2 minute read
The Kentish Belle
Wednesday 9th August 2023
This day trip by steam train provides an interesting day out to the historic city of Canterbury and the popular north Kent coast resorts. We follow a rambling route across Kent to Canterbury West, where you can opt to visit this famous cathedral city. The Kentish Belle then continues to Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Herne Bay and terminates at Faversham. You have the option to detrain at any of these attractive destinations.
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The Kentish Belle will leave London Victoria station steam hauled by 45596 Bahamas in the morning and thread its way across the south London suburban lines through Bromley South, where we will join the Maidstone East line. Cutting across central Kent, we will reach Ashford where we take the line to Canterbury West. Canterbury is a world famous cathedral city. It was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Canterbury Cathedral, founded 597 A.D., is the headquarters of the Church of England. We continue across Thanet to the coastal resort of Ramsgate, a popular seaside resort and a busy ferry terminal for ferries to Ostende and Boulogne. Alternatively, stay aboard and alight a Broadstairs, with its magnificent horse shoe shaped bay which is the main attraction. Margate is a busy seaside resort that has all the trappings to provide entertainment in all weathers, and a wide beach with a sweeping promenade. You have the option to continue to our destination at Faversham, a town famous for its maritime history. It is the oldest market town in the county and recorded in the Domesday Book, and is located on a winding creek. By 1900, and after 400 years of manufacturing gunpowder for famous battles such as Trafalgar and Waterloo, Faversham had grown to be the centre of the nation’s explosives industry. With an amazing array of independent shops, regular markets, walking and a reputation for fine foods, Faversham is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a short break. We retrace our earlier route back to Canterbury, picking up at each set down station, before continuing back to Ashford. We join the main line to Tonbridge this time, where you will see the orchards and characteristic Oast house of Kent. We return to London Victoria by way of Severnoaks and Bromley South to conclude a variable-option day in the delightful Kent countryside. Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria 08:45 20:05 Bromley South 09:20 19:20 Canterbury West 11:40 17:45 Ramsgate 12:05 17:15 Broadstairs 12:15 17:10 Margate 12:25 17:00 Herne Bay 12:40 16:35 Faversham 13:00 16:15
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
