 Google reviews
Alan Obiwala
7 months ago
“Brilliant 15 inch gauge railway. We parked at their RHDR Hythe station for the day (£6). We took the train all the way to Dungeness station (approx 1hr), visited the lighthouse (£5 entrance fee and 160 steps to the top, but it does have 2 landings for a rest and information about the lighthouse). Dungeness station has a café with indoor seating and toilets; also parking here is free. The café serves a good variety of food, but you may need to pay by cash as their internet connection for electronic payments isn't very reliable! New Romney station is the main hub of the railway. It has a café with seating. Above the café is a model railway layout with museum exhibits (extra small entrance fee if you didn't buy the all inclusive ticket). The model railway is computer controlled and has buttons to press which activate different features on the layout (great for youngsters). There is also a heritage area near the signal box showing the history of the railway. We'll definitely be visiting again as it is was such an enjoyable day out.”
Darryn Mutch
7 months ago
“Bought tickets on line as thought the weather was going to be hot. Fortunately it was overcast but warm. Trains were busy but managed to find an empty compartment. Walked around Dungeness and got off a couple of times on the way back. Well worth it”
Mark Rumley
6 months ago
“An absolutely fantastic day out for railway fans. My daughters loved riding on the train and we all enjoyed the scenic views as we headed towards Dungeness. There is a lovely cafe at Dungeness, and you can climb the lighthouse at weekends.”
Jaci Hart
7 months ago
“Purchased tickets received as a,wedding guest. Loved the trip both ways and spent some time in hythe. I remember this train from when I was a child so was great to revisit these memories”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway operates seven stations across 13.5 miles of Kent marshland, terminating at Dungeness lighthouse. Families buy rover tickets for unlimited travel, disembark at any station, and reboard the next train. The lighthouse is climbable at weekends via 160 steps with two rest landings. Special event days include Easter hunts and gala weekends.
