West
Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
enquiries@spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Wheelchair Access
The Spa Valley Railway is pleased to offer less able passengers a range of facilities to enable them to enjoy their day out with us. Most areas can be accessed from the level or by wheelchair-friendly ramps.
Tunbridge
Wells West
Our Tunbridge Wells West station has level access by footpath from Sainsbury’s car park. Visitors can be dropped off nearby, and the ticket office, shop and toilets are all on the same level
Although
it is not possible to offer wheelchair access to our Static Buffet, our friendly
staff are always on hand to bring refreshments to you at one of the concourse
picnic tables, and assist in any way possible.
It
is sometimes possible to arrange a tour of the shed to view locomotives,
carriages and wagons undergoing restoration, but this should be requested in
advance by telephoning the station on 01892 537715.
Our shed is a working environment and for safety reasons we are not able
to offer visitors unrestricted access.
Access
to trains is by a ramp onto the platform (left).
High
Rocks
Access
to the station is down a series of ramps from the car park and road, but please
note that the path is made from small shingle.
Passengers alighting at High Rocks can gain access to the pub garden by
crossing a mown grass area.
Groombridge
There
is level access to all areas of Groombridge station.
The entrance is alongside the old station building, but please note
parking in front of the building is not permitted as it is now in private
ownership. Passengers can however
be dropped off near the entrance and there is a small parking area alongside the
station approach road under the horse chestnuts by the bus shelter.. The
Spa Valley station building has two wheelchair-accessible toilets and a
refreshment kiosk.
Eridge
Due to the fact that Eridge is
an original country station dating from the 1880s, the platforms are regrettably
only accessible via five steps up from the car park, or down a flight of stairs
from Southern's booking hall.
Travelling
on the Train
We have adapted a passenger saloon
carriage to accommodate three wheelchairs in the same format as seats -
positioned round a table for four and two conventional seats, or across an open
bay facing two further seats. Access to this carriage is by means of a purpose-built ramp which is
carried on the train. The guard or
one of his assistants will be pleased to put this in position and give whatever
help may be required.
Converted
with wheelchair users in mind, this coach has a wider corridor and doors, and
seats have been removed to allow wheelchairs to be turned and positioned at a
table if required. Once aboard,
passengers can sit with family and friends, admire the passing scenery
and enjoy refreshments from the adjacent Buffet Car.
Above Left:-
This carriage
has been converted for wheelchair use, and a portable ramp is provided.
Above Right:- The view
through the brake compartment showing the access to the passenger saloon.
Below
Left and Right:-
Inside the saloon passengers can sit with friends and enjoy
refreshments from our award winning bar car at specially converted tables.
Although this carriage is in service most service days, it is strongly advised that disabled visitors telephone the Railway in advance, as occasionally it is taken out of traffic for maintenance. Also, if party organisers could contact us beforehand, we can ensure sufficient staff are on hand to give assistance if required.
The Good Access Guide lists various attractions which have improved access for disabled people, including the Spa Valley Railway. This includes shops, businesses and visitor attractions.
Last Updated 11th May 2011. © Spa Valley Railway