The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Station Road, Tenterden, is dedicated to the light railway engineer Colonel Holman Fred Stephens who built or was associated with 16 light railways including the Rother Valley Railway (which later became the Kent & East Sussex Railway).
A large number of Colonel Stephens artefacts have survived; furniture and other office items such as his roll-top desk and office chair, wicker filing trays, ledgers, pictures, rubber stamps, brief case, pens, pencils, chalk, drawing table, stationery cabinet and his drawing office and surveying equipment. Also on display are the Colonel's masonic regalia, bible, camera, family photos, pocket watches, walking sticks, collection of family letters and papers. A photographic archive including over 3,000 images.
The Museum is open from 12.30 till 4.30 pm on the days when the Railway is operating. Free parking is available on site.
The Cavell Van is in the care of the Museum and is usually at Bodiam Station, East Sussex when the railway is open.
There is no admission charge for Visitors with a valid ticket for the Railway, but donations for its upkeep are very welcome. Admission to the Cavell Van is free but donations for its upkeep are very welcome.
Dogs are not normally admitted, except for assistance dogs. Wheelchair access is available to all areas, except for viewing one of the video presentations which involves negotiating two steps.
Bookshop: The Museum has its own bookshop, selling a wide range of second-hand books in the foyer.
Archives and Research: Museum staff are always on hand to offer advice and guidance but are not able to offer research facilities. Access to the Archive may be obtained by agreeing a mutually convenient appointment with the Curator.