South east Londoners will be able to travel directly to popular Kent seaside towns over the summer.

In a bid to boost seaside tourism, Southeastern has announced that it will be adding further services to its routes over the summer, with direct links from south east London to the Kent Coast.

Families across south east London will be able to take a train over the summer to popular Kent tourist spots like Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs for day trips to the coast.

Families across south east London will be able to take a train over the summer to popular Kent tourist spots like Broadstairs.Families across south east London will be able to take a train over the summer to popular Kent tourist spots like Broadstairs. (Image: PA)

Visit Kent Chief Executive, Deirdre Wells OBE, said:  “Encouraging more visitors to choose sustainable transport is a key priority in the Kent Sustainable Tourism Action Plan.

“These additional train services will also ensure more visitors have the chance to discover Kent’s gems, from our welcoming attractions to our six Blue Flag and eighteen Seaside Awarded beaches.”

What’s happening?

From Monday (July 29) on weekdays there will be a direct service at 9:32am from Cannon Street to Ramsgate via Woolwich Arsenal and Dartford, which will connect stations directly with Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate and Broadstairs.

On weekdays a direct service will connect with coastal destinations including Herne Bay.On weekdays a direct service will connect with coastal destinations including Herne Bay. (Image: PA)

Where will the service call?

This service calls at:

  • London Bridge (09:36)
  • Deptford (09:42)
  • Greenwich (09:44)
  • Maze Hill (09:47)
  • Westcombe Park (09:49)
  • Charlton (09:52)
  • Woolwich Dockyard (09:55)
  • Woolwich Arsenal (09:58)
  • Plumstead (10:00)
  • Abbey Wood (10:04)
  • Belvedere (10:07)
  • Erith (10:10)
  • Slade Green (10:14)
  • Dartford (10:20)
  • Greenhithe (10:25)
  • Gravesend (10:33)
  • Strood (10:43)
  • Rochester (10:48)
  • Chatham (10:52)
  • Gillingham (10:57)
  • Rainham (11:02)
  • Sittingbourne (11:10)
  • Faversham (11:12)
  • Whitstable (11:30)
  • Herne Bay (11:37)
  • Margate (11:52)
  • Broadstairs (11:59)
  • Ramsgate (12:06)

Services will also operate at weekends with passengers advised to check journey times on the Southeastern website.

Services will also operate at weekends for people who want to travel to places such as Whitstable.Services will also operate at weekends for people who want to travel to places such as Whitstable. (Image: Instagram user @emmaslittlewanderings)

Alongside extra direct trains, Southeastern has confirmed that it will also be running three additional services in each direction between London Victoria and Ramsgate, with extra carriages to be added during the weekends when trains will be busier.

Southeastern will also continue to offer extra late night services from Margate for visitors travelling to Dreamland for music events over the summer period.

Southeastern will also continue to offer extra late night services from Margate for visitors travelling to Dreamland for music events.Southeastern will also continue to offer extra late night services from Margate for visitors travelling to Dreamland for music events. (Image: PA)

Julian Moosai, Southeastern's Head of Service Delivery, said: "We are proud to serve the south-east and its wonderful attractions throughout the year, but with so many beautiful beaches and coastal areas on our doorstep we know the summer is a particularly great time to get out.

"Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and to encourage more people to leave their car at home, we are running extra services throughout the summer.

"This will also provide a boost to the tourism industry in Kent and East Sussex, while making it easier for customers in south-east London to explore our network."