Choo-choose Herne Bay for land train fun this summer

Herne Bay residents and visitors can enjoy a unique and fun new way to get around the town this summer when a land train takes to the streets for a week in late July.

The trial project has been set up by the city council, using UK government funding via the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The train will be in Herne Bay from Sunday 26 July to Friday 31 July, running from 10am to 4pm each day.

It will follow a circular route around the town about every 30 minutes. An all day, hop-on hop-off ticket, will cost £2 per person, with no charge for children under the age of three.

The train will have stops at the following locations:

• Central Parade, entrance to the pier (starting point at 10am)
• William Street, outside the Coconut Tree noodle bar
• Central Parade, opposite The Ship Inn
• William Street, Wimereux Square
• King’s Road, Memorial Park Avenue of Remembrance entrance

Cabinet member for tourism and economic development, Cllr Chris Cornell, said: “A land train for Herne Bay has been suggested for many years so we are really pleased to be making it happen this summer.

“It’s a weeklong trial project with the aim of moving people along the seafront, into the town centre and round to the park in a fun and different way.

“We want to assess how much interest there is in a land train, how successful it is in supporting local businesses and whether we have the balance right in terms of the number of stops and their locations.

“Obviously we need a bit of luck with the weather as sunshine will be our friend, but we’ve chosen a week early on in the school holidays that also coincides with the Herne Bay Festival, and we’ve priced it in a way that won’t break the bank for families at a time when we know money is tight.

“There will be much for us to learn over the week but fundamentally we hope the land train proves to be a popular new attraction for local families and adds to the fun in Herne Bay during the summer.”

The land train cannot be booked and availability is on a first come, first served basis at each stop. If the train is full, it cannot take any more passengers until spaces become available.

Payment is by card only, when boarding the train. Well-behaved dogs are allowed during quieter periods, but must remain on a short lead on the carriage floor at all times.

Folded pushchairs/buggies are allowed if space permits, but there is not enough room for scooters and bikes.  

The train has attachable wet weather ‘curtains’, meaning it will run no matter the weather.

For this trial, an accessible carriage for wheelchair users was not available for hire, but this will be important for any future land train plans in the town.

Find out more information about Herne Bay’s land train.

Published: 26 June 2026