Two main line stations, one heritage line
The stations are Tunbridge Wells West, High Rocks, Groombridge and Eridge (SVR stations, read 23 October 2026). The railway calls it a five-mile line; Groombridge is roughly halfway. At Eridge it shares the station with Southern trains, and at the other end Tunbridge Wells main line station, served by Southeastern, is a 10 to 15 minute walk via the Pantiles (how to find us). On the main line section the heritage slam-door trains lock their doors on the main line side.
Closed in 1985
The extension to Tunbridge Wells opened on 1 October 1866. The engine shed, built in 1896, still stands and is now the railway’s headquarters. It was bombed on 20 November 1940, and it closed to steam in June 1965. The Secretary of State confirmed the line’s closure on 6 July 1985, and the last trains ran until about 22:30 that Saturday night, worked by two Class 207 diesel units, 1311 and 1317 (history and closure). 1317 is now preserved on the railway.
Rebuilt piece by piece
A preservation society formed the same year, and it was formally incorporated on 7 May 1987. In 1996 trains returned between Tunbridge Wells West and Cold Bath Bridge, a distance of ¾ mile. Reaching Groombridge gave the railway 3½ miles of track, and in June 2005 services got to Birchden Junction, a mile further. On Friday 25 March 2011 the first Spa Valley train arrived at Eridge, hauled by RSH No. 62, known as Ugly, with GWR Small Prairie 5521 on the rear (history).
The old Tunbridge Wells West station building of 1866 is listed Grade II (Kent HER copy of the listing). The railway describes its 1896 shed as unique in the south of England, which is its own claim.
The engines
In service when we read the stock list: Bulleid Pacific 34053 Sir Keith Park and Caledonian Railway 828. The Jinty 47493 and the Terrier 650 Sutton were under overhaul, and No. 62 Ugly was on static display (steam locomotives). Class 33 33063 R. J. Mitchell was among the diesels in service.
Planning the day
There is no car park at Tunbridge Wells West, so use the Pantiles or the Old Coach Park, about five minutes’ walk, and stay out of the supermarket car parks. Eridge has a 100-space pay and display car park, off the A26 at TN3 9LE, and High Rocks has free parking at the inn (car parking). Well behaved dogs are welcome on a lead. The railway lists dated events, including The Polar Express in November and December.
Photographing the line
Walk up from Groombridge to Harrisons Rocks, where the railway says you can see the trains pass below (Groombridge station). A train seen from above through the trees makes an unusual picture. Upload yours and we will print it as a framed print or a canvas.
Sources: Spa Valley Railway history and closure; how to find us and car parking (both read 23 October 2026).
