Event The Kent Afternoon Tea Train : Spa Valley Railway | Steam Trains & Family Events in Tunbridge Wells

The Kent Afternoon Tea Train

Afternoon Tea Aboard a Steam Train

Step aboard for a truly unforgettable Afternoon Tea experience. We are proud to partner with Carly’s Afternoon Tea, who lovingly prepare and supply our traditional Afternoon Tea using the finest ingredients and a passion for exceptional baking. Everything they supply is homemade! Find out more about our partners here.

Treat yourself to the timeless elegance of heritage rail travel as you journey through the stunning High Weald countryside, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the Garden of England. Relax in beautifully restored vintage carriages while a magnificent steam locomotive carries you through some of Kent and Sussex’s most picturesque landscapes.

Indulge in a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea, freshly prepared and served at your table. Savour a delightful selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream, tempting cakes, and your choice of tea or freshly brewed coffee. For an extra touch of luxury, why not add a bottle of Prosecco when booking and make the occasion even more special?

As the countryside unfolds beyond your window, keep watch for the region’s iconic sandstone rock formations, charming villages and distinctive Kentish oast houses. At either end of your journey, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire the steam locomotive up close and capture the perfect photograph.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating a loved one, or simply enjoying a relaxing day out, there’s no finer way to experience the romance of steam travel than with Afternoon Tea on the Spa Valley Railway.

Sit back, unwind, and let us take you on a journey where great food, breath taking scenery and the golden age of rail travel come together. 🚂☕🍰

Freshly prepared sandwiches!

Tailor your Afternoon Tea to suit your tastes and dietary requirements when booking. Simply select your preferred menu option at checkout and let us take care of the rest.

Our Classic Afternoon Tea includes a delicious selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, featuring Coronation Chicken, Egg & Cress, Tuna & Sweetcorn, and Cucumber & Cream Cheese, alongside traditional sweet treats and refreshments.

For those seeking alternative options, we also offer carefully crafted Vegetarian and Vegan Afternoon Teas, each with its own tempting selection of savoury and sweet delights. We are also pleased to accommodate Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free dietary requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy this special experience in comfort and style.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, you can relax and savour your journey knowing your Afternoon Tea has been thoughtfully prepared with your needs in mind.

Please see below for full details of all menu options. 🍰☕🚂

Delicious homemade cakes!

Indulge in a tempting selection of handmade sweet treats as part of your Afternoon Tea, including zesty lemon drizzle cake, deliciously spiced carrot cake, and rich, indulgent chocolate brownie. Each delicacy has been carefully chosen to provide the perfect accompaniment to your journey through the beautiful High Weald countryside.

We believe everyone should be able to enjoy this quintessentially British experience, which is why we are delighted to offer Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free menu options. Whatever your dietary requirements, our catering team will ensure your Afternoon Tea is every bit as delicious, indulgent, and memorable as the classic selection. 🍰☕🚂

Tuck into a freshly baked plain or fruit scone!

The great cream tea debate continues – is it cream first and jam second, or jam first and cream on top? Fortunately, aboard our Afternoon Tea train, there’s no need to choose sides. With freshly baked plain and fruit scones served with indulgent clotted cream and fruity jam, you can enjoy them exactly the way you like.

Whether you're a devoted Cornish traditionalist or firmly in the Devon camp, this is your chance to savour one of Britain’s most beloved treats while travelling in the unique surroundings of a heritage steam train.

We want everyone to enjoy this quintessential Afternoon Tea experience, so we're pleased to offer Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free options. Simply select your preferred menu when booking, and we'll ensure your Afternoon Tea is every bit as delicious and memorable as the classic version. 🍓☕🚂✨

Proudly Supplied by Carly’s Afternoon Teas

At Spa Valley Railway, we are proud to partner with Carly’s Afternoon Teas, a wonderful local business dedicated to creating beautifully presented, freshly prepared Afternoon Teas for every occasion.

Based in the local area, Carly’s Afternoon Teas has built an excellent reputation for quality, attention to detail and delicious homemade-style treats. Every Afternoon Tea is carefully handcrafted using quality ingredients and includes a delightful selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and an assortment of tempting cakes and sweet treats.

Over the last year alone, Carly’s Afternoon Teas has supplied more than 1,000 Afternoon Teas for our passengers, helping us create memorable experiences aboard our heritage trains. Their reliability, quality, and passion for what they do make them a supplier we are delighted to work with and proud to recommend.

Whether you're enjoying Afternoon Tea whilst travelling through the beautiful High Weald countryside or celebrating a special occasion with family and friends, Carly’s Afternoon Teas helps ensure every journey is a truly delicious experience.

If you love the Afternoon Tea served on our trains, why not enjoy the same exceptional quality at home? Carly’s Afternoon Teas also offers beautifully prepared Afternoon Tea boxes delivered directly to your door, making them perfect for birthdays, celebrations, gifts, or simply a special treat.

Visit their website to discover more and have a delicious Afternoon Tea delivered straight to your doorstep!

Carlys Afternoon Teas

What's included in the ticket price?

A heritage train ride lasting around one hour.

Your departure time and station are shown on your eTicket. You will return to your starting station.

A delicious, freshly prepared Afternoon Tea served at your table.

The opportunity to stretch your legs to see the locomotive that has pulled your train at either end of the line.

Table service, which lets you order drinks from your seat.

Classic Afternoon Tea Menu

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches on White Bread

Coronation Chicken

Egg & Cress

Tuna & Sweetcorn

Cucumber & Cream Cheese

Homemade Plain or Fruit Scone

Served with Strawberry Conserve and Clotted Cream

A Selection of Sweet Treats

Lemon Drizzle

Chocolate Brownie

Carrot Cake

Tea & Coffee

Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey Tea or Taylors of Harrogate Coffee

Please let us know of any allergens or dietary requirements at the time of booking. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary needs.

Vegetarian Afternoon Tea Menu

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches on White Bread

Coronation Hummus

Egg & Cress

Cheese & Tomato

Cucumber & Cream Cheese

Homemade Plain or Fruit Scone

Served with Strawberry Conserve and Clotted Cream

A Selection of Sweet Treats

Lemon Drizzle

Chocolate Brownie

Carrot Cake

Tea & Coffee

Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey Tea or Taylors of Harrogate Coffee

Please let us know of any allergens or dietary requirements at the time of booking. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary needs.

Vegan Afternoon Tea Menu

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches on White Bread

Coronation Hummus

Vegan Butter & Cucumber

Vegan Cheese & Pickle

Guacamole & Tomato

Homemade Plain or Fruit Scone

Served with Strawberry Conserve and Coconut Cream

A Selection of Sweet Treats

Lemon Drizzle

Chocolate Brownie

Carrot Cake

Tea & Coffee

Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey Tea or Taylors of Harrogate Coffee

Please let us know of any allergens or dietary requirements at the time of booking. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary needs.

Children's Afternoon Tea

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches on White Bread

Either the adult fillings as per above or ham, cheese or jam. Carly’s Afternoon Teas will contact you directly to arrange.

A Selection of Sweet & Savoury Treats

Crisps

Strawberries

Cookie

Chocolate Brownie

Victoria Sponge

Drink

A choice of Juice, Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey Tea or Taylors of Harrogate Coffee

Please let us know of any allergens or dietary requirements at the time of booking. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary needs.

Booking Information

Advance booking is essential for all Dining Experiences.

Please note that, due to the limited number of tables for two, smaller parties may be required to share a table with other guests.

On the day of travel, please have your e-ticket ready for inspection, either printed or displayed on a mobile device. A member of our team will check tickets before boarding.

Please be aware that we are unable to offer refunds or transfers for customers who do not attend their booked event. As the Spa Valley Railway incurs costs for all confirmed bookings, these charges cannot be recovered. We recommend that customers consider appropriate travel or event insurance where necessary. Any re-booking will be subject to purchasing a new ticket at the full advertised fare.

TicketProtect is available for your order

We strongly recommend that you include this option, as your tickets are non-refundable. Adding TicketProtect will protect you against cancellations due to accidents, travel disruption on the way to the railway, and unexpected illnesses preventing you from attending. By adding it to your basket, you confirm that you have read and accept the TicketProtect Terms & Conditions, which we advise you to retain.

This protection is offered in-house by the Wealden Railway Company Limited, trading as the Spa Valley Railway and is only valid when purchased at the same time as your ticket(s). It is not an insurance policy.

Please note: you must take out TicketProtect for all tickets at the time of booking. Should you need to make a claim for one of the above examples, you can do so by emailing us at [email protected].

Wheelchair Users

If you require wheelchair access, please contact us at [email protected] before making your journey. This will allow us to ensure the appropriate space is reserved for you on the train.