Spa Valley Railway

About the museum

The Spa Valley Railway runs on a line that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway opened in 1866 as an extension of its Three Bridges to East Grinstead route. Tunbridge Wells West was once a through station with direct trains to Brighton and to London Victoria. As traffic fell in the second half of the twentieth century, neighbouring lines closed one by one, and passenger services over the remaining section ended in July 1985.

A preservation society, the Tunbridge Wells and Eridge Railway Preservation Society, was formed in September 1985 to bring trains back. Public services restarted in December 1996 over the first stretch of less than a mile, and the line was then reopened step by step: to Groombridge in 1997, to Birchden Junction in 2005 and to Eridge in March 2011. Today steam and diesel trains with vintage rolling stock run on a route of around five miles with four stations, and part of the track is looked after by a main line contractor.

The railway is based at Tunbridge Wells West, where the station building and the engine shed of 1891 are listed buildings. The shed also serves as a venue for events such as model shows, and the railway runs seasonal specials, including a Christmas train ride in November and December. It is owned by a company whose majority shareholder is the charity that grew out of the original preservation society, and it is run largely by volunteers.

Highlights

• Steam and diesel trains with vintage carriages between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge
• Listed station building and 1891 engine shed at Tunbridge Wells West
• Stops at High Rocks and Groombridge for walks, pubs and a village play park
• Cross-platform link to national rail services at Eridge
• Seasonal events, including a Christmas train ride and model shows in the engine shed

Founded

1996

Operated by

Wealden Railway Company (owned by the Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society)

Admission & discounts

The adult and senior fares are the standard train fares quoted for 2026 events. Child and family fares vary by timetable day and event: for example the 2026 Bluey event lists a child at £9 and a family of 2 adults and 2 children at £41, while children aged 2 to 15 travel free over the Model Brick Show weekend (family £32). Tickets for special events can cost more.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Tunbridge Wells West station is reached by a level footpath from the Sainsbury's car park, and the ticket office, shop and toilets are on one level. A ramp leads to platform 1, the main platform in use. Wheelchair users can usually travel on Green timetable days, but the wheelchair-accessible carriage must be booked in advance, and some vintage carriages are not accessible. Visitors with disabilities are asked to contact the railway before travelling. There are no Blue Badge bays at the station entrance, but disabled passengers can be dropped off at the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The railway runs family events through the year, including character days and a Christmas train ride, and the Model Brick Show has a minifigure hunt for children. Groombridge has a village play park near the station.

Getting there & parking

The station is at Nevill Terrace in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Hot drinks are available from a coffee machine in the station gift shop, and snacks, drinks and ice cream are sold from kiosks at Groombridge and Eridge stations.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.