Take a journey on the Spa Valley Railway and experience steam travel from a bygone age.
Trains will operate in 2024 at weekends and in school holidays.
The Spa Valley Railway is a 5 minute walk from the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells and takes you on a picturesque railway journey through part of Kent and Sussex.
Enjoy lovely views as the steam or heritage diesel train winds through five miles of the countryside from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge and back with plenty to see and do if you choose to disembark along the way.
Top Things to do at each Spa Valley Railway Destination
Eridge Station– Alight here and you can visit the pleasant village of Eridge and enjoy lunch at The Huntsman Public House visit Wildwood Vineyard for wine tasting. In addition to this there are many picturesque walks through the woodland towards Harrison’s Rocks, Forge Farm and Groombridge. The station also has a new kiosk for ice creams, snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Groombridge Station– Groombridge is our principal intermediate station, so alight here to visit this historic village. It is also possible to walk to Harrisons Rocks, and if cycling, to get to the Forest Way (national cycle route 21).There are two excellent pubs in the village; the Junction Inn opposite the station (offers a 10% discount when you show a valid train ticket for the same day) and the Crown, as well as a free playground which has just been renovated and well worth visiting if you have young children. At weekends Groombridge Cricket Club are often in action at their adjacent Station Road ground. You can also admire the moated manor house, Groombridge Place (as seen in Pride and Prejudice), only a short walk from the village centre available to see from the footpath as the attraction is no longer open to visitors.
If you are only travelling on a 1 way ticket and eager walkers, this is a good point to join the Tunbridge Wells Circular walk taking you back to Royal Tunbridge Wells via High Rocks (approx. 2 hour walk). A great option if this is not your first visit.
High Rocks Station– This station was built from scratch in 1997 and is overlooked by the High Rocks Inn and ancient sandstone rocks that beacon all explorers. Please check trains are stopping at High Rocks if you would like to visit here as the Inn is sometimes closed for functions.
Tunbridge Wells West- This central station which is easily reached on foot from Tunbridge Wells town centre is also the final stop of the Spa Valley Railway line if you are coming from Eridge (Eridge station also serves as a mainline station bringing passengers from London so you can hop over the platform to the Spa Valley Railway line). While in Royal Tunbridge Wells you can walk round the historic town, walk over the common and visit The Pantiles which is a short walk from the steam railway where you will find a wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops among many other activities.
Tickets and Events
Tickets start from just £5 and may be purchased online or at the station booking offices. Please note the dining trains will need to be booked in advance as will some of the very popular special events including the Polar Express Train at Christmas which sells out well in advance of the event.
Family Days out at the steam railway include the popular children’s interactive theatre events in school holidays (Halloween and Easter), popular TV character events where children can see their favourite characters including Day out with Thomas, Bluey, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Bing and Flop.
The dining trains include Sunday Luncheon on the High Weald Belle, Murder Mystery Events, A Taste of Faulty Towers Dining Experience, Live and Let Die, Fish & Chip Suppers and Lunches, Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea and Ploughmans.
Other food and drink experiences include the annual Beer Festival in October, the Gin Train, The Cheese Train, The Wildwood Wine Tasting & Train Ride Experience and The Real Ale & Cider Trains and more.
On Green/Yellow/Purple operating days, a whole-line ticket allows unlimited travel and breaks of journey on the day of issue.
It is also possible to pre-book the popular driver experience days on the Spa Valley Railway where you can drive a full sized real life steam engine or book one of the heritage diesel train driving experiences.
Onboard Dining
The Spa Valley operate a variety of trains with on-board catering to suit all tastes, ranging from cream teas, afternoon Tea, fish and chips, ploughmans and three course Sunday luncheons.
Pre booking for all dining trains is essential.
All services including timetables special events and details of ticket prices, contact numbers etc. can be obtained from our website.
Did you know?
– The Spa Valley Railway is a dog friendly attraction and dogs can travel for FREE with their owners. The perfect way to explore new walks across Kent and Sussex.
-The railway is run by a passionate team of volunteers!
-The Spa Valley team are building a fully wheelchair accessible carriage.
Book your journey on the Spa Valley Railway today!
You can also bring you bike which can be put in the guards van and dogs can travel for free.
- Phone
- 01892 300141
Click here to visit the Spa Valley Railway website
- Post Code TN2 5QY
Booking is now open at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
