NEW ROMNEY
The earliest record of Romney dates from 791 AD. The name, once thought a corruption of Roman-ney, is now believed to derive from the Saxon "rumnea", meaning marsh water.
By 1140 it was a flourishing port extending along the north bank of the River Rother to form the "Longport". But as the harbour silted up, activities centred at the seaward end. Old Romney diminished in importance, while New Romney grew.
However, decline set in after the great storms of the 13th century diverted the Rother to Rye. Efforts to keep the harbour open eventually proved futile. Today the sea is a mile away.
Martello Tower Visitor Centre
Tel: (01303) 242113
The Old Lighthouse
DUNGENESS
Tel/Fax: (01797) 321300
E-mail: info@dungenesslighthouse.com
www.dungenesslighthouse.com
Visit the Old Lighthouse at Dungeness in use with Trinity House until 1960. Climb the 169 steps to see the giant lens, then step outside on the balcony to view the panoramic views: on a clear day you can see France.
Access by road A259 New Romney, coast road via Littlestone or RH&D Railway to Dungeness.
Open Daily June to end of September, 10.30-17.00.
Open weekends in March, April, May & Oct.
Open all Bank & school holidays 10.30-17.00.
Admission charges: Adults £2.50, children £1.50, family (2 adults + 4 children under 16 yrs) £7.00, students/OAPs £2.00
Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
NEW ROMNEY
Tel: (01797) 362353
Fax: (01797) 363591
E-mail: rhdr@dels.demon.co.uk
www.rhdr.demon.co.uk
Kent's premier tourist railway, running for 13.5 miles from Hythe to Dungeness lighthouse via Dymchurch and New Romney. Superb one third full size steam and diesel locomotives, comfortable carriages, cafes at Dungeness and New Romney. Gift shops at all principal stations. The 'Toy and Model Museum' at New Romney and an adventure playground all add up to a great family day out.
Open weekends in March and October, daily from Easter - end September.
Hythe Station is conveniently situated close to M20 Jct 11.
New Romney Station is just off the A259 South Coast Trunk Road.
Spa Valley Railway
West Station,
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN2 5QY
Tel: (01892) 537715
www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Take a trip by steam train through the glorious countryside of the Kentish Weald on the Spa Valley Railway, which runs for 3.5 miles from Tunbridge Wells West through High Rocks to the charming village of Groombridge.
At High Rocks Halt is the ancient geological feature of the same name. At Groombridge, a short walk brings you to the village green, complete with historic pub and picturesque church.
The West station is adjacent to the Sainsbury's Superstore off the A26 Eridge Road close to the Pantiles. There are pay and display car parks nearby. There is a large free car park at the High Rocks Inn. The main line station is a 15 minute walk away from the West station. Frequent local bus services stop at Sainsbury's. There is a gift shop, exhibition display and refreshments are available at the West station. Open every weekend and bank holiday from 29 March - 3 November. Also open on some weekdays during school holidays and for Santa Specials in December. See website for full timetable.
Special Events:
10 March: Mothers Day
29 March - 1 April: Easter Bunny excursion
20,21 & 27,28 April: A Day Out With Thomas
18 -19 May: Polish Weekend
1 - 4 June: Golden Jubilee Weekend
16 June: Fathers Day
22 - 23 June: Steam Gala
24 - 26 August: Art Exhibition
8 September: Vintage Bus day
2 - 22 October: Spa Valley Gala Weekend
7,8,14,15,20-24 December: Santa Specials
Prices:
Adults £4.00, Child/Snr £3.00,
Family £12.00 (2 adults & 2 children)