Spa Valley Railway

This was my first dive into Southern Region Heritage Railways and what a delight it was! And the weather could be no more like the typical April showers!
This 5.5 mile long railway boasts an impressive array of rolling stock and very picturesque stations! The Spa Valley Railway was operating a push-pull service on the day of visit, meaning a pleasant mix of steam and diesel experiences. The staff were keen to tell me how they always ensure the steam engine is facing up the gradient to provide the best "chuffing" noises from the engine! For a single train operation, I feel this line is long enough, making opportunities to stop at Groombridge very simple, as this didn't take too much time out of the visit, which could occur whilst waiting for a train on a longer railway. I did not stop at High Rocks, as there was little there to do and the platform is cleared of people and locked before the train departs.
As seen in the video I opted to take the train from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge, stopping at Groombridge on the return journey. I did plan on taking another non-stop trip up to Eridge and back, however, due to the train being delayed, I had to make a very difficult decision between another train ride or gift shop. Safe to say the Gift Shop was the right decision!
The Gift Shop located at Tunbridge Wells hosts a very impressive selection of O, OO, N and OO9 models in generous proportions, along with many model railway accesories. Also at Tunbridge Wells is the locomotive shed which is open for the public to view inside!
This railway, in my opinion, is the perfect balance between entertaining Enthusiasts and Families! The stations are all well maintained and the staff were very professional and accomodating!
A big thank you to the Spa Valley Railway Volunteers Nick, who gave me a superb tour of the Engine Shed, and Ian, who was very helpful in the gift shop!
PLEASE NOTE! If you wish to visit the railway by car, avoid parking in the car park directly next to the railway. This is owned by Sainsburys and Lidl so has a limited stay. I parked in the Pantiles pay and display car park which was an easy 8 minute walk to the railway through a woodland area. Another alternative is the Old Coach car park which is approximatley the same distance away, but with limited spaces. If you wish to visit by rail, Eridge station is served by Southern railway on the Uckfield Branch aswell as the Spa Valley Railway.
Thanks for watching!
Music:
. Globe by Pale Blue Eyes

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

I like the Spa Valley Railway,it is a nice railway.

[@SimonTog]

Good video James :)

[@jamestrains272]

Thank you Simon! Great to have positive feedback from my creations!

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

I like 257 Squadron it is my favourite locomotive on the Spa Valley Railway.

[@jamestrains272]

Hi Laurence! Yes the crew and station staff spoke so highly of it, I think it's their pride and joy! Maybe a bit of favouritism going on🤣