Spa Valley Railway

        

I make no secret of the fact that I am a nerd. 

Part of my nerdiness is my love for steam trains and I cannot believe after living so close to a steam train railway station, it has taken me this long to take the trip!

In my defence, I have had a very busy summer since lockdown has been lifted, I am lucky to have had weekends filled with weekends away and meeting up with friends. 

Can I also blame the weather?

With a Sunday to myself, I had no excuse to NOT get on the train, and as Mr Poachie was away and therefore using the car, the steam train was the perfect way to travel and to fill my day.

The Spa Valley Railway is part of the villages iconic attractions. Stopping off at Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks and Tunbridge Wells each station is a destination. With fantastic pubs along the way and the Spa town of Tunbridge Wells, you can really make the day of it. 

I got on at Groombridge on the steam train and headed to Tunbridge Wells. I had timed my journeys to make sure I could take certain photo's rather than enjoying each stop. I have visited all of these places numerous times but if you are wanting to get off and explore then you won't be disappointed for things to see and do. I did think to myself that if you timed it right, you could probably do an amazing pub crawl!

My ticket cost me £10 which offered unlimited travel, regardless of whether the train was steam or diesel. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day and it is a very family friendly (and dog friendly!) day out. There is a cart serving snacks and drinks and there are some trains that offer special events such as gin and fizz, real ale or fish and chip suppers.

If you like the sound of stopping off at pubs along the way then you really are spoilt for choice. At Eridge station you have The Huntsmen pub located a stone throw from the station and they serve great beers and food in a super cosy pub or their sprawling pub garden.

At Groombridge, there is the Junction pub (my local) which does awesome burgers and pizzas, great ales and lovely wines. There is also the Crown which has a pretty setting on the village green and is more of a traditional pub, IMO the food isn't as good as the Junction.

The High Rocks pub, whilst very pretty has a reputation for being a bit naff.. I hadn't been there for years I think the last time I visited was for an ex colleagues wedding or a work Christmas party many moons ago. It's not my top choice for food but it makes for a nice pit stop in their pretty garden.

Finally you have Tunbridge Wells which has so much to offer. The historic Pantiles is filled with pubs and great places to eat and is only less than 10 minutes walk from the station.

I really enjoyed my day. I marvel at the steam trains and have made plans to photograph them when they are in motion. It is all volunteer lead so the people that run this must love what they do so much. I often think I was born in the wrong era as I find steam trains so romantic and it makes me feel I am in the 1040's.

I took this book with me 'Where the crawdads sing; which I read last summer but I fancied reading it again. Needless to say I didn't look at it once today as I was taking too many photo's!