Southeastern Train Depot Open Day
This special event gives train fans of all ages the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at a busy working train depot.
Date and time
Location
Ashford Train Maintenance Centre
Station Road Ashford TN23 1EZ United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 7 hours
Celebrate 200 Years of Railway Innovation with Southeastern!
This unique event, hosted by our expert engineering team, offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to see behind the scenes and explore one of our largest train depots.
All attendees will receive a limited-edition tote bag to remember the day!
Tickets for the earlier time slots are quickly selling out. Because this is a working depot we have had to stagger the times of entry to avoid congestion, but no matter what time entry ticket you have you’re able to stay until the event closes at 5pm.
🔧Go Behind the Scenes
Step inside our maintenance shed to discover how our trains are looked after and marvel at the impressive lineup including:
• Highspeed Train 395015 with its commemorative Railway 200 vinyl
• Electrostar Fleet: Units 375, 376 and 377
• Train 395 suspended on automatic lifting jacks
• 465908 Networker in its retro Network SouthEast livery
🚂Explore the heritage Train Collection
An exciting collection of heritage trains will be waiting for you in our operational yard*, including:
• Clan line steam engine
• MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
• Hastings Diesel ‘Thumper’
• Balfour Beatty Tamper
• Class 73
• Class 66
• Blubell ‘Stepney’ Locomotive
*Please note that train availability is subject to change.
🧠 Learn, Play & Discover
Our exhibition stands bring the world of rail to life:
• Hornby Hobbies – View and buy model trains, including the replica 395015 with Railway 200 vinyl
• AIMREC Model Railway
• Miniature roundabout rides and other fun activities for kids
• Southeastern Safeguarding Team – Learn how we keep our customers safe
• Network Rail Margate Safety Team – Get tips for safe rail travel
• Meet the passionate teams who run the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch and the Kent and East Sussex Railways
• Kent Fire Service
🍕 Food and drink
No need to go hungry while feasting your eyes on the trains, we have a range of delicious food and drink available to purchase including pizzas and burgers.
🚶Getting there
There’s no parking at the depot, so we encourage all visitors to travel by train to Ashford International Station, just a short walk away.
🎟️Ticket Proceeds
Southeastern will not make any profit from ticket sales.
Ticket proceeds are being used to support costs of running the event and all profit will be shared with the five Railway 200 charities (Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission, and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO).
Accessibility information
We have some accessible parking available on a first come first served basis on the day. We will be running a shuttle bus to and from the depot.
If you do have accessibility requirements, please note that whilst we plan to make the site as accessible as possible, this is a working train depot and full accessibility cannot be guaranteed across some of the site.
Carers and companions of attendees with accessibility requirements will receive a 50% discount off the price of an adult ticket.
If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Southeastern customer services here. (Please note: we don't require you to fill in the journey, ticket, and payment details).
Join us for a day of celebration, discovery, and fun as we celebrate the legacy and future of the railway industry!
Frequently asked questions
Except for those with accessibility requirements (as outlined above), there is unfortunately no car parking available on site. We highly encourage all attendees to arrive by train, as the site is a short walk from Ashford International station.
The time on the ticket is your entry time to the event. With all tickets you can stay until the end of the event at 5pm.
Yes.
Photography will be permitted in designated areas only. Please follow guidance on the day.
No. Ticket proceeds are being used to support costs of running the event. Any profit will be shared with the five Railway 200 charities (Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission, and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO).
Yes, however, those under 16 will need to be supervised by an adult (a maximum of 3 children per adult or 2 under 5). Entry for children under 5 is free, but they must have an entry ticket.
There are areas of the exhibit that are not accessible with buggies, but secure storage of the buggies for those areas will be made available.
All visitors will be subject to routine security checks including bag searches upon entry. Please avoid bringing large bags. Prohibited items include: weapons, laser pointers, drones, alcohol, glass bottles. Bringing cold food is permitted.
No, we do not permit non-assistance animals. Assistance dogs should comply with the Assistance Dogs UK guidelines.
You must be wearing closed toe and flat bottomed shoes (e.g. no heels, stilettos, flip flops, sliders, or sandals). If you are not wearing these shoes, you will not be able to access some areas of the event. Most of the event takes place outdoors, so please wear appropriate clothes for the weather.
Yes.
Organised by
Southeastern operate one of the busiest rail networks in the country, linking key towns and cities in Kent and East Sussex with London, serving as a connective line for commuters, local communities and leisure customers. From time to time Southeastern run events at our depots and stations giving people the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes, meet our skilled and friendly staff and learn more about the workings of our busy railway.