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Written by Christopher Ward - 03 Feb 2006
last update by Jason Rodhouse - 25 Sep 2007
and by Christopher Morgan-Jones - 04 May 2011
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Location notes
The station is on the main line from London to the Kent Coast and at the junction of the Tunbridge Wells and Hastings line and also the line from Redhill via. Godstone, and is approximately half-way from London and Dover.
A permanent way depot has been opened to the east of the station. It can easily be viewed from the station car park.
Railway type and traffic
Frequent 375s and 465s, with an hourly 377 from Horsham, the occasional Channel Tunnel freight.
Environment
The station is situated at one end of the High Street in a residential area. It is probably best not to leave station after dark as the area is not the nicest you will see in Kent. Perfectly fine during daylight. A nice miniature steam railway with former SR van in the large park.
Road directions
From the M25, Junction 5:
Take the A21 towards Hastings, then follow the B1016 to the station.

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Tonbridge map co-ordinates
Parking
The station has a large car park, although it is restricted in size on Saturday due to a market. All car parks in Tonbridge within easy reach of station and all are Pay and Display. There are also a limted number of short stay (20minute) spaces in the area.
Cars can also be parked in the nearby Sainsburys but this is a council owned car park and traffic wardens are very prevalent.
Public transport
Regular trains from Charing Cross, Victoria, London Bridge, Ashford, Dover, Hastings, Redhill and Gatwick Airport.
Most local buses, Arriva, stop outside the station.

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Amenities
Toilets and a cafe on the station. Some shops can be found in the high street, simply exit the station and turn left.
Accommodation
There are a couple of Travelodges located in the area, and hotels in Tonbridge and Ashford.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Tonbridge

Googly map
Streetmap links
Tonbridge general view map
Tonbridge close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Tonbridge



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Photographic notes
Light good for trains to London after the early morning sun has risen a bit (so not early morning that way). Late evening not recommended for down trains as the sun is low and behind the trains. Can shoot in both directions, if you use the bridge imaginatively!


General views - All photographs © Christopher Ward unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west

A down train showing the curve into the station.

Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east

A Hastings bound train, with Ashford line in the background, through the bridge.

Fig 3 - Looking east


Fig 3 - Looking east

A down train heads into the station platforms.

Fig 4 - Looking east - Image © Jason Rodhouse


Fig 4 - Looking east - <i>Image © Jason Rodhouse</i>

This is the view from Railway approach, just outside the station.

Fig 5 - Looking east - Image © Jason Rodhouse



Fig 5 - Looking east - <i>Image © Jason Rodhouse</i>


Fig 6 - Looking east - Image © Jason Rodhouse



Fig 6 - Looking east - <i>Image © Jason Rodhouse</i>


Fig 7 - Looking west - Image © Victoria Rodhouse



Fig 7 - Looking west - <i>Image © Victoria Rodhouse</i>

To get to this spot, leave the station, and cross the road. Walk to the right, and take the first road down to the left. Walk straight past the adult shop, and you will notice a car-park to your left where you will be able to obtain shots from the fence line. There is a lane between the car-park and the railway, but there are signs up which prohibit parking here. Steps may be beneficial as is evident in the photos.

Fig 8 - Looking north - Image © Victoria Rodhouse



Fig 8 - Looking north - <i>Image © Victoria Rodhouse</i>


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