Dine in Style Onboard a Kent Steam Train
The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells is delighted to announce the launch of its 2026 dining train events calendar, offering an array of unique culinary experiences aboard its steam and heritage trains.
A Taste of Faulty Towers
Kicking off the year’s offerings is the much-anticipated “A Taste of Faulty Towers” dining experience. This internationally acclaimed production has been specially adapted for performances on a moving steam train. Returning to the Spa Valley Railway for 2026, the first event will take place on 17 January 2026. This immersive dining experience is widely considered the world’s most sought-after tribute to the iconic BBC sitcom, earning accolades such as ‘fantastic!’ and ‘outrageously funny!’ from audiences everywhere. Adults can enjoy the experience for £77.
Burns Night Dining Experience
The Burns Night Dining Experience will be held on Saturday 24 January 2026, beginning at 18:30. This exclusive event offers guests a memorable way to celebrate Burns Night amid the elegance of steam train travel, in honour of the legendary Scottish poet. Guests will be treated to a sumptuous four-course meal served at their seats on the High Weald Belle dining train. In keeping with tradition, the customary toast to the Haggis will take place onboard before the main course. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed by the stirring sound of live bagpipes, and the evening will also feature whisky, live music, authentic Scottish piping, and a scenic journey on a fabulous steam-hauled train. The evening consists of two return journeys along the railway, concluding at Tunbridge Wells West at 21:30. Adult tickets £70 and £45 per child (recommended for ages 12 and above).
New for 2026: Pie & Mash Lunches
Launching on 31 January 2026, the new Pie & Mash Lunches combine the classic charm of train travel with a traditional British meal. Passengers can enjoy a freshly prepared Pie & Mash lunch on board one of the heritage trains, departing Tunbridge Wells West at 12:45 and returning an hour later. Diners may choose from steak, chicken, or lentil pie, accompanied by mash and gravy, followed by a slice of cake for dessert and a drink. Ticket Prices: Adult £30 and Child (2-15yrs) £24.
New for 2026: Sausage & Mash Lunch Train
Also debuting in 2026, the Sausage & Mash Lunch Train makes its first journey on 7 February 2026. This event pairs a relaxing train ride with a traditional meal of sausage & mash, served on board a heritage train. Departures are from Tunbridge Wells West at 12:45, returning after an hour. Guests can select from pork, vegetarian, or vegan/gluten-free sausages, all served with mash and gravy, followed by cake for dessert and a drink. Adult tickets are £30, and children (aged 2-15 years) are £24.
New for 2026: Murder Mystery Curry Express
There’s been a murder! Passengers will find themselves going back in time to the 1940’s to meet characters from the quiet Cornish Village of Morlington Hill. This immersive event asks passengers to help solve the murder and find the killer during an exciting Murder Mystery night… enjoy a freshly prepared curry on board while helping to solve the crime on board! £58 for adults and £38 for children (12 to 15). Choose from Chicken & Spinach Jalfrezi, Lamb Saag or Chickpea & Spinach Rogan Josh (Vegetarian, Vegan or Gluten-Free) all served with Braised Pilau Rice, Vegetable samosa, Onion Bhaji and Poppadoms with Raitha, Mango Chutney, Tomato, Red Onion & Cucumber Salad. The first event steams out of Tunbridge Wells West station on 7 February 2026 at 6.30pm.
Other Dining Experiences
In addition to these new offerings, guests can book a range of much-loved dining experiences, including:
The Kent Afternoon Tea Trains from 17 January 2026
The Kent Cheese Trains from 17 January 2026
Fish & Chip Lunch Trains from 18 January 2026
Kent Cream Tea Trains from 18 January 2026
Murder Mystery Fish & Chip Supper Trains from 31 January 2026
The Kent Sunday Lunch Trains from 1 February 2026
Ploughman’s Lunch Trains from 24 May 2026
All dining experiences can be booked at https://spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/dining-experience/
Supporting the Spa Valley Railway
By travelling on this picturesque heritage railway along the line from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge including booking special events such as the dining trains, guests are helping Spa Valley Railway reach its fundraising goal of £400,000, which is urgently needed to replace a vital bridge on the line between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge station.
