Latest update: There are just two dates left to catch Alice’s Wonderland Express at Spa Valley Railway in 2026: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September. The interactive family adventure departs from Tunbridge Wells West aboard a steam-hauled train, with Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and plenty of Wonderland chaos along the way.
Overview
Alice’s Wonderland Express turns a heritage railway journey into an interactive trip through Wonderland. The Queen of Hearts’ Royal Train has broken down, leaving Alice, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter trying to put everything right before the Queen arrives.
Families are drawn into the story with riddles, a maze, activities and surprises, while travelling on a steam-hauled train through the High Weald. The event is produced by PNP Events Ltd, the team behind THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway.
What Happens on Alice’s Wonderland Express?
Passengers receive an activity booklet and help prepare the Royal Train for the Queen of Hearts. Activities include colouring the Queen’s roses red, making royal decorations and completing challenges to earn Royal Railway Stamps.
There are also character photo opportunities and a chance to see the steam locomotive during the visit. Your event ticket includes travel on the railway’s other operating trains that day, either before or after your booked Wonderland Express journey.
Remaining 2026 Dates & Train Times
The final Alice’s Wonderland Express dates for 2026 are:
- Saturday 5 September 2026
- Sunday 6 September 2026
Wonderland Express departures from Tunbridge Wells West are scheduled for:
- 10:00am
- 11:30am
- 1:55pm
The dedicated experience travels to Eridge and returns to Tunbridge Wells West, with the journeys scheduled to finish at 11:10am, 12:40pm and 3:05pm respectively.
Tickets
- Adult: £24
- Senior (60+): £20
- Child aged 2–15: £14
- Family 2 adults + 2 children: £62
- Family 2 adults + 3 children: £69
- Family 2 adults + 4 children: £76
- Adult + carer: £36
- Child + carer: £26
- Dogs: free
Advance booking is essential. Prices and availability can change, so check the railway directly before travelling.
Check Alice’s Wonderland Express availability and book with Spa Valley Railway.
Cake, Drinks & Dietary Requirements
A slice of cake and a cold apple or orange juice are included for every passenger. Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free cake choices are available, but dietary requirements need to be selected during booking.
Spa Valley Railway advises that cake options may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts, so anyone with allergies should check the current allergen information with the railway before booking.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users are asked to contact Spa Valley Railway before travelling so that an appropriate space can be reserved on the train.
The railway also lists discounted carer tickets for visitors who meet its eligibility criteria, including an Access Card showing +1 and certain qualifying disability benefits. Check the railway’s current terms when booking, as eligibility requirements can change.
Practical Information
- Departure: Tunbridge Wells West, Spa Valley Railway
- Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
- Booking: advance booking is essential
- Tickets: have your e-ticket ready on your phone or printed before boarding
- Seating: smaller parties may sometimes share a table because two-person tables are limited
- Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain under the table and clear of the aisle during the performance
Why See It?
This is a fun crossover between a character experience and a proper heritage railway day out. Rather than simply meeting Alice-themed characters, children get to take part in the story while the steam train itself becomes part of Wonderland.
With only 5 and 6 September remaining, it is also one of those end-of-summer family events worth catching quickly if you have an Alice fan or a little train enthusiast in the family.
More Alice in Wonderland on Clarissa’s Corner
For more trips down the rabbit hole, explore our Cirque Alice London 2026 guide for the Royal Festival Hall and our archive coverage of the Wonderland Musical.
Alice’s Wonderland Express FAQ
When is Alice’s Wonderland Express at Spa Valley Railway?
The remaining 2026 dates are Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.
Where does Alice’s Wonderland Express depart from?
The experience departs from Tunbridge Wells West at Spa Valley Railway.
What times does the Alice train leave?
Departures are scheduled for 10:00am, 11:30am and 1:55pm on the remaining event dates.
Is food included?
Yes. Every passenger receives a slice of cake and a cold apple or orange juice. Dietary alternatives must be requested during booking.
Can wheelchair users travel?
Spa Valley Railway asks wheelchair users to contact the railway before travelling so the appropriate space can be reserved.
More Days Out on Clarissa’s Corner
Explore more family days out, seasonal events and things to do across London, Kent and the South East in Days Out & Travel on Clarissa’s Corner.
