Spa Valley Railway Trip and Afternoon Tea for Two
Overview
Travel back with someone special to the bygone era of steam travel for a chugging trip through the High Weald countryside, and complement your day out with a classic afternoon tea.
Board a heritage steam or diesel train and your adventure will take you through five miles of picturesque Kent and Sussex greenery between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge and vice versa. The railway has a destination at every station and you’re welcome to hop off as you please along the way, so you can explore Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks or Royal Tunbridge Wells throughout your trip.
Once you’ve had your fill of scenery, make the 3 mile drive to nearby Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, where a delicious afternoon treat awaits. Sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and more will be yours to savour along with tea or coffee, perfect fuel for relaxing and reliving your scenic journey!
- SKU
- PSVSAT
- Locations
- 2 in the UK
- People
- For 2
- Validity
- 12 Months
- Rating
- 3.7 (200)
What's Included
- Steam and Heritage Diesel Train Trip for Two
- Travel through picturesque Kent and Sussex countryside
- Hop off as you please with a destination at every station
- Afternoon tea for two at Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
- Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
What happens on the day?
Hopping aboard Spa Valley Railway, you’ll head out on your steam and heritage diesel-powered adventure through the High Weald countryside. You can hop off and explore along the way, there’s plenty to see with a destination at every station.
Your afternoon tea will be served in the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, so just arrive ahead of your pre-booked time to be shown to your table ready to enjoy sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, little cakes or pastries and your choice of a pot of tea or coffee.
Participant guidelines
- Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult
- The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary
Availability
Steam Train Trip
2022 schedule to be confirmed shortly, with minimal availability left for the remainder of 2021.
The experience can only be undertaken on Green timetabled days and not Purple, Yellow, Blue, Orange or Red.
Please Note: Whilst every effort is made to haul the carriages with a steam locomotive and also the coaches as described there may be the need to use a heritage 1960s diesel locomotive or other carriages subject to necessity.
The Spa Valley Railway reserves the right to make such changes for whatever reason without prior notice being given
Afternoon Tea
Available seven days a week. Date restrictions may apply.
We recommend you book both parts of the experience at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. All bookings are subject to availability.
You should allow approximately 1 hour for the whole experience. Please ensure you have time to travel to the afternoon tea venue for your pre-booked time slot.
What about insurance?
The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.
Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the experience.
How it works
Customer Reviews
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Mark
18/11/2021
Birthday treat
Booked trip to celebrate my 60 Birthday. A very enjoyable day😀
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Christopher Fehily
21/09/2021
Spa Valley Railway Trip and Afternoon Tea for Two
We had a fantastic day. The train and hotel staff were all friendly and approachable. It was easy to organise the afternoon tea to follow the train experience. The heritage railway is very well organised and the stations are kept in very good order. The weather was exceptionally good for the time of year which topped the day off for us.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Nigel
12/09/2021
Very enjoyable experience
Giving ourselves plenty of time to get to Tunbridge Wells on a Saturday was essential,it's very busy traffic wise, parking in Sainsbury's was also ok as you are allowed 3hrs which was plenty.It was my first Steam Train journey so we felt like we had gone back in time.The cream tea which followed was also beautiful and to finish off we had a glass of wine,Great day,I would recommend it.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Mick
06/09/2021
A great day out
Super day - relaxing time and fitted everything in that we could
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Patricia
03/09/2021
We had a lovely day
We had a lovely day going up and down the line on Steam /Diesal trains until such time when we were due to have our cream tea in a local hotel. We had trouble getting a taxi from Spa Valley station. It would have been helpful if a taxi was part of the package as well. Cream tea was gorgeous.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
James
28/08/2021
Lovely Day Out
We had a virgin voucher for a round trip on the Spa Valley Railway, then a cream tea at the Mercure Hotel close by. Loved the trip and views, especially as we travelled on the steam version. Then a very nice cream tea at the Mercure Hotel. Very good value all round.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Jane
27/09/2020
Spa Valley Railway and afternoon tea
Very enjoyable trip on the train, plenty of space so social distancing was not a problem. The afternoon tea was nicely presented.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Sue
27/09/2020
Ups and downs
Booking was very easy and straightforward. The spa valley railway trip was brilliant, the afternoon tea not so great. We got 3 finger sandwiches, 3 rather small pieces of cake about 1.5 inches cubed of which the sponge was rather dry and an average size fruit scone each. My husband had a pot of tea and got 2 cups out of it and i had pot of coffee and got 3 cups. Unlike other afternoon teas we were not asked if we would like more tea or coffee.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
TheAAMan
23/09/2020
Railway Trip followed by Afternoon Tea
Disappointed to find out the steam train had broken down and would not be running but the Spa Valley Staff couldn't have been any friendlier and helpful. Opted to get off at Groombridge and walk from there - glad we did as it's a lovely little village with lots of open space. The Afternoon Tea was very well organised and again the staff attentive and helpful. Food was great and helped to round off a lovely day.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Kevin
21/09/2020
A happy Father's Day
It might have been delayed but this was a great day out on the Spa valley railway and then afternoon tea. Covid rather linmited our time on the railway but a great experience non the less and the afternoon tea was a great finale. The whole day was well organised and went to plan.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Jean
02/03/2020
Wonderful birthday gift!
What a treat! Thoroughly enjoyed the gentle pace of the steam engine chugging along through the countryside and the Afternoon Tea was delicious!
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Terry
28/10/2019
Spa valley railway
Trains are really good definitely go again
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Mick and Janet shepherd
28/10/2019
65th birthday gift from friends
Nice trip on the spa valley railway, beautiful scenery and the cream tea at the Mercure hotel didn't disappoint.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Ali
23/09/2019
Lovely day out
We have a lovely day riding the steam train up & down the spa valley. Then we had afternoon tea at the Mecure Hotel which was delicious 😋
out of 5 stars
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5
Sylvia
22/09/2019
Spa valley railway trip and afternoon tea
Excellent value, train trip is really great and had a lovely afternoon tea in the Mercure Hotel with very friendly and helpful staff. Recommend this experience.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Gerry
09/09/2019
Given for a Birthday Present
Really nice day out with my wife. The staff at Spa Valley railway were excellent and you could not find friendlier people anywhere - nothing was too much trouble in fact we are now thinking of taking the whole family there. Our meal at Mecure Hotel was alos excellent and again the staff were amazing. Thank you to all
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Sue
07/09/2019
Fabulous Birthday 🎂 Treat
Dedicated volunteers provided a great experience down memory lane , along some beautiful countryside . The afternoon tea was just so yummy !!
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
owen hall
11/08/2019
mr
the train trip and afternoon tea made for a lovely day out - the only probable is when activating and making a book - this needs to be simplified.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Malarn
15/07/2019
Very sweet day like a step back in time!
We visited the Spa Valley Railway in Royal Tunbridge Wells. It was a really lovely visit. The staff who are all volunteers really want you to enjoy your time on their lovely old train. The smell of the steam certainly brought it all back. We then went on to the Mercure Hotel for our Tea. The staff were very helpful and the little sandwiches and cakes were superb with a lovely cup of coffee! Just what we needed after our little trip. Would thoroughly recommend this experience.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Chris
21/06/2019
A great day out
It was an enjoyable day
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
David
17/06/2019
A Great Day on the Railway
Our experience started with afternoon tea at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells. The table was set for us on arrival and the selection of sandwiches and cakes was excellent. It was a most enjoyable experience. The following day we went to the Spa Valley Railway starting from the old station at Tunbridge Wells West. The steam locomotive and the carriages were beautifully restored. On the return from Eridge we alighted at Groombridge. Lots to see and a great day out. Highly recommended.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Mandi
13/06/2019
Christmas Present
A lovely day out. Railway is lovely and quaint and filled with friendly people. Afternoon tea was nice but as we were the only two people in the dining room at the time, a little lacking in atmosphere.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
jennifer wells
11/06/2019
spa valley railway
enjoyed the trip,pity there wasn't more steam trains.would do it again.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Stew
10/06/2019
Great day
The spa valley railway is a little gem the staff are so friendly and helpful all the stations are clean and tidy a must visit, we had our afternoon tea after playing on the trains it was very tasty only complaint the scones were too small he he
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Mel
27/05/2019
Amazing day out!
We had a great time, the train was brilliant the staff were very helpful and cheerful! The afternoon tea was fabulous too, great cakes!! Would recommend to anyone and would definitely do it again.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Beryl
22/05/2019
Spa Valley Railway Trip and Afternoon Tea for Two
Very enjoyable trip on the Spa Valley Railway through lovely countryside and excellent afternoon tea at the Mercure Hotel in Tunbridge Wells.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Justin
19/05/2019
Day out on Spa Valley Railway
Train journeys very relaxed and interesting. Staff very friendly. Excellent afternoon tea at Mercure Hotel Tunbridge Wells. Very fresh sandwiches and delicious fresh cakes beautifully presented. Staff attentive and friendly
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
david
20/04/2019
Spa Valley Railway and afternoon tea for two
Had a great time on railway afternoon tea at The Mercure Hotel was very nice would return again
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Clive
14/04/2019
Excellent tea and nostalgic train ride
Arrived early at the Mercure .Tea was served very quickly and friendly by Ernest. It was delicious. We had forgotten to book our ride on the Spa Valley Railway but there wasn’t a problem and we just had to show our voucher at the Ticket Office. Very helpful staff.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Sharran
17/03/2019
Lovely Day Out
Yesterday my partner and I went for a trip on Spa Valley Railway. We were disappointed that we were unable to go on a steam train but this is run by volunteers and there weren't enough unfortunately that day. That aside we loved our ride in the vintage carriages,the staff are so friendly and obviously love this railway. We got off and had a wander around a couple of the stations. Something we would recommend, you get a feel for the whole place doing this. All in all a lovely day out.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Steve
11/02/2019
Great birthday treat
Great birthday treat if you like trains. Nice to visit Tunridge Wells as well and afternoon treat was a nice end to the day.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Shelagh
26/10/2018
Train trip and afternoon tea
Excellent in every way
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Linda
26/10/2018
A wondetful birthday treat
A great day on the Spa valley railway - able to hop on and off and explore the local villages and pubs.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Colin
16/10/2018
Spa Valley Railway Trip And Afternoon Tea
Great day out on the railway through some 7 miles of track and lovely wooded country side the only disappointment was the train was diesel hauled rather than the steam advertised. It appeared the railway only had one steam engine which had broken down. The other slight problem was that there was the nearest car park was some 5 to 10 minutes walk away from the station.The afternoon tea at the Mercure hotel was some 3 miles away but enjoyable.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
George Lea
25/09/2018
Excellent experience
As an elderly couple we found the experience very nostalgic, the smell of steam and smoke, the magic of the steam engine close up, the restored old world carriages, it was a wonderful breath of the past. It brought back happy memories. The experience was made perfect with tea in a luxury setting.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Al
24/09/2018
Great days out. - Difficult to arrange
The day on the Spa Valley railway was excellent, but their website to confirm the booking was very confusing. The afternoon tea at the Mercure Hotel was very enjoyable, but the phone number to confirm a date was out of order! We had to find the hotel details and were then told the number had not worked for a long time, but they could not book us in we needed to ring another number they gave us. Both events caused a lot of unecessary stres for what should have been straight forward booking
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Andrew
17/09/2018
Spa Valley railway trip & afternoon tea
Sarah & I had a wonderful day on the steam railway. We visited Groomsbridge Place gardens which was just a five minute walk from the Station. The weather was perfect which was a bonus. Afternoon tea was a nice finale to the day.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
chris
10/09/2018
great experince
The staff were very helpful I would recommend both of the items.
out of 5 stars
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5
Jane
07/09/2018
A delightful day out!
Parking was easy and reasonable at Eridge Station. The Stationmaster made us some coffee which we drank in the sunshine waiting for our train. We trundle to High Rocks and got off the train to have a wander through the Rocks after an enjoyable lunch on the terrace of the hotel. Rejoiced the train and carried on into Tunbridge Wells. Walked around The Pantiles which was lovely, got the last train back to Eridge. Then had a delicious Afternoon tea at the Mercure. Everyone was very friendly..
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
David
19/08/2018
Brought back memories
Had a fantastic time going up and down the railway line with either a steam or diesel train. The coaches were lovely brought back lovely memories of days past.
out of 5 stars
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5
Michael
17/08/2018
Nice day
Nice day out, not so sure about jumping of at the stations as there does not seem anything within walking distance and you need your car.
out of 5 stars
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5
Peter O`Kane
13/08/2018
Steam Train Trip on the Spa Valley Raiway
The steam railway trip was a great day out for me and my wife. It was well organised and ran very well. We both had a great time. The cream tea we did not get as the voucher was missing on the information card. I phone the hotel to tell them that I was going to phone Virgin,they said they would send me a replacement but it never arrived.We had a small cream tea on the the railway.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Kim and Malcolm
13/08/2018
Excellent Day Out
Very enjoyable day - first the train ride and then the afternoon tea - absolutely perfect! Able to stop off at the stations and then catch the next train for a bit of sightseeing. The afternoon tea was very enjoyable with an excellent selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes, and an endless supply of tea or coffee. Thoroughly recommend this for a gift.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Ray
13/08/2018
Birthday gift
Great day out on the railway, not just steam trains, plenty of other things to do. Pubs and country walks. Afternoon tea finishing the weekend nicely as we were able to do this on the following day after staying the night in Royal Tunbridge Wells
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Kay Puttick
22/07/2018
A great day out and tea delicious
Good day
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Graham Jewell
10/07/2018
Mr
Very impressed with the service given to us by the adviser. As we are on holiday your adviser organised everything for us even to the extent of posting the tickets to us as we don't have access here to a printer. Please thank her.
out of 5 stars
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5
Tony
08/07/2018
Excellent day
Lovely little steam train took us on a ride through beautiful countryside and we stopped at a local pub for a drink.We then returned to the station and went to the Mecure hotel for afternoon tea which was delicious and very filling.
out of 5 stars
Based on 200 reviews
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5
Peter
30/06/2018
A lovely day
A lovely day out for my wife and I. It was a short ride on the train but with voucher we were able to stay on the train for more than one trip.afternoon tea at the Mercure hotel was a lovely experience
Locations
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
South East
- Tunbridge Wells, Kent