The Romney Hythe And Dymchurch Railway

Eating, Drinking and Shopping

• EATING
  
  
  • Hythe
    
    Delightfully old-fashioned cafe adjacent to station, not connected with the railway. Drinks and snacks only with some homemade cakes etc. Station gift shops sells canned drinks and sweets.
    
    
  • Dymchurch
    
    Station gift shops sells ice-creams, canned drinks and sweets.
    
    
  • New Romney
    
    Cafe open during operating hours serving main meals as well as snacks and drinks. Alcohol can be served with meals. Gift shop sells ice-creams and canned drinks.
    
    
  • Dungeness
    
    Cafe open during operating hours and also at out of season weekends selling drinks, snacks and main meals. Fish and chips recommended. Britania pub nearby (visible from train) serves food and welcomes families. Longer walk to 'The Pilot' pub at the last road crossing famous locally for its fish (getting a seat not always easy).
    
    You could try a picnic on the beach - turning left out of the station/cafe car park follow the road without the barrier till you come to the first cottage on your right. Go between the cottage and the fence on your right and continue till you reach the shore.
    
    
• DRINKING
  
  Only the cafe at New Romney sells alcohol and that is only with meals. However, the stations and Hythe, New Romney and Dymchurch are no more than 10 minutes walk from their respective town centre facilities. More desirable than any of these establishments is the 'First Class Observation Saloon' otherwise known as the Bar Car. A call to New Romney will establish which trains it is running on, but in the past at weekends it has been the second departure from Hythe. This delightful vehicle consists of two 8 seater compartments separated by a serving area which houses an attendant who can serve you with alcoholic refreshments, soft drinks, tea and coffee and snacks. There is a 25 pence supplementary charge to use the Bar Car. Children are welcome.
  
  
• SHOPPING
  
  There are gift shops at all the stations except Romney Sands, the largest being, not surprisingly, at New Romney. I can't say that you will find much of real interest here but the RHDR stamps would make an interesting page in anyone's album. Also, towards the end of the season, watch out for the Romney Christamas cards. The 1997 card shows Green Goddess outside the shed at New Romney in a setting devoid of any point of reference so that the uninitiated easily mistake it for a full size loco.
  
  

Planning Your Visit ¦ Things To Look Out For

JR's Snapshots ¦ Introduction
Working The Bar Car