The Wealden Pullman, introduced in 1974, forms the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion or for a more intimate evening.
Your meal is carefully prepared on-board and served by authentically attired Pullman Attendants whilst the train gently winds its way along the Rother Valley. Dining carriages include two historic Pullman Cars dating from the 1920's and a 1930's First Class carriage built for the Southampton Ocean Liner traffic. Each perfectly captures the atmosphere and style for which travel by Pullman train became renowned. Thus the finest traditions of the Pullman Car Company are maintained for your enjoyment and as a reminder of a more elegant age.
The Wealden Pullman is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers, who take great pride in recreating levels of service seldom enjoyed in today's busy world. Enjoy a complimentary aperitif whilst you admire the carefully restored steam locomotive or explore the intricate marquetry panelling in Pullman Car ‘Barbara'. Take your seat and savour the moment as the train gently departs on its relaxing journey.
Saturday Evening
The Wealden Pullman departs Tenterden Town Station on most Saturday evenings from April to November. A few Saturday evenings are themed evenings
A complimentary aperitif awaits your arrival from 7pm, before boarding the train in time for departure at 7.30pm.
During the journey through the beautiful unspoilt Rother Valley, your carefully prepared meal will be silver-served by Pullman Attendants dressed in the period uniform of the Pullman Car Company. An on-board bar is available, although the Attendants are pleased to provide full table service.
On arrival at Bodiam Station, a pause allows time to visit the steam locomotive, chat with its crew and perhaps take a photograph or two. Don't forget to pass by the pantry, where you can observe and chat to the staff hard at work.
As the train returns to Tenterden Town, the popular dessert trolley offers an enticing range of desserts, all of which are made in the kitchen onboard the train. Coffee is served as the train is hauled up one of the steepest gradients in southern England, with Tenterden Town Station being reached at approximately 11.15pm.
Sunday Lunch
A traditional Roast Lunch is served on most Sunday afternoons between April & October. Especially popular for birthdays and family celebrations, the Wealden Pullman is at Northiam Station from 12.30pm.
Join us for a complimentary aperitif whilst you chat to your fellow guests and admire the lovingly restored carriages. Liveried Pullman Attendants will be pleased to show you to your reserved table and provide any beverages required.
Following departure at 1pm, your meal is silver served as the train steams to Bodiam - look out for the beautiful castle just a few hundred yards from the station. On arrival, the locomotive will "run round" the train in preparation for the journey to Tenterden, passing through Northiam again on the way. Enjoy the ever changing aspect from your window: wildlife abounds in the peaceful Rother Valley. The locomotive runs around again at Tenterden before returning the train to Northiam, reached at 3.20pm.
Themed Evenings
Christmas
Celebrate with a five-course Christmas dinner on our Saturday evening services. There's a gift for everyone from Father Christmas too!
New Years Eve
Welcome the New Year with a very special service featuring an eight-course meal, extended journey, complimentary drinks, onboard jazz band and an exclusive firework display at midnight! Limited availability
A train of your own!
The Wealden Pullman may be privately hired for special occasions, wedding receptions, business conferences, office functions, corporate entertainment and product launches. Visit our dedicated page.
Dress Code
Many of our guests choose to complement the period atmosphere of the Wealden Pullman in their dress style. Guests are respectfully advised that T-shirts, jeans and trainers are not permitted: in keeping with the Pullman tradition, gentlemen are requested to wear a tie.
How to book
Wealden Pullman services are extremely popular, so early reservations are strongly recommended. Availability changes daily: current information may be obtained by contacting the Booking Office by telephone on 01580 765155. Most major credit/debit cards are accepted. Alternatively, please call in at the Booking Office within Tenterden Town Station to make your reservation in person. Wealden Pullman Gift Vouchers are also available from our online shop.
Booking Conditions
Payment in full must accompany your booking. We shall be pleased to cater for any special dietary or allergenic requirements, but these must be advised at the time of booking.
In the event of your requesting cancellation, a refund will be made if the seats can be resold. In such cases, an administration fee of £10.00 per ticket will be levied. A similar charge will apply to requests for alterations, which will be granted at the discretion of CSRE Ltd.
The Wealden Pullman is normally hauled by a steam locomotive, but the K&ESR reserves the right to substitute diesel haulage in the event of breakdown, high fire risk or other operational need.
Catering services are provided by Colonel Stephens Railway Enterprises Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kent & East Sussex Railway Company Limited - the registered charity that owns and operates the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Conditions of Carriage of passengers & their luggage are available for inspection at all station Booking Halls.