Following a fundraising appeal and events, such as their Ale Festival, the Spa Valley Railway is able to reopen this weekend.

The railway will reopen on 18th April following the successful installation of a new bridge at Broom Lane.

The railway is deeply appreciative to everyone who has supported the appeal, as the repairs would not have been possible without them.

Trains are now able to safely travel along the line, and to celebrate, visitors will be able to enjoy unlimited travel all day across the upcoming weekend. Additionally, children aged 15 and under can travel for free with a fare-paying adult.

The railway is opening with a bang, with numerous special not-to-be-missed events this week.

This includes:

• Proper Pie & Mash – Saturday 18th April
• The Kent Cheese Train – Saturday 18th April
• Fish & Chip Lunch – Sunday 19th April

These specials can be found on their website, along with further information.

The railway has two years to pay the money owed for the new bridge, so their fundraising page is still live, and they are grateful for donations of any size.

“We are so excited to be opening again after only being able to offer a limited service between Tunbridge Wells West and High Rocks stations while the new bridge was installed.  The new bridge with installation has cost £500,000.  We want to thank our supporters and volunteers without whom we would not have been able to complete this project which was vital to ensure the railway was able to stay open for all to enjoy into the future.  We have two years to pay the remainder of the money owed for this project and hope that people visit us to help us raise the additional money required or donate on our fundraising page.”

Jonnie Pay, General Manager at the railway