Spa Valley Railway - (Tunbridge Wells West Station) — Attraction in Tunbridge Wells

On the 27.04.24 we visited Spa Valley - Thomas the Tank Engine Day out, and feel quite disappointed. We paid for 4 tickets 3xadults and 1xchild who is 2 years old and mad about Thomas! We had our 5 month old with us also and although we knew the buggy couldn’t go onboard we didn’t realise it would be left out in the rain to get soaking wet as there was no room under the canopy, but a member of staff reassured us that once everyone boarded the train that the buggy’s that weren’t quite under the canopy would be moved under somewhere dry, this did not happen! So once we got back to the buggy after the journey our buggy was sopping. The Thomas train ride (first one at 10am) was very basic but we didn’t mind as our little one thought Thomas was driving us so it was more the experience, but we did think that maybe there would have been other engines we would see along the journey or things from Thomas the Tank engine but other than seeing Thomas before we boarded it was no different than a normal train ride. Whilst on the train we visited the buffet carriage, unfortunately the only option my little one could have, as she is dairy free, were the Pom bears even though you stated you catered for allergies/dietry requirements. Once we got off the train it was very difficult to get back to the main building due to people trying to get on, as one member of staff were letting people through and then another telling them to go back as the carriages needed cleaning! Once we got into the main building, we were told that we had to leave our buggy outside but this was not an option for us with a 5 month old! We tried to move around but it was far too packed with too many people, and this was with us being the first lot of people attending! The train table was up far to high for my 2 year old and the small train table (40x40 I would say) was very busy but she managed to play a little. We then moved on to get a temporary tattoo and was told she had to be 3!! This was not stated when booking!! Surely it should be down to the parents? We tried to watch the show but with only a few seats we were unable to sit and unable to see with everyone standing. My little one noticed the bubbles and loves bubbles, she tried to play with them but couldn’t as people were up and down trying to get through! We stopped to try and play some of the games and picked up the bean bags to play with the Thomas game but children were climbing all over it, a lady member of staff did try to get them down but failed so we had to put the bean bags down as the parents were no where to be seen and clearly were not listening to us. By this point we had enough and left! We were very disappointed and as you can imagine we had a very upset 2 year old! We paid over £80 for these tickets so I hope you can see our...

Exceptional! I went with my family for the Polar Express Experience, and it was magical, both for kids and adults alike. I was a bit dubious prior to going, being a grumpy 48 old ex-squaddie, however, it was absolutely mustard from start to finish. The experience itself was split into different tiers so patron's can pay for what they want. The premises are an existing railway, again, well worth a visit, my only gripe would be more signage for walkers in future years. On arrival, you're met by steward's pointing the way to food and drink units, a welcome sight due to the wet and cold weather. There was a covered waiting area, you had to enter via a "naughty or nice" detector, very nice touch. It was well organised, good to see people dressed in PJ's totally getting into the mood! Masks and social distancing were being adhered to as well. Without spoiling the experience, it matches the film very closely, and the entrance of the Train is a sign of what follows, absolutely brilliant. Kudos to all the staff, actors and organisers, everyone was friendly, helpful and got everyone into the Christmas spirit, a very welcome distraction. I would highly recommend going for the premium package, it's nice to come away with decent keepsakes. Overall, an excellent evening, can't wait to go again and visit the station off season as...

Tunbridge Wells West offers a delightful experience for families with kids. The main draw here is the enchanting train ride that takes you on a scenic journey through the picturesque countryside. It's a perfect outing for young train enthusiasts, and even adults can appreciate the tranquil beauty of the landscapes passing by.

One of the standout aspects of this experience is the relatively low crowd levels. This means you and your family can truly enjoy the ride without feeling cramped or rushed. The staff deserves kudos for their friendly and attentive service. Their passion for trains is evident, and they are more than willing to share interesting tidbits and historical facts about the locomotives and the route.

For children, this is a memorable adventure. The combination of a vintage train and the idyllic countryside provides an educational and fun experience. They can get up close with the steam engine, which is often a thrilling sight for little ones.

In summary, Tunbridge Wells West is a hidden gem for families seeking a unique day out. The scenic train ride, accommodating staff, and lack of overcrowding make it a must-visit for anyone looking to create cherished memories with their kids while exploring the charm of...