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Spa Valley Railway, Kent

In the early days of railway building in the 1830s and 1840s hundreds of small companies raced to build lines. Tunbridge Wells in Kent illustrates the feverish, and competitive nature of railway building during these years. Tunbridge Wells had two stations, built by two rival companies. South Eastern Railways opened Tunbridge Wells Central in 1845, while London, Brighton and South Coast Railways opened Tunbridge Wells West in 1866. From the beginning there were concerns about the inefficiencies of such competition. The railways represent the first time in modern industrial history that a large scale enterprise began to be considered as a public rather than a private asset. William Gladstone passed legislation limiting the cost of third class fares as early as 1844.

In a spirit of cooperation, a tunnel was built in 1876 between Tunbridge Wells' two stations allowing a more comprehensive service in the area. However, government support could not fend off economic realities. Once competition from road transport became overwhelming following the Second World War, the railways struggled. While Tunbridge Wells Central survived as the town's main station, Tunbridge Wells West and its line to Eridge closed in July 1985. But, fittingly for a service which didn't always put economic reality at the top of the agenda, soon after closing a group of enthusiasts set to work to reopen the line and station. Today Tunbridge Wells West is the base of Spa Valley Railway, which runs services from Tunbridge Wells, to Eridge, with stops at the village of Groombridge, and High Rocks on the way.

 

 

 

 

 

Address:Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY

Opening Times: The time table is complex, with services phasing in through spring and out through autumn. Go to the official web site for details.

Access: Most station areas are accessible, and there is an adapted carriage for wheelchair users.

Directions: Follow the A26 through Tunbridge Wells, looking out for the sign to Union House Public Car Park. Then follow brown tourist signs. There is parking at Union House and Linden Close. Click here for an interactive map centred on Tunbridge Wells West.

Contact:

telephone: 01892 537715

web site: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/home_02.htm

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