2 minute read
The Kentish Belle Armistice Day
Friday 11th November 2022
Can you imagine a more lovely way to take luncheon than aboard a special steam train travelling through the “Garden of England” between London and Margate? Sit back, relax and watch the Kent countryside go past your window as Jubilee class steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas is put through its paces hauling our train.
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Our train, hauled by Bahamas, leaves London Victoria at 10:50 and travels through Dartford, Gravesend, Chatham and Gillingham. At Faversham, we take the Whitstable line which runs close to the Thames Estuary to Margate. Whitstable is famous for its native Oysters, still popular since Roman times. Margate’s history is closely linked with the sea and it is described as a ‘limb’ of Dover in the ancient grouping of Cinque Ports. The town itself was first recorded as Meregate as far back as 1264, and as Margate in 1299. Its proud maritime tradition continues today, perhaps more for its attractiveness as a seaside resort for Londoners. It has been a traditional holiday destination for more than 250 years. Margate was also frequented by Charles Dickens when he had numerous holidays in nearby Broadstairs. We take the coastal route from Margate which passes through Ramsgate, Deal and Dover Priory. We pass beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, and Shakespeare Cliff marks the point where Great Britain is closest to continental Europe. Deep below the line is the route of the Channel Tunnel, 50km in length and opened in 1994. Dover was also the scene of the arriving troops in 1940 during Operation Dynamo, when 338,226 were evacuated from Dunkirk. After Folkestone, where the surrounding area is dominated by the Channel Tunnel Shuttle Terminal, we head inland to Ashford, and then travel westwards through Paddock Wood and Edenbridge to Redhill. Here we join the Brighton Main Line and head northwards through East Croydon to London Victoria. Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria 10:50 16:20 Margate 13:00 13:20
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch 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.
