I know this sounds crazy but I love the smell and sound of steam trains!  I guess this harks back to my childhood days when I used to visit places  like the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Steamtown Carnforth and Lakeland's very own La'al Ratty.  With a swift trawl on Google looking for steam in south-east England, I was enticed by the charms offered by the Kent and East Sussex Railway which operates from Tenterden in Kent.  I hadn't realised, but the line runs all the way to Bodiam and back, and with Jill Batchelor's recent visit to the amazing castle to spur me on, our day out was already formulated.

 

Once in Tenterden we paid our fare and then joined centenary birthday celebrations for K&ESR's 'P' Class locomotive.  The engine was charming and even a birthday cake had been laid on!  I was touched by the care and attention paid to everything which no doubt has its roots in the enthusiasts and volunteers who give up their time to help on this charming line.  As we left the station being pulled by the 100 year old tank engine we really could've been in a different age.

 

An audio-visual presentation from the day out:
 

 

Unlike some lines, the K&ESR still operates over 10 miles and this railway's terminus lies in Bodiam.  This really is ideal for the day visitor as Bodiam is the site of an ancient castle.  Incorporating a visit to the castle completed a very worthwhile day out.  I had visited Bodiam on two occasions before, but Jill Batchelor's recent photographs in March enticed me for yet another visit.  However, any visitor to the castle can never fail to be amazed at the 'fairytale' grandeur of the 14th century keep set in its moat.  Tracy and I walked around the castle for a while and then returned to the National Trust restaurant for lunch.

 

After the short walk back to Bodiam Station we took the train back to Tenterden.  It really had been a lovely day out and for those with children this would really make a great day out.  I'll be back.