Spa Valley Railway
The Spa Valley Railway runs 5½ miles between Royal Tunbridge Wells West in Kent and Eridge in East Sussex, on the former LBSCR Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells route, closed by British Railways in 1985. The line provides cross-platform interchange with the Network Rail Uckfield branch at Eridge — one of the few heritage railways in Britain to offer a direct connection to the national network — giving visitors the option of arriving at Eridge from London Bridge or Lewes and continuing by heritage steam to Tunbridge Wells West.
Tunbridge Wells West station is a handsome Victorian building that has been carefully restored, giving the railway a dignified and well-maintained headquarters terminus with the period character appropriate to a spa town whose Victorian heyday was contemporary with the railway's construction. Royal Tunbridge Wells's Pantiles, the historic colonnaded shopping street that gave the town its original spa identity, is within easy walking distance of the station.
The Tunbridge Wells and Eridge Railway Preservation Society was formed immediately on closure in 1985, and the first preserved services ran from 1996. The railway holds a collection of Southern Railway and British Railways Southern Region steam and diesel locomotives appropriate to the line's history, and the Bluebell Railway at Sheffield Park is easily accessible from Eridge via the Network Rail Uckfield branch, making a combined day visit to both heritage railways straightforward for visitors using public transport.
History
The TWERPS preservation society was formed in 1985 immediately on closure of the line. After lengthy negotiations and trackbed acquisition, the first preserved trains ran from Tunbridge Wells West to Groombridge in 1996, with extension to High Rocks shortly afterwards. The major 2011 development was reaching Eridge with cross-platform interchange to Network Rail, Spa Valley is one of relatively few heritage lines with direct national-rail connection to London (via Uckfield/Oxted).
Original line history
The line was the LBSCR Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells route, opened progressively in the 1860s. Tunbridge Wells West (the present preserved terminus) was the LBSCR's station in Tunbridge Wells, built 1866. Passenger services were progressively curtailed from the 1960s, with final closure in 1985.
Stations and infrastructure
Tunbridge Wells West is the eastern terminus, in the original LBSCR engine shed/station complex. Eridge has cross-platform interchange to Network Rail. Groombridge is a charming intermediate stop, and High Rocks serves the popular outdoor venue.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Events include steam galas, beer festivals, 1940s weekends, dining trains, and Santa Specials. The line is a popular venue for evening dining trains from London.
Visitor information
Eridge is on the Southern Uckfield Line from London Bridge / Victoria, providing direct interchange. Tunbridge Wells West is a 10-minute walk from Tunbridge Wells Network Rail station.
