Working the Regulator of one of our world famous steam locomotives is an exhilarating experience. Do it once and you may be hooked for life; many are!

EACH COURSE MEMBER WILL RECEIVE

• Where applicable, use throughout the course of one of our world-famous steam engines (unless clearly specified as a diesel engine)
• The course as described, with full tuition from qualified Drivers or Signallers
• A light breakfast of tea and toast (not applicable on the Taster Course)
• Hot beverages (not applicable on the Taster Course)
• One pair of heavy-duty gloves
• A certificate of participation with the option to have it framed (extra charge applies)
• Free membership for one year of the RH&DR Association (providing discounted travel and other benefits – normally £27.50pp to join). Not applicable for the Taster Course

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OUR RAILWAY DAY EXPERIENCES

• TASTER COURSE

  £250
  PER PERSON

  
  As the title suggests, this course has been devised to offer the enthusiast a taste of what it’s like to take the controls of one of our world-famous steam locomotives, and also to enjoy the experience of riding the footplate. The first part of the course involves a double run between New Romney Station and the Romney Warren Halt, with the participant driving a light loco, fully supported by one of our highly-experienced drivers. The second part of the course is an exhilarating 28-mile full round trip riding the footplate. The course commences at 10.30am and concludes at approx. 2.15pm and includes a £10.00 Food & Drink voucher. PLEASE NOTE.Only available on selected dates when the GREEN timetable is in operation. Please call for current availability. Participants must be 18+ years old.
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• SILVER COURSE

  £350
  PER PERSON

  
  This full-day course has been designed to offer a choice of either the New Romney to Hythe section of the line or the New Romney to Dungeness section. Your day with us commences at 08:30 at New Romney station where you will be greeted by one of our team and escorted to the Heywood Buffet for a light breakfast and safety briefing. You will then be introduced to the driver who will be instructing you throughout the course. There are three participants per course and each participant should have at least 15 miles of actual driving. Whichever section of the line you choose, there is similar mileage behind the regulator but mastering each section is a challenge in itself. With the 5-mile non-stop gallop between Dymchurch and Hythe, it really tests the mettle of each course member to keep the fire and water at the correct levels on a long run. The level crossings and very different atmosphere on the Dungeness section test the powers of concentration and observation as the train winds its way behind houses and out on to the great shingle bank. Participants must be 18+ years old.
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• GOLD COURSE

  £525
  PER PERSON

  
  Designed for two participants this course covers the full 13½ mile line and provides each participant with the opportunity to drive for at least 28 miles in total. To add to the experience, there will be opportunities throughout the day to run the locomotive around the train, turn the engine on the turntable and shut down the engine at the end of the day. Should you wish to be “up with the lark”, this course also offers you the opportunity to assist with early morning fire-lighting. A light breakfast and a two-course lunch included. PLEASE NOTE.Only available to those who have completed the Silver Course Participants must be 18+ years old.
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• 2 DAY BESPOKE COURSE

  
  Our bespoke courses are a steam enthusiast’s dream! A one-to-one course, spanning two full days but meticulously planned by our highly-experienced Operations team and tailor-made to your level of experience. Get in touch now to arrange your ultimate personalised experience! Participants must be 18+ years old.
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• DRIVE A DIESEL

  £240
  PER PERSON

  
  With no steam to get in the way of the view, there are of course still signals, points and stations to negotiate, and taking the controls of a diesel engine presents its own set of challenges. Our experienced drivers will teach you how. Run as a half-day course for one participant or it can be extended to a full day for a group of no more than six participants. The course includes a safety briefing, lunch and either the full 28-mile round trip or two return trips to either end of the line. PLEASE NOTE.Maximum group size of 6 Participants must be 18+ years old.
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• SIGNALLER'S DAY

  £240
  PER PERSON

  
  Learn first-hand what it takes to operate RH&DR safely. This is a “hands-on” experience commencing with a Footplate Ride from New Romney to Hythe, where, after a safety briefing, you will spend the morning working alongside our qualified Signaller, learning the principles of interlocking and block working and turning and watering the locomotives. Depending on the service operating on the day of your course, you will return to New Romney Station on the Footplate again. The afternoon session will be spent at New Romney with more opportunities to practise the skills learned during the morning session, but with additional Signaller duties including token exchange if required, oiling points and loco berthing at the end of the day’s service. A £10 lunch voucher will be provided to use at the Heywood Buffet or Hythe Light Railway Café. Participants must be 18+ years old.
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• FULL FOOTPLATE RIDE

  £125
  PER PERSON

  
  Ride the footplate for an exhilarating 27 mile full round trip aboard a steam engine. You can pay £125.00 for a full round trip or just £70.00 for a half round trip. PLEASE NOTE. Footplate Rides are NOT available when the PINK timetable is in operation. Steam: Participants must be 18+ years old. Diesel: Participants must be 16+ years old.
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• HALF FOOTPLATE RIDE

  £70
  PER PERSON

  
  Ride the footplate for an exhilarating 13.5 mile trip aboard a steam engine. You can pay £125.00 for a full round trip or just £70.00 for a half round trip. PLEASE NOTE. Footplate Rides are NOT available when the PINK timetable is in operation.
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