Autumn at Merriments Garden Entry £5
The best gardens to visit this weekend in Kent and Sussex
Children free when they take part in the Pumpkin Trail at Merriments every day in October half term until 1 November.
The delightful Merriments Gardens are open daily. Dogs are also welcome in the gardens and cafe. Garden Entry now only £5 for adult and children under 15 free.
Pumpkin Trail at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex 26 Oct to 1 Nov 2026
From Monday 26 October, families can also enjoy the Halloween Pumpkin Trail around the gardens.
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
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Spa Valley Railway
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from 7 November to 30 December 2026
All aboard for an unforgettable Christmas journey! The Polar Express™ Train Ride returns to Spa Valley Railway in November and December 2026, inviting you and your family to step into the beloved holiday classic and experience the magic of Christmas like never before. With golden tickets in hand, you’ll join the Conductor and his crew for a festive adventure filled with wonder, excitement, and heart-warming moments.
Book your journey which begins at Tunbridge Wells West Station, where the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season come alive. As the train departs, you’ll be swept into a live retelling of The Polar Express™ story, complete with favourite characters including the Conductor, dancing chefs, the mysterious ghostly hobo, and, of course, Santa Claus himself. Guests are encouraged to wear their pyjamas and fully immerse themselves in this interactive theatre experience aboard the moving train.
Throughout the journey, enjoy delicious hot chocolate and a sweet treat while listening to the classic story unfold. Expect magical surprises along the way—such as a playful visit from Caribou and an unforgettable moment when Santa presents each child with the first gift of Christmas: a beautiful silver sleigh bell, just like in the film.
After your return to Tunbridge Wells, the festive fun continues as you discover who’s made the naughty and nice lists and browse the exclusive Polar Express gift shop for special mementoes to remember your magical day.
Whether it’s your first time or a cherished family tradition, The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway promises a truly enchanting experience that will leave you filled with the spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss your chance to make treasured holiday memories—book your tickets now and join us for the magic of The Polar Express™ in 2026!
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
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 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.
Afternoon Tea onboard a Steam Train (you can buy a gift voucher to use for 2027 as Afternoon Tea in 2026 is now sold out.
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
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 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 (buy a gift voucher to use to book a future Murder Mystery Event in 2027)
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
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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