Raise a glass this March as the Spa Valley Railway hosts their inaugural Spring Ales Festival at Tunbridge Wells West station. 

Taking place from Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March 2026, the celebration is set to transform the Victorian engine shed into a haven for beer, ale, and cider lovers.

All in support of the Broom Lane Bridge appeal, a £400,000 appeal by the Spa Valley Railway towards replacing an ageing bridge along their route, which, thanks to the support of generous donors, has now already reached £100,000. Every penny spent at the festival goes towards keeping the heritage railway and its infrastructure alive.

Festivalgoers can enjoy daily train rides alongside an impressive selection of at least 90 ales and 30 ciders, including light and dark brews and even mulled cider. Live music from local bands will add to the friendly and lively atmosphere each day of the event.

While the Broom Lane Bridge is being replaced, a special passenger shuttle train – Class 09 09004 with a Queen Mary Brake Van – will run between Tunbridge Wells West and Broom Lane Bridge, providing an additional offering to get a closer look at the new structure. The bar car ‘Kate’ will also be serving drinks on board the service.

Tickets to the Spring Ales Festival, including an all-day travel ticket for £10, are available here.

“A passenger shuttle service will operate from Tunbridge Wells West to Broom Lane Bridge, calling at High Rocks. A round trip is 4 miles which involves shuttling up and down a few times before returning to Tunbridge Wells West.

“In addition, Class 09 09004 will operate with our Queen Mary Brake Van, giving you the opportunity to see the new bridge first hand with the knowledge that each pint you purchase will be going towards this vital infrastructure project which is essential to keeping the railway operating into the future.”

Jonnie Pay, General Manager of the railway