Hop on one of Kent’s heritage steam railways for a day out this half term, writes Adrien Serre

A fab three days of vintage fun will kick off half term at Kent & East Sussex Railway. The iconic track is celebrating its 40th anniversary with rare engines including a Sentinal locomotive, dubbed Gervase.

Gervase used to work on a railway at a sand pit near Redhill before being rescued by Kent & East Sussex Railway in the 1960s.

Throughout half term the railway runs a Kids for a Quid offer with one full paying adult. Children can enjoy a hot meal for another £1 with each adult meal at the restaurant at Tenterden station.

The vintage steam and diesel trains run from Tenterden through the Rother Valley to Bodiam station.

Chief station master Harry Hickmott said: “At the railway we never tire of seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they see a steam train. The children love to see the abundant wildlife and farm animals.

“After the excitement of being on a stream train children often like to go and speak to the driver or fireman about what it’s like to be an engine driver.”

At Bodiam, families can make the short walk from the station to the 14th-century castle. Any passengers showing their train ticket get a discount on the £7.95 entry fee to the castle that’s run by the National Trust.

Open: The gala runs from Saturday, May 24 to Bank Holiday Monday. Normal trains depart every day from Tuesday, May 27 to May, 31, at 10.40am, 11.45am, 1.15pm, 2.20pm, and 3.30pm.

Cost: Adults from £16. Kids for a Quid runs from Tuesday, May 27 to Friday, May 30. Free parking at Tenterden station.

Address: Tenterden Town Station, Station Road TN30 6HE

Contact: 01580 765155 or www.kesr.org.uk