Southeastern is trying to tempt people into using its services to explore Kent, East Sussex and London by train with an offer launching this weekend and offering Advance tickets on selected routes for five pounds.

The operator’s Network Weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April will see ten thousand five-pound tickets go on sale this week.

Southeastern is making its ticket offer to coincide with Visit Kent’s Kent Big Weekend.

During the weekend, hundreds of local attractions and businesses will be offering free tickets for residents to explore the county.

The Network Weekend takes its inspiration from the popular offers run by Network SouthEast in the 80s and 90s.

It also comes as Southeastern joins communities countrywide in celebrating the bicentenary of the railway through Railway 200, including unveiling one of its Networker trains in heritage livery.

Southeastern’s network travels to various towns and cities that are popular with visitors to the countryside and coast of Kent, including Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, Rochester, Margate, Hastings, Broadstairs, and Whitstable. Southeastern argues that its Network Weekend “supports regional tourism and economic growth while encouraging sustainable travel at a highly competitive price”.

The operator also awards grants to local community initiatives.

Passengers will only be able to buy tickets through the Southeastern website and app, and must buy them between Saturday 22 March and Friday 28 March. Multiple tickets will be available.

Passengers who need assistance or accessibility support can contact Southeastern Customer Services or visit a Southeastern ticket office.

For more information and to book tickets from 22 March, visit Southeastern’s website or download the Southeastern app.

“We know that many of our customers love exploring Kent’s stunning scenery, heritage sites, and attractions. To celebrate 200 years of the railway and to tie in with Kent Big Weekend in April, we’re delighted to launch The Southeastern Network Weekend – offering 10,000 Advance train tickets for just £5 each. For those lucky enough to have won tickets through Kent Big Weekend, this is a great opportunity to let the train take the strain and travel sustainably at a reduced price. And for those who haven’t, our Southeastern Network Weekend promotion makes it easier than ever to discover Kent’s incredible destinations without having to drive.”

Steve White, Managing Director at Southeastern