Our five day course provides a real insight into the enginemen’s art!

The Gold Driver Experience course runs over five consecutive days from Monday to Friday and is based at our locomotive workshops at Weybourne. The course starts with two days in the classroom learning about locomotive theory and method of working on the railway. The third day is practical experience of preparation of the loco followed by two days on the footplate out on our line – one with a light engine (a locomotive without carriages) and one hauling a train. Lunch will be provided and the days will be from 9:00 to 4:30. This package is offered on several dates throughout the year and we take just four participants on each course. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/5-day-steam-driver-experience-gold/

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at the Bluebell Railway. Step onto the footplate and feel the power of a working steam locomotive.

Step into the boots of a steam engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable hands-on session aboard one of our heritage locomotives. This immersive experience lets you enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of working on the footplate while learning the basic skills of steam locomotive operation. Whether you are a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply seeking something extraordinary, this experience offers a unique chance to drive and fire a genuine steam locomotive. Under expert supervision, you will handle the controls of either 72 Fenchurch or SECR O1 65, subject to availability. A perfect introduction to steam for anyone looking to get closer to the action.

Now Booking for 2025 Wealden Rambler Afternoon Tea services!

The initial dates for 2025 for our beloved Wealden Rambler Afternoon Tea Services at The Bluebell Railway are now open for reservations! Join us for a delightful afternoon tea experience as you travel through the picturesque Sussex countryside. Book now to secure your place on this charming journey and enjoy a timeless tradition in a beautiful setting. The return trip to East Grinstead from Sheffield Park is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Board the Sussex Belle for an evening of gourmet fish and chips, travelling in a Pullman Car that harks back to the heyday of train travel.

Sit back in the comfort of a beautifully restored 1920s Pullman Car, with its marquetry panels and polished brasswork, as the vintage steam locomotive takes you on a journey through the Sussex Weald to East Grinstead. As the Sussex countryside passes by your window, enjoy exquisitely prepared fish and chips, followed by dessert and tea or coffee, all served at your table. Why not arrive early and enjoy a drink in the Bessemer Arms bar, browse the Bluebell Shop for a souvenir or gift, or look around SteamWorks, our interactive steam adventure exhibition. You can also order a range of alcoholic and soft drinks to be waiting at your table when you board. Drinks can be purchased during your journey as well. Whether you are marking a special occasion, catching up with friends or family, or simply treating yourself to a special evening out, the Sussex Belle offers an evening of fine food set against the backdrop of yesteryear train travel.

A half-day or evening with an experienced crew aboard the footplate!

Our bronze experience gives you a taste of driving and firing during two return journey over the full length of our picturesque line from Sheringham and Holt. Climb aboard a steam engine (on its own, without a train) and take the controls under the guidance of an experienced crew. You will alternate between driving and firing, spending 11 miles doing each and learning about the workings of the engine and the railway. The bronze experience is offered on several dates throughout the year usually starting at 9.45, 12.45 or 16.45. We are able to accommodate 2 participants on each session. Your experience begins at Sheringham with a welcoming drink and a slice of cake before participants join the driver and fireman on the footplate of the locomotive. At the end of the session each participant is awarded a certificate as a souvenir of the experience. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/steam-driver-experience-day/

Enjoy a refined three-course lunch aboard a beautifully restored Pullman dining train.

Relax into the elegance of the Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow, a luxurious Pullman dining train inspired by the glamour of the historic express that once linked London and Paris. Settle into plush seating and admire polished wood interiors as a freshly prepared lunch is served at your table, accompanied by attentive hospitality and the evocative atmosphere of steam travel. Your journey takes you through the scenic Sussex Weald, offering classic countryside views as you enjoy fine food in comfort and style. It is an ideal experience for celebrations, special occasions or simply treating yourself to something memorable. Advance booking is essential. Book via our website.

Savour a classic two-course roast dinner with all the trimmings.

Our premier Sunday lunch dining train. Boarding begins at 11:45, and our volunteer staff will serve a classic two-course roast dinner with all the trimmings at your table. A full bar service is available throughout the journey. The experience lasts for 2.5 hours, with passengers alighting at 14:15.

All-Day Rover Ticket and Optional Boxed Cream Tea served at reserved seats is the perfect opportunity for travelling together on a relaxing full or half-day out

You can travel on all train services throughout the day (or on as many as you choose!) and also enjoy a Boxed Cream Tea served at your reserved seats on the train departing from Chinnor station at 10.45, 13.10 or 15.45 hours. Our volunteer stewards will be delighted to welcome you onboard and serve your Boxed Cream Tea together with your choice of tea / coffee, or soft drink. Sit back, relax and enjoy your day - watch the steam lazily curl past your window or hear the vintage diesel growl, as the lovely views gradually open out to reveal the Vale of Aylesbury and Whiteleaf Cross in the distance. TICKETS & PRICE: All-Day Rover Ticket as per usual prices for the day, plus £7.50 for each Boxed Cream Tea ordered. Seat reservations are included on your choice of the 10.45, 13.10 or 15.45 departure from Chinnor. No seat reservations are required on any other steam or diesel services and ample seating is provided throughout the day. Menu: One Large Scone with accompanied Jam and Cream in a Box! Tea or Coffee service Further Details Tickets are limited and must be pre-booked - reservations will close when the Train Restaurant tables are full, or on the previous Thursday at 18.00 hours. No further discounts or concessions are available. Sorry, we are unable to provide for any other special dietary needs. Wheelchair space is not available in the Train Restaurant - for information please call 07979 055366 (10.00 - 16.00 hours). Dogs - sorry only Assistance Dogs are allowed in the Train Restaurant. If you are looking for something more in the local area please see the What to see and do section. We look forward to seeing you soon and thank you for your support.

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal served at your seat while travelling through the beautiful North Norfolk countryside on a luxury heritage dining train.

Climb aboard a train of historic British Railways dining carriages from the 1950s and 1960s, restored with polished wood interiors and classic period upholstery. Sit back with a complimentary locally produced drink as the train takes you on a relaxed journey with views of the coast and countryside. Freshly prepared dishes are served at your table by friendly, attentive staff, making this a memorable way to enjoy heritage railway travel. It is a refined dining experience that brings the romance of classic rail travel to life in comfort and style. Advance booking is essential. Book via our website.

A special afternoon tea as you steam through the beautiful Sussex countryside.

Why not celebrate Mother's Day in style with a delightful afternoon tea experience travelling on board the Wealden Rambler in one of our beautifully restored 1950s British Railways carriages. Celebrate Mother’s Day in timeless style with a special journey aboard the Wealden Rambler Afternoon Tea Train at the Bluebell Railway. Step back into the elegance of the 1950s as you travel through the beautiful Sussex countryside in our lovingly restored British Railways carriages. During your journey, enjoy a delicious selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones with jam and clotted cream, served at your table by our attentive uniformed stewards. A complimentary glass of Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine will be served to everyone as the train departs from Sheffield Park, and every mother on board will receive a special gift to take home as a keepsake of the day. The round trip to East Grinstead and back lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering a relaxing and memorable way to celebrate this special occasion. Book your seats now and make Mother’s Day 2026 one to remember.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea on Sunday 15th March at 2.30pm

Why not treat Mum to a selection of freshly-made finger sandwiches, a homemade scone with jam and clotted cream, homemade cakes and a choice of tea or coffee, all served in bone china in our static Mk1 vintage railway coach overlooking the beautiful Stour valley and Hambledon Hill. Advanced bookings only please, £16.00 per person. To book, call in to Shillngstone Station or book over the phone when the station is open – and please be sure to mention any allergies when booking. Shillingstone Station Tel. 01258 860696 All funds raised will go towards the maintenance and development of the railway for the benefit of the community.

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at the Bluebell Railway. Step onto the footplate and feel the power of a working steam locomotive.

Step into the boots of a steam engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable hands-on session aboard one of our heritage locomotives. This immersive experience lets you enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of working on the footplate while learning the basic skills of steam locomotive operation. Whether you are a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply seeking something extraordinary, this experience offers a unique chance to drive and fire a genuine steam locomotive. Under expert supervision, you will handle the controls of either 72 Fenchurch or SECR O1 65, subject to availability. A perfect introduction to steam for anyone looking to get closer to the action.

Step into the shoes of a diesel driver!

Our Diesel Driver experiences give you the opportunity to be at the controls for over the full length of our picturesque line between Sheringham and Holt. BRONZE DIESEL EXPERIENCE This experience gives you a taste of being a secondman and of driving during a return journey between Sheringham and Holt. Climb aboard a powerful diesel locomotive (on its own, without a train) for two 11 mile trips. You will alternate between being a secondman and of driving, spending 11 miles doing each and learning about the workings of the engine and the railway under the guidance of a fully qualified crew. The bronze experience is offered on several dates throughout the year usually starting at 09:45, 12:45 or 16.45. We are able to accommodate 2 participants on each session. Your experience begins at Sheringham with a welcoming drink and a slice of cake before participants join the driver and secondman in the cab of the locomotive. At the end of the session each participant is awarded a certificate as a souvenir of the experience. SILVER DIESEL EXPERIENCE Our silver diesel experience gives you the opportunity to have two complete round trips over the full length of our picturesque line working one of our magnificently-restored diesel locomotives at the head of a private train of passenger carriages between Sheringham and Holt. You will drive one trip and be secondman for the other, spending 11 miles doing each. You will learn about the workings of the engine and the operation of our railway under the guidance of our fully qualified crew, including the art of starting and stopping smoothly with a passenger train. The morning session begins at Sheringham at 9.00 where participants are welcomed with a bacon roll and mug of tea before meeting the engine crew and climbing into the cab for two full round trips to Holt and back. There’s then time for a light lunch before catching the train to Weybourne for a guided tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds before returning to Sheringham. The session ends the presentation of a certificate as a souvenir of the day. Participants may bring up to six guests to spectate (they will not be able to ride in the cab) but they arrive at 11.00am travel in one of the carriages on the train, enjoy lunch and join the guided tour. Guests are charged at £25 each. Afternoon sessions start at 12.30 at Sheringham for participants and their guests. After checking in, you will travel by train to Weybourne to take a look behind the scenes on a tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds. After travelling back to Sheringham, participants will meet the engine crew on the footplate followed by the chance to drive and be secondman on the locomotive during two return trips to Holt. Guests can ride in one of the carriages of the private train during the first of these trips and have free time in Sheringham while participants complete the second run. The afternoon ends with tea and cake for participants along with the presentation of a souvenir certificate. Guests are charged at £25 each. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/diesel-driver-experience/

A half-day or evening with an experienced crew aboard the footplate!

Our bronze experience gives you a taste of driving and firing during two return journey over the full length of our picturesque line from Sheringham and Holt. Climb aboard a steam engine (on its own, without a train) and take the controls under the guidance of an experienced crew. You will alternate between driving and firing, spending 11 miles doing each and learning about the workings of the engine and the railway. The bronze experience is offered on several dates throughout the year usually starting at 9.45, 12.45 or 16.45. We are able to accommodate 2 participants on each session. Your experience begins at Sheringham with a welcoming drink and a slice of cake before participants join the driver and fireman on the footplate of the locomotive. At the end of the session each participant is awarded a certificate as a souvenir of the experience. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/steam-driver-experience-day/

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of The Bluebell Railway!

Join us for an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour at The Bluebell Railway, offering a unique insight into the daily operations, restoration projects, and historic locomotives that keep our heritage railway alive. Your journey begins at Customer Services on Platform 1, where you’ll meet your guide, from there you’ll enjoy: A veranda overview of the yard from the Above Workshop Facility, with an introduction to our work and a great photo opportunity. A guided tour through the AWF facilities, SteamWorks!, and the Running Shed, including a chance to step onto the footplate of accessible locomotives and view static engines. A walk through our workshops, where you’ll see restoration projects in progress from a safe viewing route. A glimpse into the Pattern Room and Oil Store, before exploring locomotives under restoration such as Project 27, Standard Class 2, and the historic Adams Radial. A visit to Atlantic House, where you’ll see Normandy and other key restoration projects. A yard tour, including the pits, coaling facilities and our RO water plant project, plus a trip across the tracks to view the pumphouse. A look inside the Maintenance Shed before heading down the line for a photo opportunity from the head shunt buffers at the southern extremity of the railway. A visit to the Carriage Shed, where locomotives in storage are housed (subject to operational conditions). The tour concludes back at Platform 1, where you’ll have time for questions, a stop at the Bessemer Arms for refreshments, or a visit to the shop before departing.

Relax and enjoy a traditional cream tea as you travel along the stunning coastal scenery!

Climb aboard a train of historic carriages hauled by one of our beautifully restored steam engines and enjoy a traditional afternoon Cream Tea served on the move. Relax, take in the scenery and savour delicious fruit scones, served with a generous portion of clotted cream, jam and pot of tea followed by a slice of freshly baked, homemade cake. Price includes travel and reserved seats aboard a steam train for the return journey from Sheringham to Holt and back. Trains usually depart from Sheringham station at 3.30pm and arrive back at approximately 4.40pm. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/cream-tea-train/

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at the Bluebell Railway. Step onto the footplate and feel the power of a working steam locomotive.

Step into the boots of a steam engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable hands-on session aboard one of our heritage locomotives. This immersive experience lets you enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of working on the footplate while learning the basic skills of steam locomotive operation. Whether you are a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply seeking something extraordinary, this experience offers a unique chance to drive and fire a genuine steam locomotive. Under expert supervision, you will handle the controls of either 72 Fenchurch or SECR O1 65, subject to availability. A perfect introduction to steam for anyone looking to get closer to the action.

Step aboard the Wealden Rambler and prepare for an evening of delicious food, stunning scenery, and timeless charm.

The Fish & Chips Supper Trains combine the best of British tradition with the magic of steam travel, offering a truly unique dining experience. Relax in our beautifully restored heritage carriages as the gentle rhythm of the steam engine takes you on a journey through the picturesque Sussex countryside. As you soak in the views, enjoy a freshly cooked fish and chips supper served to your table, complete with all the classic trimmings. Whether you’re looking for a cosy evening with loved ones, a special celebration, or simply an excuse to indulge, the Wealden Rambler Fish & Chips Supper Trains promise a delightful combination of comfort, flavour, and nostalgia. Book your tickets now! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/fish-and-chips-supper-trains/

Join us for cheese & wine aboard the Golden Arrow Pullman.

Board the Golden Arrow Pullman at Sheffield Park for a return journey to East Grinstead for a unique and indulgent event celebrating the best of Sussex produce. You will be served a selection of Sussex cheeses from the High Weald Dairy based at Horsted Keynes, accompanied by artisan breads. The Sussex theme extends to the selection of wines served to accompany the cheeses, courtesy of the Bluebell Vineyard based at Sheffield Park. Representatives from High Weald Dairy and Bluebell Vineyard will be on hand to talk about the cheeses and wines during the journey and there will be an opportunity to purchase them to take home.

Luxurious Pullman dining on a steam-hauled train through the Sussex countryside, inspired by one of the world’s most glamorous expresses.

Step aboard the Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow and enjoy refined silver-service dining in beautifully restored Pullman cars. With elegant interiors, table lamps and first-class hospitality, this is a premium experience that evokes the golden age of travel. A freshly prepared three-course meal is served at your seat as the train steams through the Wealden landscape, with fine wines and other drinks available from the bar. It is the perfect setting for a celebration, a special evening for two or a memorable meal with friends. Advance booking is essential. Book via our website.