The most recent type of charter train and a type that always raises the footfall for local businesses.   Whether steam trains will be as frequent as over the last two years is debatable but there is a market for them.

Perhaps the weirdest of all Charter Trains – the “Emerald Water Witch” – a London suburban train that was dragged out to No 1 Berth by two Motor Luggage Vans from the 1st boat train era.

 

We will encourage charter train operators to make Folkestone their destination, something that is difficult at present because of the long distance of both mainline stations from the town centre and proposed seafront development. We believe that offering Folkestone Harbour as the destination will encourage more visitors to the town.

Generated business will more likely be dining trains (see right) rather than enthusiasts' trains - although we would expect those to be attracted by the most spectacular harbour railway in Britain. Overall, when considering similar destinations, we would expect six to eight services a year.

Presently using Folkestone West is the Venice Simplon Orient Express and we would wish to work with our colleagues involved with the ferry project to encourage them back to Folkestone Harbour and a sea crossing to recreate the traditional heritage rail journey.

We believe that the Remembrance Line can also consider operating its own charter services in association with seafront events. In addition, given an operating ferry, it can also offer viable charter services of its own from Folkestone Harbour to various destinations within South East England. The market for these would be Pas-de-Calais as well as day trips from the local area. We have not presently budgeted for this as the development of seafront events is not yet clear but we would certainly take such an opportunity seriously as it would require the hiring of additional rolling stock that would also add resilience to other elements of the business.