All Aboard: The Railway with a destination at every station!
Spa Valley Railway has been operating trains through the High Weald since 1997. Travel by mainline trains operated by Southern Railway to Eridge where you can commence your journey through the wonderful High Weald Countryside and experience all the attractions they have to offer.
Spa Valley crosses the Kent and East Sussex border, covering a distance of 5 miles (8 km), along the former Wealden Line between Tunbridge Wells Central and Lewes. The railway headquarters is also at Tunbridge Wells West railway station.
The Standard Green Timetable has a wide list of destinations available to you and your fellow guests, along with the options of steam or diesel to host your journey!
Top Things to do at each Spa Valley Railway Destination
- Eridge Station: Here 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 the 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.
- 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.
- Tunbridge Wells West: 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.
Spa Valley's Rich History
The railway was engineered by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway's Chief Engineer Frederick Banister, as part of the East Grinstead, Groombridge and Tunbridge Wells Railway. This being an extension to the Three Bridges to East Grinstead Railway which had been completed in 1855.
However, as the popularity of the motor car increased, train services were severely cut back due to the lack of patronage, and the number of services passing through Tunbridge Wells West railway station declined as one line after another was closed from the 1950s onwards.
The line between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge was itself listed for closure in 1966, only to be subsequently reprieved. The line remained open, although in its latter years passenger services were mainly confined to a shuttle service between Tonbridge and Eridge with a few through trains to Uckfield.
The Spa Valley Railway has its origins in a charitable society formed on 13 September 1985, to purchase and reopen the Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge line. Named the Tunbridge Wells and Eridge Railway Preservation Society, it began the fight to reopen the line. In 2006, Spa Valley Railway finally marked the 10 year aniversary since its reopening!
Destinations & Rails:
- Tunbridge Wells West
- High Rocks Halt
- Groombridge
- Eridge
Get your tickets here today and enjoy an exciting day out of steam trains and beautiful British countryside!