Name: Bluebell Railway
Rating: 5.0

Bluebell Railway

Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Bluebell Railway is a historic heritage railway in Sussex that brings the golden age of steam travel back to life. Centered around the beautifully restored Sheffield Park Station (built in 1882), it offers an authentic journey through railway history. Visitors of all ages can enjoy steam train rides, interactive exhibits, and charming period stations along the line.

At SteamWorks, visitors learn how steam engines work through interactive displays that explain the science, celebrate history, and inspire hands-on learning. Explore four unique stations — Sheffield Park (1880s Brighton era), Horsted Keynes (mid-1930s Southern Railway), Kingscote (mid-1950s British Railways), and East Grinstead (connected to National Rail) — each offering attractions such as the Bluebell Railway Museum, Victorian booking office, Withyham Signal Box, ASLEF timing equipment, London Jack display, Joseph Firbank’s Lamp, Carriage & Wagon Workshop viewing gallery, Elephant Van play carriage (for up to 7 year olds), Carriage Shop, play area, picnic area, Kingscote Heritage Trail, Spot Oswald the Owl activity, and Station Historical Display.

For the Standard full line ticket (Sheffield Park to East Grinstead), prices are: Adult Rover 3rd Class £27.00 (Advance) or £30.00 (On the day); Child Rover (3-15 years) £13.50 (Advance Mon–Fri), £15.00 (On the day Mon–Fri), or £1.00 (Weekends & Holidays); Family Rover (2 adults + 3 children) £63.00 (Advance) or £78.00 (On the day). Private train charters are available for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, and special occasions, with function room facilities at Sheffield Park.

Overall, Bluebell Railway offers a nostalgic and immersive journey through Britain’s steam railway heritage. From riding vintage trains to exploring museums and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone. It is a perfect destination for history lovers, families, and anyone wanting to experience the magic of steam travel in a truly authentic setting.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

SteamWorks

Explain the science: Discover how steam engines work, from the basics of steam generation to the intricate mechanics of locomotive operation.
Celebrate history: Learn about the pivotal role steam locomotives played in the industrial revolution and the development of modern transportation.
Engage and inspire: Provide a hands-on learning environment where visitors can engage with interactive displays and gain a deeper appreciation for the engineering feats of the past.

Bluebell Railway stations

Sheffield Park Station: Restored to reflect the Brighton era of the 1880s, it serves as a vibrant hub featuring our museum, shop, and SteamWorks! With its historical exhibits and period architecture, it's the perfect starting point for your journey through time.
Horsted Keynes Station: Restored to the Southern Railway period of the mid-1930s, is not only a key location for train operations but also a popular filming spot. Its expansive platforms and authentic features make it a favourite among visitors and filmmakers alike.
Kingscote Station: Kingscote Station, restored to represent the British Railways period of the mid-1950s, is known for its serene setting and picturesque surroundings. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the slower pace of yesteryear.
East Grinstead Station: Adjacent to the National Rail station, East Grinstead Station offers easy access for visitors coming from across the UK. It blends the historic charm of the Bluebell Railway with the convenience of modern transport links.

Bluebell Railway Museum!

London Jack - collecting for the Woking Homes: London Jack collected money at Waterloo Station for the Southern Railway Orphanage at Woking. He was owned by SR Motor Driver Farley. Jack was born in 1917 and started collecting in 1923. He retired at the end of 1930 and died on 22 June 1931. In that time, he collected over £4500 for the Orphanage.
Joseph Firbank’s Lamp: This is a very rare oil lamp. This lamp has been used on the Bluebell Line for some 145 years. We can tell by the plate on the lamp that it was the property of Joseph Firbank the builder of the Lewes to East Grinstead railway line and was used from about 1878.
Victorian booking office: The booking office gives an insight into what a booking office would have been like between the late 19th century and the 1920s. It is a far cry from today’s railway booking offices. Buying a ticket to travel on the railway was only one of the many things that could be done here.
ASLEF Timing equipment: In the past railway companies did not train their footplate workers. If an employee wished to progress from cleaner to fireman or from fireman to driver, they would have to acquire the knowledge needed. This was often done by self-help groups who would give night classes in the employee’s free time and at their expense. Later on, trade unions took on this role.
Withyham Signal Box: Withyham signal box is a wonderful example of an early Saxby and Farmer signal box. It looks just like we expect a rural Victorian signal box to look like. Built in 1866 it served the small and quiet Withyham Station on the East Grinstead to Tunbridge Wells line.
Tumbleweed: Tumbleweed Connection is the third studio album by British singer-songwriter Elton John. It was recorded in March 1970, and released in October 1970 in the UK and January 1971 in the US. It is a concept album based on country and western and Americana themes.

Horsted Keynes Station

Carriage & Wagon Workshop: Accessible from platform 5, visit the award winning carriage works viewing gallery and display.
Elephant Van: Come and enjoy our bright red play carriage for up to 7 year olds, safe & fun located at the end of platform 5.
Carriage Shop: Accessible outside the Carriage & Wagon workshop, selling pre-loved railway and transport books, photographs, models, and loads more!

Kingscote Station Activities and Attractions

Play area: This is the perfect place for kids to let off steam – the only thing breaking the tranquil atmosphere!
Picnic area: Situated behind platform 2, it is the perfect place to sit with a traditional picnic as you watch the trains steam past.
Kingscote Heritage Trail: Let us guide you around the station – look out for the notice boards and QR coded viewing points.
Spot Oswald the Owl: Oswald the Owl keeps watch over the station night and day. He wears a colourful scarf as a disguise so grown-ups may find him hard to spot. Can you find his 8 favourite watching places?
Station Historical Display: This is located in the red Parcels and Miscellaneous Vehicle (PMV) in the Goods Yard and at Plate 9 on the Heritage Trail. See display boards explaining the history and renovation of the station.

Facilities

Parking: Ample parking is available, including disabled bays and electric vehicle charging points operated by New motion, and a coach park.
Food & Drinks: Enjoy a range of dining options from light snacks to full meals in The Bessemer Arms. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxing drink.
WiFi: Stay connected with free internet access throughout most of the station area, perfect for sharing your moments live on social media.
Picnic: Relax and enjoy a picnic in the designated areas along the station drive or beside the River Ouse.
Toilets: Toilets & baby changing facilities available.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard full line ticket: Sheffield Park to East Grinstead

Adult Rover 3rd Class: £27.00 (Advance) | £30.00 (On the day)
Child Rover (3-15 years) 3rd Class: £13.50 (Advance Mon to Fri) | £15.00 (On the day Mon to Fri) | £1.00 (Weekends & Holidays)
Family Rover (2 adults + 3 children) 3rd Class: £63.00 (Advance) | £78.00 (On the day)
Carer Rover 3rd Class: Free when accompanying any registered disabled passenger during normal service running days, a charge will apply for special events
BRPS Member Adult Rover 3rd Class: £13.50 (Advance) | £15.00 (On the day)
BRPS Member Child Rover (3-15 years) 3rd Class: £6.75 (Advance) £7.50 (On the day)
BRPS Family Rover (2 adults + 3 children) 3rd Class: £31.50 (Advance) | £39.00 (On the day)
BRPS Life Member Rover: Free

Single one way ticket

Adult 3rd Class: £16.00 (On the day only)
Child 3rd Class: £8.00 (On the day only)

Platform admission

Sheffield Park: £5.00 per adult and £3.00 per child
Horsted Keynes: £3.00 per adult and £1.00 per child

Pricing URL: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/fares/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Details on when to visit, including special schedules for timetabled trains and seasonal adjustments: please view our Timetables for more information.

Address: Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, England

Post Code: TN22 3QL

Council: Lewes

County: East Sussex

By Car: Sheffield Park Station (TN22 3QL) is the ideal starting point to explore the Bluebell Railway, conveniently located on the A275 East Grinstead: Lewes main road. Well-signposted from the A22 and A23 trunk roads. There are also several bus services that go to the station on weekends. Ample parking is available, including disabled bays and electric vehicle charging points operated by New motion, and a coach park.
By Train: Travel from London Victoria, East Croydon and Oxted to East Grinstead station via Southern Railway where you can join Bluebell Railway. It could not be easier, with a half hourly service at weekends to East Grinstead from London and a simple change at East Grinstead between the Southern and Bluebell stations. If you are coming from the South coast at a weekend (or public holiday) it is advised to alight the train at Haywards Heath and hop on to a 270 bus for Horsted Keynes.

Visit the website for more information.