Travellers can swap the conventional festival field for a five-mile heritage railway as the Spa Valley Railway’s award-winning Real Ale and Cider Festival returns to Tunbridge Wells.
The festival opens at Tunbridge Wells West on Thursday, 15th October. Vintage trains then carry visitors between three characterful station venues from Friday to Sunday, combining a major drinks festival with live music, local food, and a journey through the scenic High Weald on a steam train.
The 16th festival will bring together around 200 real ales, 40 Kent green hop beers, 14 keg beers, and 70 ciders at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge, and Eridge. The railway journey is not simply transport between bars, the organisers explain. It is the thread that joins the experience, with heritage trains, countryside views, and drinks available on selected services.
At Tunbridge Wells West, full bands will perform on the main stage inside the atmospheric engine shed. Groombridge will offer a more intimate acoustic soundtrack, while Eridge will add its own lively mix of smaller bands. Freshly prepared food will be served across the line.
Entry to every festival site is free. The event opens at Tunbridge Wells West at 6pm on 15th October, with no train services operating that day. Heritage trains and the full three-station festival programme run from the Friday to Sunday October only. Rover tickets provide unlimited train travel between the venues on those three days. More details and tickets here.
“Few festivals let you arrive by heritage train, step into three very different venues, and enjoy the landscape as part of the day,” said Jonnie Pay, general manager of the Spa Valley Railway.
“This is a celebration of flavour, music, and railway travel rolled into one — equally rewarding for serious beer enthusiasts, cider lovers, and visitors looking for an original autumn escape with friends or family.
“We would also like to thank Royal Tunbridge Wells Together for its continued support and generous contribution towards marketing this annual event.”
