For romantic railway enthusiasts, what could be better than to celebrate Valentine’s Day by travelling back in time and taking a steam train ride through the beautiful High Weald countryside in Kent between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge.
Guests can relax in a vintage carriage and enjoy the journey as the train steams along a scenic five-mile route, with stops along the way at High Rocks and Groombridge stations.
An all-day rover fare will enable visitors to hop on and off the train for a walk, a pub lunch at the Junction Inn or Crown Inn in the impressive historic village of Groombridge, or The Huntsman pub in Eridge. At High Rocks, there is the High Rocks Inn and the strange sandstone rock formations interlinked by bridges in a woodland setting known as High Rocks, although they are not open every day and intending visitors should check before they travel. Also, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult whilst visiting the rocks.
Steam Trains will depart from Tunbridge Wells West Station on Valentine’s Day at 10.15, 12.55 and 15.35, and arrive at Eridge 25 minutes later. There will also be the chance to ride in a historic Class 207 DEMU No. 1317 that used to operate on the line before the line was rescued by the Spa Valley Railway. Heritage Diesel trains will depart from Tunbridge Wells West Station at 11.30 and 14.10, and as for the steam trains, the journey time to Eridge will be 25 minutes.
The Spa Valley Railway station at Tunbridge Wells West is a pleasant 15-minute walk from the mainline train station at Tunbridge Wells on the route between Tonbridge and Hastings.
There is a shop at Tunbridge Wells West station that will be serving teas, coffees, hot chocolate, and light snacks, as well as catering outlets at Groombridge and Eridge serving hot and cold drinks and light refreshments.
Further information about the Valentine’s experience and other special events can be found on the railway’s website at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
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