Join us for a 2 Day spectacular event celebrating our Autumn Gala, on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October 2026.

A special weekend showcasing the ‘mainline in miniature’ that is the RH&DR!

For this event, all available RH&DR steam locomotives will be in service plus our diesel engine, J B Snell.

Pre-book your tickets online to avoid the queues, or just turn up at our ticket offices on the day!

Visiting Engines: Northern Rock & Soony

We are pleased to announce the star visitor to our Autumn Gala Weekend will be “Northern Rock” from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. The event which takes place on the 17th and 18th October will see “Northern Rock” visit the RH&DR for the very first time since it was built 50 years ago.

“Northern Rock” has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout 2026.

Constructed at Ravenglass in 1976 with an attractive narrow gauge outline the locomotive quickly became the R&ER’s flagship locomotive and the mainstay of their services. The design of the locomotive was directly influenced by a visit of the RH&DR’s “Northern Chief” to Ravenglass in 1971. The design proved to be so successful two sister engines were built for a railway in Japan. “Northern Rock” will be hauling trains between Hythe and New Romney.

Public Timetables

Saturday 17th October 2026

Sunday 18th October 2026

Visiting alongside “Northern Rock” will be “Soony” from the Perrygrove Railway Adventure. A different scale locomotive to what normally operates at the RH&DR but has an enthusiastic following throughout the UK. “Soony” will be offering shorter rides starting from New Romney station.

The Full Clark Returns!

As well as the trains, the popular “Full Clark” real ale & cider bar will be open at New Romney station, showcasing a selection of drinks from local Kentish breweries:

Romney Marsh Brewery

Hop Fuzz Brewery (Hythe)

Tonbridge Brewery

Time & Tide Brewery (Deal)

Biddenden Vineyards ‘Biddies’ Cider

Alcohol Free options will also be available!

Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society

We’re thrilled the Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society will be joining us at our Autumn Gala Weekend!

The team will be located with their 150ft track, behind our Control office in New Romney Station all weekend, offering short rides behind their mix of 3 1/2 & 5 inch gauge steam locos.

Donations are accepted & a card reader will also be available.

Stall Holders (outside our Heywood Buffet):

RH&DRSA:

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Supporters Association will be located with their gazebo outside our Heywood Buffet, selling merchandise, promoting their membership. They’ll also be selling tickets to their popular ‘Shed Tours’ which will be taking place over the weekend, don’t miss out! Pop by and see them for more information!

RaDLD:

Laura from the charity ‘Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder’ will be joining us with an information stall at New Romney Station. #DLDday takes place on Friday 16th October, and supports raising awareness for DLD (Development Language Disorder).

You can find more information on their campaign via their website: https://radld.org/

Or you can visit Laura at New Romney Station on Saturday 17th October.

Chris Vine from Peter’s Railway

A familiar face to the railway, Mr Chris Vine, author of the series of books ‘Peter’s Railway’, will be joining us at New Romney Station for the weekend. He’ll be selling his range of best-selling children’s railway books, which he will gladly sign on the day. He’ll also be providing information on next years Young Enthusiasts Day, which takes place at the RH&DR in February Half Term 2027.

Secondhand Books:

To the right hand side of our Hythe Station ticket office, there will be a small stand with secondhand railway books, with prices ranging from £1.00 - £5.00. Check it out and grab yourself a bargain!

All times, locomotive turns and event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.