Alice’s Wonderland Express!
Families are invited to step through the looking glass this summer as Alice’s Wonderland Express brings a magical steam train adventure to the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Departing from Tunbridge Wells West at 10:00, 11:30 and 13:55 Alice’s Wonderland Express will run on Saturday 29, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, and on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026
Created by PNP Events Ltd, the team behind THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway, the new experience promises curious characters, playful challenges and plenty of Wonderland mischief along the line.
Oh dear… what a royal muddle!
The Queen of Hearts’ Royal Train has broken down, and she is stomping and grumbling her way through Wonderland. Meanwhile, the White Rabbit, Alice and the Mad Hatter are racing to get everything ready for her arrival – but, as ever in Wonderland, nothing is going quite to plan.
Passengers will be drawn into the story from the moment they board, helping the White Rabbit recover some very important missing words, finding their way through a maze, solving riddles and discovering surprises along the way.
A steam train adventure like no other
During the journey, passengers will complete a series of curious activities in their activity booklet. They can colour the Queen’s roses bright red, create royal decorations and help transform the train into a magnificent carriage fit for the Queen of Hearts herself. Each completed challenge earns a Royal Railway Stamp, bringing the Royal Train one step closer to being ready before the Queen arrives.
A treat fit for Wonderland
No Wonderland journey would be complete without a slice of cake. Every passenger will receive a slice of cake and a cold drink, with orange or apple juice available on board. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dietary requirements can be catered for, provided these are noted in advance when booking.
Steam, whistles and character moments
Alice’s Wonderland Express will be hauled by a steam locomotive during the journey, adding the sights and sounds of heritage rail travel to the interactive experience on board. Visitors can hear the whistle blow, watch steam drift past the carriages and enjoy photo opportunities with favourite characters during their visit.
Tickets also include travel on other Spa Valley Railway trains operating that day, either before or after the Alice’s Wonderland Express ride.
Train tickets for Alice’s Wonderland Express: Adult – £24, Senior (60+) – £20, Child (2-15yrs) – £14, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £62.
Advance booking is recommended on our website here. Subject to availability, tickets can also be purchased from the ticket office at Tunbridge Wells West on the day of travel:
Alongside the on-board entertainment, visitors can enjoy hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, as well as light refreshments from the bar or buffet car.
The railway also offers a wide range of pre-bookable dining experiences throughout the summer, including Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, Fish and Chips, Ploughman’s and Sausage and Mash events, alongside themed experiences such as Whisky Trains, Gin Trains, Cheese Trains, Murder Mystery evenings and Faulty Towers dining events.
About the Spa Valley Railway
The Spa Valley Railway is a five-mile heritage railway operating steam and diesel trains using vintage rolling stock between Tunbridge Wells West in Kent and Eridge in East Sussex. Four miles of the line are managed by Spa Valley Railway, with the remaining mile maintained by a mainline railway contractor on behalf of Network Rail.
Founded in 1985 by the Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society (a registered charity), the railway is owned by the Wealden Railway Company with the supporting charitable organisation being the majority shareholder.
More than 85,000 visitors travel on Spa Valley Railway each year, making it the biggest tourist attraction in Tunbridge Wells.
