Kent: The Polar Express Train Ride

at Polar Express Events
Royal Tunbridge Wells Available from Sat 7 Nov to Thu 31 Dec

Free gift for children

+ tickets selling fast!

Book Spa Valley Railway tickets & spend Christmas in Kent aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway

  • Step into the magic of Christmas with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
  • Enjoy an immersive theatrical experience inspired by the much-loved festive story
  • From the moment you arrive, you're not just a passenger - you're part of the story!
  • Meet the Conductor, dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost and Santa himself during your journey
  • Don your Christmas pyjamas and dressing gown as you climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™
  • Sip hot chocolate, tuck into a cookie and receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa

Choo-Choo-Choose one of the best Christmas events in Kent onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™

  • Dates: Selected dates from 7th November - 31st December
  • Train Journey: Approximately 1 hour onboard
  • Total Visit: Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours for your experience, including time in the gift shop
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for families of all ages, with Baby on Lap tickets available for under 2s
  • Meeting Point: Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
  • Arrival: Please arrive 30-45 minutes before your scheduled experience start time
  • Tickets Include: Golden Ticket, approximately 1-hour train ride, immersive theatrical performances, iconic characters, light show, milk chocolate cookie, hot chocolate, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ story experience, Santa visit & a silver sleigh bell

Meet Santa & receive the first gift of Christmas - a shiny silver sleigh bell!

Leave Tunbridge Wells West behind and watch THE POLAR EXPRESS™ come to life around you as you set off on an immersive Christmas journey aboard the Spa Valley Railway.

Meet familiar faces from the story as the Conductor, dancing chefs and even a mysterious ghost make their way through the train. Sing along, follow the story and sip Hot Hot Hot, Hot Chocolate served by the onboard chefs as your carriage fills with festive fun.

Then it's time for a very important arrival. Say hello to Santa himself as he visits passengers and presents the first gift of Christmas - a shiny silver sleigh bell to take home and treasure.

What's included in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride experience?

  • Climb Aboard: Find your allocated seats, get comfortable and set off on an approximately one-hour journey aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™
  • Golden Ticket: Receive your Golden Ticket on the day and have it ready as you join in with the adventure onboard
  • Theatrical Performances: Watch the much-loved story come to life around you through an immersive theatrical performance
  • Meet Beloved Characters: Meet the Conductor, energetic dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost and other familiar faces from THE POLAR EXPRESS™
  • Storytime: Read along with the story of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ as the journey unfolds around you
  • Magical Light Show: Experience festive lighting and effects as part of your journey onboard
  • Festive Treats: Tuck into a delicious milk chocolate cookie and sip Hot Hot Hot, Hot Chocolate served by the onboard chefs
  • Meet Santa: Say hello to Mr C himself during a very special part of your Christmas train journey
  • First Gift of Christmas: Receive a shiny silver sleigh bell from Santa to take home
  • Gift Shop: After your journey, visit the exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride gift shop and browse official merchandise

Under 2s travelling on a Baby on Lap ticket will receive a silver sleigh bell from Santa, but will not receive hot chocolate or a cookie.

Brimming with Christmas characters, music, storytelling and festive treats, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway brings the famous festive adventure to life for the whole family.

Grab your Golden Ticket, pull on your cosiest Christmas pyjamas and book THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Spa Valley Railway today!

Location

Spa Valley Railway

West Station,
Royal Tunbridge Wells,
Kent,
TN2 5QY
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How to find us

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

  • By car: Use TN2 5QY to reach the railway. There is no on-site or nearby street parking, so use one of the public car parks in Royal Tunbridge Wells and allow plenty of time to walk to the station.
  • By train: Tunbridge Wells mainline station is around a 10-15 minute walk from Spa Valley Railway, with Southeastern services including regular direct trains from London Charing Cross.
  • By bus: Travel into Royal Tunbridge Wells and continue towards West Station on Nevill Terrace. Check current local services before travelling.
  • By foot: From Tunbridge Wells mainline station, allow around 10-15 minutes to walk to Spa Valley Railway at West Station.
Facilities
  • Heritage railway station and carriages
  • Wheelchair-friendly carriage, limited to one wheelchair space per train ,
  • Accessible toilets at the station
  • Gift shop selling official merchandise
  • Hot chocolate and cookie served on board
  • Allergy-friendly alternatives available
  • Public car parks nearby, including options with accessible bays ,
  • Disabled guests can be dropped off directly at the railway
More Info
Is The Polar Express Train Ride in Kent wheelchair accessible?

Due to the design of the heritage coaches, The Polar Express Train Ride is unable to accommodate wheelchairs.

  • If wheelchair users are able to climb a step and walk a short distance, the team can assist boarding
  • Wheelchairs will be transferred to the arrival station ready for when you get off
  • There are accessible toilets onsite
  • There are limited toilets onboard
What age is The Polar Express Train Ride in Kent suitable for?

The Polar Express Train Ride in Kent is suitable for all ages! Inspired by the 2004 blockbuster film of the same name, the journey will imitate scenes from the family-friendly movie. 

  • Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult. 
If I have separate bookings for The Polar Express can they be seated together?

No. Please note that if you have separate bookings, booked after October 10th 2025, The Polar Express team will not be able to pair your bookings together. We highly recommend booking your entire party under one booking.

Where does The Polar Express Train Ride in Kent depart from?

The Polar Express Train Ride will depart from Spa Valley Railway in Kent.

  • Postcode: TN2 5QY

You will return to Spa Valley Railway after the train ride. 

How long does The Polar Express Train Ride from Kent experience last for?

The team ask guests to arrive at the check-in time shown on your e-ticket.

However, you will not board immediately, as train times are subject to change for up to an hour due to network rail, which is out of the team's control. 

You will be on board for approximately 1 hour - 1.5 hours.

Please note: When planning your journey home, the team recommend you do not plan a journey home less than 3 hours after check-in time. This allows time for arrival, potential delays, seating and the journey itself. 

What should you wear to The Polar Express Train Ride in Kent?

The crew behind The Polar Express encourage guests - both young, and young at heart - to wear pyjamas, just like the book! Wear your dressing gown on top for an extra layer and immerse yourself into the world of The Polar Express.

  • For safety, guests are not permitted to wear slippers, open-toed shoes or flip-flops. (The British weather isn't very kind to fluffy footwear!)
What's included in The Polar Express Train Ride tickets?

Adults and Children have the same tickets, which will be scanned upon arrival. All tickets include:

  • A Golden ticket to ride The Polar Express.
  • Meet characters from the iconic film with the fully immersive theatrical performance of THE POLAR EXPRESS
  • Jump on board and experience the magical light show.
  • A delicious milk chocolate cookie
  • Indulge in some Hot Hot Hot, Hot Chocolate served by the on-board chefs
  • Read along with the story of The Polar Express
  • Say hi to Santa (Mr C), who will present you with the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell.
  • Access to the exclusive Polar Express gift shop selling exclusive merchandise.

Under 2s will only receive a Gift bell and no food or drink.

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