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 6 hours
Celebrate 200 Years of Railway Innovation with Southeastern
Join us for a special event at the Ashford Train Depot as Southeastern commemorates 200 years of railway history.
This unique event, hosted by our expert engineering team, offers train enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to explore one of our largest train depots. All attendees will receive a limited edition tote bag to remember the day!
Behind the Scenes Tour
Experience an insider's view of our maintenance shed, showcasing a variety of Southeastern trains adorned in their brand-new vinyl livery.
Highlights include:
• 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 the Network SouthEast livery
Heritage Train Collection
Step outside into our operational yard to admire a collection of heritage trains*, 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.
Stands and Exhibits
Explore a variety of stands that continue to take you inside the world of rail, including:
• Southeastern Safeguarding Team: Hear about their initiatives to protect our customers.
• Network Rail Margate Safety Team: Learn about how to stay safe when travelling by rail.
• Kent Fire Service
• Kids can enjoy a range of activities, including miniature roundabout rides.
Model Trains and More
Visit the Hornby Hobbies stand to view and purchase their model trains, including a replica of Train 395015 with its commemorative Railway 200 vinyl.
Don't miss the AIMREC Model Railway and the chance to meet the passionate teams who run the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch and the Kent and East Sussex Railways.
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 with a range of toppings and delicious burgers.
Getting there
There is no parking at the event, and we encourage all attendees to travel by train to Ashford International station and take the short walk to the depot.
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).
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).
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 4pm.
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.