All aboard for a first-class break in charmingly converted train carriages, on the picturesque Kent and East Sussex railway line.
  • Sleeps: 5 or 6
  • Bedrooms: 2 or 3
  • Bathroom: 1 or 2
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Railway carriages don’t come much more luxurious than this!  Featuring lovingly converted carriages with a stylish twist, you’ll find you don’t need to be a traditional trainspotter to enjoy a break at Railway Retreats.

Set within Northiam Steam Railway Station, a working station on the scenic Kent and East Sussex railway line, you can experience all the romance of traditional steam train journeys from the comfort of your very own carriage, as steam trains whistle their way past.

Sleeping up to 6 guests and originally built in 1962, the MK1 carriage is perfect for a family or group break with a difference.  You’ll find all you need inside to relax, reconnect and explore, with a photo library included in the carriage that will take you on its fascinating restoration journey along with the owners.

Light and spacious throughout, discover a welcoming open-plan lounge and dining area that’s ideal for getting together over endless mugs of steaming coffee and swapping holiday stories, or simply relaxing in front of the TV, with a selection of DVDs available.

There are two double bedrooms, the master also featuring an en-suite bathroom, and a bunk room for smaller passengers.  A roomy family bathroom includes a bath with shower over, and you’ll find plenty of fluffy towels included.

Meanwhile, the vivid Emerald Express is ideal for 5 guests. Once used to deliver hot-off-the-press news from Fleet Street, these days you’ll discover a cosy double bedroom, and a second double bedroom with a single bunk on board.

Whichever carriage you choose, you’ll find the kitchen well-equipped, with everything you need for whipping up feasts fit for the first-class compartment!  

Keep reading

At a glance

  • Stylishly converted train carriages sleeping 5-6 people, located within Northiam Steam Railway Station on the Kent and East Sussex line.
  • Easily accessible by car – or train! – with parking available for up to 3 cars.
  • Bedding and towels are included, along with kitchen equipment and a welcome hamper. A travel cot and high chair can also be provided on request.
  • The carriage is close to many local towns and attractions, including Hastings, Rye and Tenterden, with beaches, shopping, dining and activities all available close by.

Features

  • Family Friendly

Facilities

MK1: Sleeps up to 6, 2 double bedrooms, bunk room, ensuite bathroom (master bedroom), bedding & towels provided, family bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen area, oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, tea & coffee, kitchen utensils/equipment, open plan lounge/dining area, Freeview TV, DVD player, gas central heating, welcome hamper, parking for up to 3 cars, balcony, outdoor seating for up to 8 guests.

Emerald Express: Sleeps up to 5, 1 double bedroom, 1 double room with single bunk, family shower room, bedding & towels provided, fully-equipped kitchen area, oven, induction hob, fridge/freezer, tea & coffee, kitchen utensils/equipment, open plan lounge/dining area, Freeview TV, gas central heating, welcome hamper, parking for up to 2 cars, balcony, outdoor seating.

Local activities 

Kent & East Sussex Railway, beaches, watersports, swimming, boat trips, historic towns/villages, wine tasting, fishing, kite surfing, nature reserve, castles, horse riding, cycling, coastal walks.

More information

Central heating will keep everybody cosy on cool evenings…and for a summertime treat, why not sit out on the elevated balcony and watch the world go by as you dine al-fresco, surrounded by beautifully fresh countryside views all around? Later on, watch the golden sun setting over the horizon with a glass of your favourite tipple – your holiday has truly begun!

By day, the village of Northiam is a wonderful base from which to explore the local area, offering something for everyone. Perhaps begin by taking a country ramble, or packing up a tasty picnic and heading for the bracing coast, with Hastings Beach and Rye Harbour a mere 12 miles from the carriage.

Railway enthusiasts will, of course, be in heaven with the Kent and East Sussex Railway literally on the doorstep! Catch a train and choose a stop, with the line stretching over 12 miles from Tenterden to Bodiam.  Perhaps visit the town of Tenterden, or Bodiam Castle for an historic day out?

Keen shoppers will enjoy visiting the larger town of Hastings, with its shopping centre and plenty of places to enjoy coffee and cake along the way – and how about a visit to Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium too?

Closer to home, you’ll find your carriage is close to plenty of local pubs and restaurants, with a fish and chip shop also nearby for a traditional coastal supper.

So what are you waiting for – get ready to relax and reconnect, pack up your sense of curiosity and don’t miss your stop!

Things to note

Cot and highchair may be provided upon prior request, minimum booking period 2 nights, no smoking, no pets.

Where you'll be staying

Northiam, East Sussex

What the guests of Railway Retreats say

“Had a lovely family weekend. Excellent/clean/well
maintained and well loved carriage. Have given the MK1 buffet carriage another
lease of life. Lovely location and was sad to leave. Great price and I’m sure
we’ll be back. Thank you Ben and Sophie. You made our weekend very comfortable
and very memorable. All the best for the future.”

“If you are in to steam railways this is an ideal way to
see this line. A wonderful place to have a holiday!”

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