Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email spavalleyrailway@email.com

History

The railways grew up fast across Great Britain during the 19th and early 20th century. Train was a popular mode of transport and allowed many, for the first time, to explore other towns and cities. Tunbridge Wells had two stations build by rival companies, Tunbridge Wells Central, opened by the South Eastern Railway(1845), which is now the main railway station, and Tunbridge Wells West was opened by the London Brighton & South Coast Railway - LB&SCR (1866) and is now the place where the Spa Valley Railway runs from. Around1876, these two stations were linked by a tunnel enabling connections between the London to Brighton and the London to Hastings lines. From Tunbridge Wells West there were direct services to the South coast at Brighton and Eastbourne and north-bound to London Victoria. 

Above:- The former LB&SCR engine shed at Tunbridge Wells West - 6/7/1985. - Photo - P. G. Barnes

Passing into the ownership of the Southern railway in 1923, the route became a very popular cross country link with over 100 trains passing a day. Coming under the ownership of British Railways in 1948, Groombridge station was re-signalled and steam gave way to diesel multiple units. Gradually lines began to close all around with the Eridge to Hailsham branch in 1965, the East Grinstead to Groombridge in 1967 and the Uckfield to Lewes line in 1969. Unfortunately as the popularity for the motorcar increased, train services were severely cut back due to the lack of patronage and the Tunbridge Wells to Eridge section closed on 6th July 1985. A story all about the closure of the line can be found in our Line Closure section.

Above Right:- One of the last trains is seen at Groombridge on the last day - 6/7/1985 - Photo - P. G. Barnes

A charitable society was formed to fight for the reopening of the Tunbridge Wells to Eridge line. The group named itself, Tunbridge Wells and Eridge Railway Preservation Society (TWERPS). The campaign was a long struggle, but in the early 1990's the society acquired the line and by winter 1996 they were running trains 1/2 a mile of track towards Groombridge, hauled by RSH 0-6-0T "North Downs". This was helped by a merger between TWERPS and the North Downs Steam Railway at Dartford, Kent. The line was named as a result of a competition and so became the Spa Valley Railway.

Left:- Tunbridge Wells West station and yard 3 months after closure - 28/9/1985. - Photo - P. G. Barnes

After an amazing effort by members, the line was again opened through to Groombridge in August 1997, which took the total length up to three mile. News spread about the route and passenger numbers rose. The owner of the High Rocks Inn built a station at High Rocks, half way between Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge which opened in August 1998.

Many improvements have been made since then including the introduction of new steam locomotives, rolling stock and the building of a signal box, which came from Buckden (Cambridgeshire). This will eventually operate all the signalling at Tunbridge Wells West. Further developments at Groombridge are also planned. Along with the brand new station building that has been constructed, there are also plans to build a platform canopy, recovered from Gravesend West station.

Right:- An early open day held at Tunbridge Wells West, prior to the re-opening of the line in the 1990s. The date is 25/8/1996 - Photo - P. G. Barnes 

Plans have recently been announced to extend the railway to Birchden, a further mile from Groombridge, on our boundary with the main railway, but the railway's main intention is still to extend back to Eridge, a further mile down the line.

Last Updated 8 May 2004. ©M. Dives