Alice’s Wonderland Express at the Spa Valley Railway

Alice’s Wonderland Express!

Families are invited to step through the looking glass this summer as Alice’s Wonderland Express brings a magical steam train adventure to the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Departing from Tunbridge Wells West at 10:00, 11:30 and 13:55 Alice’s Wonderland Express will run on Saturday 29, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, and on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.

Created by PNP Events Ltd, the team behind THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway, the new experience promises curious characters, playful challenges and plenty of Wonderland mischief along the line.

Oh dear… what a royal muddle!

The Queen of Hearts’ Royal Train has broken down, and she is stomping and grumbling her way through Wonderland. Meanwhile, the White Rabbit, Alice and the Mad Hatter are racing to get everything ready for her arrival – but, as ever in Wonderland, nothing is going quite to plan.

Passengers will be drawn into the story from the moment they board, helping the White Rabbit recover some very important missing words, finding their way through a maze, solving riddles and discovering surprises along the way.

A steam train adventure like no other

During the journey, passengers will complete a series of curious activities in their activity booklet. They can colour the Queen’s roses bright red, create royal decorations and help transform the train into a magnificent carriage fit for the Queen of Hearts herself. Each completed challenge earns a Royal Railway Stamp, bringing the Royal Train one step closer to being ready before the Queen arrives.

A treat fit for Wonderland

No Wonderland journey would be complete without a slice of cake. Every passenger will receive a slice of cake and a cold drink, with orange or apple juice available on board.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dietary requirements can be catered for, provided these are noted in advance when booking.

Steam, whistles and character moments

Alice’s Wonderland Express will be hauled by a steam locomotive during the journey, adding the sights and sounds of heritage rail travel to the interactive experience on board. Visitors can hear the whistle blow, watch steam drift past the carriages and enjoy photo opportunities with favourite characters during their visit.

Tickets also include travel on other Spa Valley Railway trains operating that day, either before or after the Alice’s Wonderland Express ride.

Train tickets for Alice’s Wonderland Express: Adult – £24, Senior (60+) – £20, Child (2-15yrs) – £14, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £62.

Advance booking is recommended. Subject to availability, tickets can also be purchased from the ticket office at Tunbridge Wells West on the day of travel: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Alongside the on-board entertainment, visitors can enjoy hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, as well as light refreshments from the bar or buffet car.

The railway also offers a wide range of pre-bookable dining experiences throughout the summer, including Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, Fish and Chips, Ploughman’s and Sausage and Mash events, alongside themed experiences such as Whisky Trains, Gin Trains, Cheese Trains, Murder Mystery evenings and Faulty Towers dining events.

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY.

Take an iconic steam train ride in May Half Term 2027 on the Spa Valley Railway when children can travel for free

Travel on the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells this May half term and discover the stunning countryside between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge where you can spot wildlife and wildflowers in abundance from your carriage.  Children travel for free with a fare paying adult and the family dog can come along too!

With a destination at each of the railway’s stations you can hop on and off as many times as you like with your ticket on the day of travel including the intermediate stations at Groombridge and High Rocks (check High Rocks for opening days).

Why not visit High Rocks or the delightful playpark which is just a short walk from Groombridge Station or enjoy one of the many walks from the station including one to nearby Birchwood Vineyards which has a café which is open daily.

On board the trains is a bar or buffet car serving a range of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks, as well as light refreshments.  Tea and coffee and ice creams are also available at kiosks located on the platforms at Groombridge and Eridge kiosks.

All children aged 0-15 years travel free when accompanied by a full-fare-paying adult.  Dogs travel for free too.

Train tickets: Adult – £16, Senior (60+) – £15, Child (2-15yrs) – free, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £32, Unaccompanied child under 15 – £9.

Train tickets are available from the ticket offices on the day of travel or you can save time by booking train tickets in advance on the website  www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 

A number of Dining Train Experiences are also available to book in advance including Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea or Fish and Chip, Ploughmans or Sausage and Mash events.   Also available to book are the Whisky Trains, Gin Trains or the Cheese Trains as well as the popular Murder Mystery or Faulty Towers Dining Events.

To find out more visit their family events page.