Step back in time to a 1930s railway station on the Elham Valley Line
It is just a short walk from the Countryside Centre to the Railway Museum, where for a modest charge, you can be transported back to a 1930s railway station as it would have been on the Elham Valley Line. You can wander round our station building and look at the historical local and railway memorabilia or watch the model train sweep along the Elham Valley from Canterbury to Folkestone. Car parking is at George's Barn.
The Elham Valley has a deep connection to one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. When the Channel Tunnel was being constructed, the land it now sits beneath was once part of the Elham Valley landscape.
Our dedicated exhibition explores how the tunnel project impacted the local area, from the displacement of farmland to the discovery of historical artefacts during excavation. You can see photographs, documents and items recovered during the construction, including pieces from George's Barn which was relocated from the tunnel terminal site to its current home here at the trust.
Step through the doors and find yourself transported to a 1930s railway station, faithfully recreated to show what life was like on the Elham Valley Line. The station building houses an impressive collection of railway memorabilia including original signage, tickets, timetables and photographs from the line's heyday.
Explore the waiting room, ticket office and platform area, all furnished with period details. Our collection of local history items helps paint a picture of the communities that depended on the railway for daily life, trade and connection to the wider world. A detailed model railway lets you watch a miniature train trace the original route from Canterbury West through the valley to Folkestone.
The signal box offers a fascinating glimpse into how the railway was operated and controlled. Visitors can see the original lever frame and signalling equipment that was used to manage train movements along the Elham Valley Line.
Our volunteers are on hand to explain how the signalling system worked, from the block instruments that communicated between signal boxes to the interlocking mechanisms that prevented conflicting movements. Children and adults alike enjoy having a go at pulling the heavy levers that once controlled the points and signals.
The museum sits within beautifully maintained grounds that are a pleasure to explore in their own right. Stroll along the original trackbed, now a peaceful pathway lined with wildflowers and native plants that attract butterflies and bees throughout the summer months.
The grounds feature a number of outdoor exhibits including rolling stock, platform furniture and railway infrastructure. Benches are dotted throughout for those who simply want to sit and enjoy the tranquil Kent countryside. The Tangled Trail nature walk connects the museum grounds to George's Barn, passing through woodland and alongside a dipping pond.
Explore the Tangled Trail
No visit is complete without a browse through our gift shop, stocked with railway books, model trains, local history publications and unique souvenirs. Whether you are a railway enthusiast or looking for a special gift, there is something for everyone.
Beyond the shop, you will find additional displays of railway artefacts, vintage tools and historical items that did not quite fit into the main exhibition but are well worth seeing. Our volunteers are always happy to share stories and answer questions about the items on display and the history of the Elham Valley Line.
A firm favourite with visitors of all ages, our miniature railway runs on selected days throughout the season. Climb aboard and enjoy a ride around the museum grounds on our lovingly maintained miniature steam and diesel locomotives.
The miniature railway is operated by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about keeping the spirit of the Elham Valley Line alive. During our Miniature Steam Week in May, visiting locomotives join our own fleet for a special weekend of non-stop running. Train rides are included in the admission price on days when the railway is operating.
View Steam Week Dates
Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays — 10:00 to 16:00, Easter to November