Real Ale & Cider Festival at the Spa Valley Railway in Kent

The Real Ale & Cider Festival at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells returns in October

Train tickets are now sale for this year’s event which takes place in association with West Kent CAMRA between 17 and 20 October 2024 at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells.

Entry to the stations is FREE and there is no charge to access the festival sites at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge or Eridge but tickets are required for train travel. Trains will not operate on Thursday evening but Steam and Heritage Diesel trains will be operating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

160 real ales and 50 ciders will be available and these will be perfectly complimented by live entertainment at Tunbridge Wells West and local food stalls offering tasty food options.

The main “Real Ale & Cider bar” will be at Tunbridge Wells West and additional bars can be found at Groombridge, Eridge and on two of the three trains in operation.
On arrival at the Victorian Engine Shed starter packs will be available to purchase which include a glass, beer card and event guide. Food and train travel cannot be purchased with the beer card.

Train tickets are now on sale for anyone wishing to enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of steam between Friday and Sunday as several magnificent steam locomotives take to the tracks to taken passengers on a picturesque journey between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge.

Event Opening Times to the Beer Festival: Thursday 17 October: 18:00 to 22:00 (Tunbridge Wells West only, no trains are operating on this day.

Friday 18 October: Trains from 09:00 until 22:30, Tunbridge Wells West bar: 11:00 until 22:30, Groombridge bar: 11:00 until 20:30, Eridge bar: 11:00 until 21:30

Saturday 19 October: Trains from 09:00 until 22:30, Tunbridge Wells West bar 11:00 until 22:30, Groombridge bar 11:00 until 20:30, Eridge bar 11:00 until 21:30

Sunday 20 October: Trains from 09:00 until 17:30, Tunbridge Wells West bar 11:00 until 18:00, Groombridge bar 11:00 until 16:00, Eridge bar 11:00 until 16:00

There will be live music from early afternoon until close of the event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Food Stalls at Tunbridge Wells West: Fullers Butcher BBQ, Thai Food Stand and the Cheese Shop Tunbridge Wells. Catering kiosks will be open at Groombridge and Eridge selling a selection of sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, crisps, chocolate and other light refreshments.