Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Heritage light railway in Kent, England
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is a narrow-gauge line in Kent, England, running 13.5 miles (21.7 kilometers) from Hythe to Dungeness through St. Mary's Bay and New Romney. The route follows the coast and crosses flat marshland, serving several small stations along the way.
The line opened in July 1927, when the steam locomotive Hercules carried local mayors and military officers on its first run. During World War II, the railway supported defense efforts, including coastal patrols with an armored train.
Small steam engines pull real trains along the coast, connecting villages and beaches in a way that feels both nostalgic and practical. Locals still use the railway to reach the sea, just as visitors do, making each journey a shared experience between community and traveler.
Trains stop at several stations along the route, with more frequent departures during summer and school holidays. Boarding is possible at any station, and most trains call at all stops between the two ends of the line.
The 15-inch (38-centimeter) gauge makes the locomotives look small, yet they are large enough to carry adults and freight. Much of the original equipment still operates today, including engines from the line's opening.
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