London families hunting for an autumn day out can look forward to steam trains, spooky Halloween rides and a rare peek behind the scenes, as a heritage railway in Kent — under two hours from the capital — has announced its autumn events programme.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway, based in Tenterden around 90 minutes from London, will run a season of train rides, Halloween events and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences through the autumn.
Halloween on the tracks
The Spellbound Express steams out on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October, aimed at children aged four to 11, with young passengers receiving a magical activity pack for the journey.
For braver souls, the Fright Night Express runs on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October. Spooky entertainment at the station gets the evening under way before the train heads out into the darkness, with drumming performances, a fire-eater, themed treats for children and a fireworks display to finish. It is pitched at families with children aged six to 11.
Behind the scenes
Railway enthusiasts can book a Behind the Scenes Experience on selected dates through September and October, exploring the Carriage and Wagon Workshop at Tenterden and the Locomotive Works at Rolvenden, with a return journey along the full 10½-mile line and lunch included.
An award-winning day out
Originally built as Britain’s first light passenger railway in the early 20th century, the line runs steam and diesel services through the picturesque Rother Valley — and was named Best Family Experience in Kent in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards.
Tickets for all autumn events are available through the railway’s own website.
More autumn days out
Heading into Kent anyway? Bluewater has topped the wishlist as the south-east London destination people most want a Superloop link to. And for more family days out closer to home, London Zoo’s new Winnie-the-Pooh adventure trail runs from 2 October.
