The iconic Bluebell Railway is one of the most famous in the UK and has one of the largest collections of steam locomotives in the UK. Let’s go full steam ahead with a visit to this vintage Sussex gem.
What is The Bluebell Railway, Sussex?
The Bluebell Railway is managed and staffed mainly by volunteers and runs for 17.7 kilometers between East and West Sussex.
Sheffield Park Railway Station
There are several picturesque railway stations where you can join the Bluebell line. We chose Sheffield Park which as you can see looks more like someone’s private home from the outside than a fully functioning train station.
As you walk up towards the station, you’ll notice a selection of vintage advertising signs decorating the white picket fencing.
It’s like stepping back in time when you enter the ticket hall which has been beautifully preserved.
Visitors can freely wander around the locomotive shed, looking at the steam engines on display. There are over 30 locomotives and almost 150 carriages and wagons.
If some of these look familiar, that’s because a few have featured in the famous Thomas the Tank Engine childrens’s story books, including Fenchurch and his younger brother Stepney. The Bluebell Railway itself has been used for various films, television and for advertisements.
These include A Room with a View, 102 Dalmatians, Miss Potter, Downton Abbey, The Woman in Black and Muppets Most Wanted.
We spotted this volunteer polishing up one of the trains before heading over to platform 2 there’s a great museum which explains the history of the Bluebell Railway from its inception in 1882 to today. The lady working there is absolutely charming.
Visitors can also see this Golden Arrow Pullman dining train. It brought back great memories of our trip on the Belmond British Pullman to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. These trains are a lovely setting for a special meal and they also host murder mystery evenings.
After witnessing the “crime”, you then board the Golden Arrow and have a three course meal whilst working out who dunnit.
Besides the vintage Pullman dining car, there are lots of special events throughout the year – afternoon tea and Father Christmas specials to name just a few.
Bluebell Steam Railway Trip
Excitement mounted as the train pulled in with a whoosh of steam and we were able to board. Some of the carriages have more of a retro feel than others so make sure to walk around and choose the one you like best.
After a toot of the horn, we were off – we would say racing through the countryside but it was a rather more sedate pace 😉 Everywhere we passed, people stood waving at us – if only all train journeys were as nice as this.
Each station has its own identity, having been restored to show a different era of rail travel. Sheffield Park has a Victorian ambience, Horsted Keynes has a 1920s/30s feel and Kingscote is straight out of the 1950s.
There’s even a link up with the national network at East Grinstead – and you can grab refreshments in the stationary railway carriage there.
Visiting the Bluebell Railway
Visiting Information
Check the Bluebell Railway website for timetables and fares.
Things to Do Near the Bluebell Railway
The National Trust Garden of Sheffield Park is just a short walk from Sheffield Park station. The Garden is open every day except Christmas Day. Kids and big kids will love the Llama Park.
Bluebell Railway Refreshments
At East Grinstead you can dine in the railway carriage café, the Grinsteade Buffet. At Sheffield Park we recommend The Bessemer Arms for a sandwich or full meal. On Sundays there’s a carvery available in the Birch Grove Suite.
Bluebell Railway Shop
The shop on platform 1 has a wide range of commemorative souvenirs and gifts including model railways.
Where to Stay Near the Bluebell Railway
We stayed at stunning Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, next to the Llama Park. It’s very handily located for The Bluebell Railway.
We hope that you enjoyed this trip to the Bluebell Railway line. Have you ever been on a steam train?
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Those old stream trains are so cool
Candice Beauty Candy Loves
I know and they’re surprisingly comfortable!
Awesome post xo
http://fridaynightstyle.com/
Thanks Olivia, have a good week
Hope you had as amazing a time as I did, Gabrielle. When you are next in London let me know and we can have a drink
I love it looks so vintage! would love to visit someday 🙂
The Fashion Matters- Fashion & Travel Magazine
I hope that you get the chance Hadas
I’ve never had the pleasure of riding on a steam train, but I have definitely seen one in action. I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be on one. Thanks for posting this girl.
Kia / House of KTS
www.houseofkts.com
It’s a step back to a slower paced way of life – I could do with that more often! Hope you’re well, Kia
Wow, looks like such an interesting place to visit! I’ve never been on a steam train…definitely want to someday!
You could do a photo of one in ruins if that exists!
This looks wonderful. My boyfriend loves trains, so I might have to look into this! Plus, llama park?! Amaze.
Lisa | Not Quite Enough
I know, what’s not to like! Those llamas are really funny creatures
Cool place, really interesting!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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It was great Paola, I think you’d have done a great fashion shoot there – I was tempted!
Great photos, what a beautiful place to visit!
http://www.racheldinh.com
Glad you liked the pics, Rachel – thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing this, I didn’t know it existed but I love anything that allows me to go back in time and relive the past. I have no idea why I love it so much but since I was young I’ve always had a mild obsession with things old. I love going to old castles and mansions that have been kept as they were in older times. There’s also this lovely place near us called Beamish which is a town that has been kept as if it was in the wars still and has people in the houses doing things they would have in the early 1900’s. LOVE IT!
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I’m a fan of all things retro too, especially the 50s. I’ve heard of Beamish but I didn’t know people lived as in the 1900s, you should definitely do a blog post on that!
This is something we simply must experience, it looks like too much fun!
ISA Professional
You really should visit if you get a chance, it’s such a memorable experience
I live SO close to this. In fact, the line runs through the back of my house, but I haven’t visited in years. I must make a trip back at some point, as there is nothing I like more than a tourist attraction. Thanks for this!
Annabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
That’s funny, you could almost hop on from the back garden! I’d love to hear how it has changed since you last went
Oh I wish I had known about this gem sooner. One I shall book mark Suze, the BFs dad would love it! xx
Zoe | Love and Limoncello
I’m sure he would, especially if you go for afternoon tea or one of their other special events. I’d love to do the murder mystery one
We have visited a few times and it is the best day out, looks like you had wonderful weather too. This week I am doing similar on a steam train with a murder mystery hopefully should be good fun Lucy x
The weather was brilliant, we were so lucky – Mr Luxe is putting together a GoPro of the experience. Can’t wait to read about your murder mystery trip Lucy
Oh wow! This sounds like such a fun trip. How awesome that these have been featured in so many movies and such! Also – you’re making me miss the UK!
xx Chelsea
www.organizedmessblog.com
Who knows, maybe you have a vintage steam train in Pennsylvania? Thanks for stopping by
I love things like this!! Steam trains, things from another time that somehow transcended into the present. This looks like SO MUCH fun. Love the Father Christmas involvement 🙂
XOXO
www.kellmenow.com
It’s amazing how efficient the trains still are, really comfy and departed bang on time!
These trains are so cool!
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I can totally see you doing a vintage style outfit post here Laura!
This place looks awesome.
Finally, you made it!
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I know, took me quite a few years to get round to it but was worth the wait!
Brings back lots of childhood memories! We used to visit from Horsted Keynes and I loved the train journey. Since then I’ve ridden British Pullman a few times – always a wonderful day out 🙂
Horsted Keynes seemed like a really picturesque station, and I love the Pullman too – a great day out
This is so sweet! Sounds like a perfect afternoon trip. I love the sound of the murder mystery evenings – so much fun!
Lauren xx | The Lifestyle Diaries
I’d love to try one of those, very Cluedo!
I absolutely adore steam trains- there is just something so fun and nostalgic abut them. I have been on a steam train a few times as my Grandfather actually opened one in my town back in the UK 🙂
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
How cool is that, you should interview your Grandad for the blog or tell his story
I love traveling by train! For our honeymoon in SE Asia, we did the Orient Express, which felt just as glamorous as an old Hitchcock film! I loved that people still dressed for dinner!!!
I’d love to go on the Orient Express, I’ve been on a Pullman which is also quite glam – and I’m a Hitchcock fan too!
I like train trips but no longer than 3-4 hours max. So cool that you got to visit this place, seems like a fun experience!
www.LUXESSED.com
This one was about an hour there and back but some people just go from one stop to the next, it’s great fun
Gorgeous shots, lady!
Happy Tuesday!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
My kids love this bluebell railway! It’s near where their grandparents live.
This is too cute! Great photographs! I love how you can have afternoon or dine on one of the carriages. It reminds me of the Orient Express. I think this is the real epitome of vintage! X
http://www.leopardandspice.com/
It definitely has an Orient Express feel though it’s a lot more accessible in price for families
Back to the past day 🙂 Really cool
http://www.travelekspert.com
Thanks Pati, glad you liked it
Gorgeous!
Dora
www.BangsBang.com
Great photos! Looks like a lot of fun
Made in Mauve ☆ Bloglovin
Lovely post and fab pictures, this place looks so picturesque and pretty – thanks for sharing!
I have a new post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:
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Love the interesting vintage vibe of Bluebell Railway. It reminds of our Railway museum over here and Bluebell reminds me of the adorable little city in the TV show, Heart of Dixie. :))
Ira / JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN
I like Heart of Dixie too though I don’t get to see it much. Railways have so much character don’t they!
Unfortunately I missed the last episodes… glad you know Heart of Dixie, Suze! And so much history! 🙂 Thanks a lot for your replies, dear!
xoxo Ira
Looks wonderful! That murder mystery evening sounds perfect for my mum, she adores Murder on the Orient Express and all those Agatha Christie type mysteries! There’s a lovely steam train that goes from Kingswear to Paignton in Devon – I stay across the river from Kingswear in Dartmouth quite often, so I’ve been on it a fair few times.
I think my sister and her children have been on that one in Devon, it’s a good tip though as my Aunt and Gran live near there so I’ll have to visit! You should do a blog post on it
This looks wonderfu! I could see myself taking my mum and dad here, they would love the murder mystery
xx
Garland Girl
It must be great fun to take part in that, hope you do get to visit
Oh I *love* steam trains! Beautiful pictures.
www.countrymouseclaire.com
The train looks gorgeous!!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
It was brilliant Angie, I’ve just added a GoPro video now so you can get the full experience
I am loving this! Very cool and great shots. Hope (but it looks like it) you’ve had a great time
x- Naomi in Wonderland
It was fantastic, gorgeous weather, friendly people and a lovely day out
Wonderful photos of the train. Loved the retro signs too!
Have a lovely afternoon 🙂
I really liked the signs as well, they were in surprisingly good condition
I love these steam trains. The UK is also just the perfect destination for a ride on a steam train I think! I’ve never been on one, but would love too. And this seems to be a very famous train! A film and TV star even!
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Apparently I went on this as a child but was bitterly disappointed that the trains didn’t have faces à la Thomas the Tank Engine, ha! It looks so beautiful – I’d definitely love to go again, or ride on another steam train. There’s one called The Jacobite that runs through the Scottish Highland that would be a dream to go on! xx
Tamsin / A Certain Adventure
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