The Spa Valley Railway in Kent is offering a £10 train journey from Tunbridge Wells West to Groombridge Station, timed to coincide with vineyard tours and wine tastings at Birchden Vineyards. The 23-acre vineyard, described by the railway as 'a little slice of heaven', produces wine, honey, and apple juice. Visitors can explore for free or book a guided tour and tasting for an additional £35, which includes a stroll around the property and three glasses of wine: The Gregarious Goose (still Bacchus white), The Foxy Vixen (still Pinot Noir rosé), and The Charmed Finch (sparkling Pinot Noir rosé). The tour lasts 60 to 90 minutes and ends at the Tasting Den.
Alternative £12 Journey to Wildwood Vineyard
Alternatively, a £12 train ride from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge Station takes passengers to Wildwood Vineyard, a 10-minute walk away. This award-winning, family-owned vineyard offers a 90-minute tour and guided tasting for £20 per person, with an optional Sussex Cheese Plate for an additional £12. Wildwood also features a small orchard, physic garden, wild woods, and a bubbling stream.
Rave Reviews and Practical Tips
Both vineyards have received positive reviews online, with Birchden praised as 'magical', 'idyllic', and 'delightful', while Wildwood is noted for being 'reasonably priced', 'beautiful', and 'fantastic'. The railway runs vintage steam and diesel locomotives. Tickets for the train journey must be booked on the Spa Valley Railway website, while vineyard tours and tastings are booked separately on the vineyard's website. Visitors are advised to check tour and tasting slot availability before booking train tickets to avoid missing out.
Additional Offerings and Getting There
For those who prefer other spirits, Spa Valley Railway also offers gin and whisky trains this summer. The railway is accessible from London via regular trains from Charing Cross, Waterloo East, or London Bridge to Royal Tunbridge Wells, followed by a 15-minute walk, bus, or taxi ride to Tunbridge Wells West station. The entire journey from London takes approximately one hour.
