Real Ale & Cider Festival: 15 – 18 October 2026
The Spa Valley Railway is preparing to transform its five-mile heritage line into an unmissable celebration of great beer, cider, live music, food and railway travel as the South East’s largest Real Ale & Cider Festival returns to Tunbridge Wells.
Across four memorable days, visitors can discover around 200 real ales, 40 distinctive Kent Green Hop beers, 14 keg beers and 70 ciders, with festival bars at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge stations. Heritage trains will link the venues, turning the journey itself into part of the festival
experience.
For seasoned beer explorers and curious newcomers alike, the festival is a rare chance to taste the hop harvest at its freshest, meet friends, enjoy the music and experience a heritage railway in full festival spirit.
Festival entry is free, so visitors can simply arrive, purchase a festival glass and start exploring. Rover tickets for unlimited heritage train travel throughout the day can be booked in advance or purchased at the stations.
Full event details, opening times and train tickets are available at: https://spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/real-ale-cider-festival/
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride: dates between 7 November and 30 December 2026
This timeless story has been captivating passengers at the Spa Valley Railway for the past five years and this year will be no exception.
The enchanting and theatrical experience brings Chris Van Allsburg’s classic blockbuster film from 2004, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ to life on a magnificent steam train. Just like in the film, guests of all ages are encouraged to wear their pyjamas.
Many families decide to embrace the festive spirit by wearing matching pyjamas, which adds to the magical atmosphere on board.
Selected dates between 7 November and 30 December 2026.
All passengers receive a souvenir golden ticket and sleigh bell. Ticket prices range from £39.95 to £73.95 depending on the chosen date and time.
Popular dates sell out quickly, so guests are encouraged to book soon at: www.spavalleythepolarexpressride.com
Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY.
For more details about the Spa Valley Railway, including ticket bookings, opening times, and volunteering opportunities, please visit: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk