Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is a unique one-third full size light railway running for 13.5 miles along the Kent coast between Hythe and Dungeness, passing through Dymchurch, St Mary's Bay and New Romney. Often described as the smallest public railway in the world, it was the brainchild of millionaire racing driver Captain John Howey and opened to passengers in 1927. The miniature steam and diesel locomotives are scale replicas of mainline express engines, hauling open and covered carriages across the flat Romney Marsh landscape.

From the Hythe terminus, trains depart through farmland and marsh before reaching the seaside village of Dymchurch, where day-trippers can break their journey to enjoy the sandy beach and amusements. The line continues to New Romney, the operational headquarters, where visitors will find the engine sheds, a model railway exhibition and a cafe. The final stretch runs along the shingle of Dungeness to the lighthouse, one of the strangest and most atmospheric landscapes in southern England.

The railway has long been a favourite with families, enthusiasts and filmmakers, and during the Second World War it was requisitioned for use by the armed forces, including running an armoured train. Special events including Halloween trains, Santa Specials and gala weekends run throughout the year.