History & Line Closure

Tunbridge Wells Central station opened by South Eastern Railway

Tunbridge Wells West station opened by London Brighton & South Coast Railway

Tunnel linked both stations, enabling wider connectivity

Became part of Southern Railway, route saw 100+ trains daily

Nationalisation; Groombridge re-signalled by late 1950s

Nearby branch closures: Cuckoo Line (1965), East Grinstead-Groombridge (1967), Uckfield-Lewes (1969)

Diesel replaced steam on local lines

Closure of Tunbridge Wells to Eridge line

Tunbridge Wells West depot closed

Birchden Junction link removed; Uckfield line re-signalled

Wealden Railway Co. Ltd formed, with TWERPS (Preservation Society) launched

Line purchased with help from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

First heritage service operated (half-mile to Groombridge)

Spa Valley Railway name adopted; reopened to Groombridge (3.5 miles)

Tunbridge Wells Central station opened by South Eastern Railway

High Rocks station opened

Jinty 47493 returned to service; Oxted unit 1317 returned

Work began on extension to Eridge

Line reopened to Eridge, fully restoring original route

Track and point work upgrades at Tunbridge Wells & Groombridge

Infrastructure & rolling stock investments, including LMS Jinty 47493, MK1s FO 3131 & RMB 1864

Over 80,000 annual visitors; hosts events like THE POLAR EXPRESS™, Beer & Cider Festival, and more