Southeastern is encouraging people to ditch the car and travel by train with a new timetable starting this month that includes a host of extra 'summer special' services, running till September.
There will be more space on longer trains to the picturesque Kent coast, and to historic Hastings from London at the weekends. Including on the Highspeed services from St Pancras International.
Late-night trains will also run from Margate towards Canterbury, Gillingham, Dover and London so that concert goers at Dreamland can get home after enjoying the music acts at the iconic venue. Southeastern worked in partnership with Dreamland to develop the plan to support attendees of the summer music season.
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations and Safety Director, said:
“We are proud to serve the south east and its wonderful attractions throughout the year but with so many beautiful beaches and coastal areas the summer months really are the best time to go out and explore.
“Whether it’s fish and chips on Whitstable beach, a stroll along Broadstairs’ Viking Bay, or seeing your favourite artist at Dreamland in Margate, Southeastern’s summer specials make it easier than ever to let the train take the strain.”
Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland, said:
“I am thrilled that Southeastern is again providing these extra late-night services, not only for ticket holders to Dreamland’s summer gigs, but the whole night time industry. It will really help our visitors and event goers enjoy all that Margate and Dreamland have to offer to the full.”
Deirdre Wells OBE, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, said:
“We are delighted that Southeastern are once again providing an extended timetable for the all important summer season. With so much to do in the Garden of England from world-class heritage sites, breathtaking landscape, fun family attractions and delicious food and drink, there has never been a better time to take a trip and make some memories. Leave the car and the traffic behind, and admire our stunning scenery in comfort. What better way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the UK’s railway than a day out in Kent!”
On Saturdays two extra services will run between Cannon Street and Ramsgate via Greenwich and Dartford, connecting stations in south east London directly to the coast at Margate, as well as Herne Bay, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
On Sundays there will be two additional trains from Victoria to Ramsgate that run via Bromley South and the Medway towns.
During the school holidays on weekdays and on Sundays there will be a direct service from Cannon Street to Ramsgate via Greenwich and Dartford connecting stations in south east London directly to the main coastal destinations.
The growing Southeastern railway will also see more carriages added to some of the busiest services that serve the coast, including Dover Priory to Victoria and Ramsgate to Cannon Street. Providing more space and seats for customers where they are needed most.
Train times from 18 May are now available in online journey planners and the full timetables have been published on the Southeastern website.
Customers are also being asked to check their regular train times from 18 May as there have been a number of changes to help improve performance.
