Following on from Saturday’s visit to Arundel Castle - see previous blog post - Sunday saw us heading east into neighbouring Kent to indulge our love of heritage railways and we were rewarded for the cross country drive with some cracking weather too.
Like many attractions in these strange times, normal services are curtailed with just return trips from Tenterden to Bodiam on offer, the intervening stations of Rolvenden, Wittersham Road & Northiam being closed to visitors.
We arrived at Tenterden in plenty of time - time enough for a coffee, a visit to the adjacent Old Dairy brewery for some research samples and a packed lunch in the picnic area.
Soon after we heard the train approaching, watching as it trundled up the steep hill and into the station. Whilst steam traction was planned some operational issues meant we were to have diesel haulage for our trip - no complaints from us, many will know I’m a fan of old diesel locos, but the volunteer who told us was expecting some grumbles from the steam aficionados.
The team had certainly got to grips with the new Covid secure guidelines and every other table in the carriage was kept clear - things were very well organise, face coverings were of course required.
The 45 minute run through the Weald to the terminus at Bodiam was a delight, showcasing some of the best countryside Kent and East Sussex has to offer.
Bodiam castle is a walk or short bus ride away and normally combined tickets can be bought, however our wait at Bodiam station was just 20 minutes so the castle would have to wait. Enough time for a restorative coffee and shortbread whilst enjoying the views though.
Back at Tenterden we headed south for the short trip to the delightful town of Rye on the coast. The nice weather had clearly brought people out but it was a little too busy for comfort in current circumstances so we headed down to Rye Harbour for dinner in the William the Conqueror before a trundle back along the coast. Another great day out and hopefully more to come.
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