Spa Valley Railway Model Railway 2026 show
Heritage trains and model railways return to Spa Valley Railway this weekend
Tickets are now available to book online or at the station on the day of your visit for this weekend’s Model Railway Show. Enjoy train travel, detailed model railway layouts and specialist trade stands when the annual Autumn Model Railway Show returns to Spa Valley Railway’s Tunbridge Wells West Station on 19 and 20 September 2026.
Children aged 2 to 15 travel free with a fare-paying adult, making the event a great-value day out for families.
Visitors can ride full-size heritage trains, meet model railway enthusiasts and explore intricate miniature worlds throughout the weekend both on and off the trains.
The show will feature more than 30 layouts, specialist traders, family activities and attractions across the line. All-day tickets include unlimited train travel, giving visitors time to explore scenic walks, cafes and pubs, shops and local attractions in and around Tunbridge Wells during their visit.
Exhibitions will be staged inside the Engine Shed at Tunbridge Wells West, with additional layouts at Groombridge and Eridge. Selected trains will also feature model railways on board, making the journey part of the show.
From detailed branch lines and bustling stations to countryside scenes and engineering displays, the layouts span a wide range of scales and gauges, including N, OO, O, OO9 and S. Whether you are a lifelong modeller or looking for a family day out, there will be something to capture your imagination.
Specialist traders will offer model railway supplies, locomotives, rolling stock, accessories and expert advice for collectors, experienced modellers and anyone starting a new project.
Families can also join the popular Model Railway Hunt, following clues around the railway for the chance to win a prize.
An intensive two-train heritage service will run during the event, with Southern Railway Bulleid Pacific 34053 “Sir Keith Park” scheduled to be one of the locomotives in operation.
The show will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday 19 September and Sunday 20 September 2026.
The Spa Valley Railway Model Railway Show offers a memorable weekend for railway enthusiasts, families and visitors of all ages.
Tickets cost £16 for adults with accompanying children (2-15) travelling for FREE, £15 for seniors aged 60 and over, £9 for unaccompanied children under 15, and £32 for a family ticket covering two adults and up to four children. Book tickets here.
The best gardens to visit this weekend in Kent and Sussex
Summer at Merriments
The delightful Merriments Gardens are open daily including this weekend. Dogs are also welcome in the gardens and cafe.
Merriments is signposted from the A21 just before Hurst Green with plenty of free parking.
Merriments Gardens is set in four acres and is a favourite with garden and nature lovers due to its vibrant borders, year round colour, water features, waterfalls and ponds. Plenty of seating with wheelchair accessible pathways.
Dogs are welcome at Merriments in East Sussex
Afternoon Tea at Merriments
The conservatory café is renowned for its great coffee, delicious treats, and warm hospitality. Afternoon Teas that can be enjoyed in the conservatory cafe snug area or the gardens. Afternoon Tea from £25 per person. To book visit Merriments website.
Afternoon Tea at Merriments
Dining on a Steam Train in the heart of Tunbridge Wells
The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, Kent offers a number of delightful Dining Experiences on their steam trains so head over to their website to choose from Murder Mysteries, Afternoon Tea, Cream Teas, Ploughmans Lunches, Fish and Chip Suppers, Sunday Lunces or the very popular Cheese, Gin or Whiskey Trains:
The Kent Cream Tea Train – next event available to book is 20 September 2026
Step aboard for a quintessentially British experience and indulge in a delicious Cream Tea as you journey through the stunning High Weald countryside behind a heritage steam locomotive.
Sit back, relax, and savour the sights, sounds, and nostalgia of a bygone era while enjoying a freshly baked plain or sultana scone, served with rich clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry jam. As the steam locomotive gently hauls your train through one of England’s most beautiful landscapes, you’ll discover why there is no finer way to spend an afternoon. Available to book now
The Kent Gin Train, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells
All aboard the Kent Gin Train
Step aboard the Kent Gin Train and enjoy a memorable journey through the stunning High Weald while discovering some of the finest craft gins produced in Kent and Sussex.
Begin your experience at Tunbridge Wells West Station, where you’ll take your seat in one of our beautifully restored heritage carriages before setting off on a scenic steam-hauled journey. Waiting for you at your table will be a carefully selected tasting flight of three premium gins from renowned local distilleries, which may include Anno Distillers, Maidstone Distillery, Copper Rivet Distillery, and Greensand Ridge Distillery. Book your tickets here for the 5 September or 24 October 2026
The Kent Cheese Train
The Kent Cheese Train!
A truly delicious experience – cheese on a train!
Step aboard the Kent Cheese Train and enjoy a relaxing journey through the picturesque High Weald while sampling a selection of exceptional local cheeses. In partnership with The Cheese Shop, Tunbridge Wells, this unique experience combines heritage railway travel with some of the region’s finest produce.
Your afternoon begins at Tunbridge Wells West Station, where you’ll take your seat in one of our beautifully restored heritage carriages before setting off on a return trip along the Spa Valley Railway. Waiting at your table will be a specially prepared tasting box featuring four carefully selected cheeses, accompanied by crackers and chutney to complement every bite. Book your tickets for the following dates 12, 20 September or 18 October 2026.
Step aboard for a truly unforgettable Afternoon Tea experience. The railway has partnered with Carly’s Afternoon Tea, who lovingly prepare and supply traditional Afternoon Tea to passengers using the finest ingredients and a passion for exceptional baking. Everything they supply is homemade! Book your Afternoon Tea available on 6, 12, 26 and 27 September or 25 October 2026
Fish & Chip Lunches
Combine the charm of heritage rail travel with one of Britain’s best-loved meals as you journey through the beautiful High Weald on board a historic Spa Valley Railway train. Dates available to book on 23 Aug, 27 Sept, 25 Oct 2026.
Pie and Mash on the Spa Valley Railway
Pie & Mash Lunches
Enjoy a lunchtime meal of pie & mash on board the train! Each journey begins at Tunbridge Wells West Station, where you’ll step aboard one of our beautifully restored heritage carriages before setting off through the stunning landscapes of the High Weald. As you travel along the line, you’ll be served a freshly prepared Pie & Mash Lunch. Choose from delicious steak, chicken, or lentil pies served with creamy mashed potato and delicious gravy followed by a slice of cake for dessert. Complimentary drink is included. Book your Pie and Mash for 24 October 2026
Murder Mystery Experience on the Spa Valley Railway
Murder Mystery Fish & Chip Supper
There’s Been a Murder!
Step back in time to the 1940s and prepare for an evening of intrigue, deception, and suspense aboard the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
The sleepy Cornish village of Morlington Hill has been rocked by a shocking crime. What should have been an ordinary evening has taken a deadly turn, and a murderer is hiding in plain sight. Secrets are waiting to be uncovered, alibis don’t quite add up, and everyone is a suspect. Book Your Murder Mystery Tickets Here for 5th and 26th September 2026
Faulty Towers Dining Experience on the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells
A Taste of Faulty Towers: Evening Dining
Straight from London’s West End and the world-famous Sydney Opera House, Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience takes place on selected dates on the Spa Valley Railway! Book this hillarous event with delicious food here (now sold out for 2026)
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