Experiences
A wide range of experiences are available, for a family day out or to celebrate a special occasion. There is also a wide range of general events such as steam galas, children's events, and themed weekends to explore.
- All
- Polar Express
- Dining Experience
- Father Christmas Event
- Drive a Train
- Behind the Scenes Access
- Curry Night
- Fish & Chips
- All Dates
- Dec 2024
- Jan 2025
- Feb 2025
- Mar 2025
- Apr 2025
- May 2025
- Jun 2025
- Jul 2025
- Aug 2025
- Sep 2025
- Oct 2025
- Nov 2025
- Dec 2025
The Polar Express
We look forward to welcoming you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Swanage Railway.
The experience consists of approximately an hour long return train journey leaving from the Swanage Railway Station, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB. The train cannotbe boarded at any other station. The nearest long stay car park (Pay and Display) is in Victoria Avenue, BH19 1AP. We regret there is no parking available at the station. On board each train will be actors appearing as characters from the book and film of THE POLAR EXPRESS*™. There will be singing, dancing and interaction with our customers. All customers will receive a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey, and a special present on the return journey from the North Pole.
- Dates
- 12th December 2024 - 24th December 2024
- Event Type
- Polar Express
- Location
- Station House, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow Christmas Trains
Step into Festive Elegance this December! Join us aboard the Golden Arrow Christmas Dining Train for a magical dining experience like no other.
Indulge in a delicious, festive meal served in vintage Pullman-style carriages, beautifully decorated for the season. Let the rhythm of the steam train and the warm glow of our historic Pullman carriages set the perfect scene for a memorable Christmas celebration with loved ones. This is your chance to enjoy fine dining on the rails—a Christmas tradition you’ll cherish forever. Don’t miss out—book your seats today!
- Dates
- 12th December 2024 - 14th December 2024
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Santa Specials
Take a ride on our Santa Specials to meet Santa and receive a early Christmas Gift
- Dates
- 14th December 2024 - 15th December 2024
- Event Type
- Father Christmas Event
- Location
- Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Santa Special
Ride behind one of our steam locomotives from Heatherslaw to the 'North Pole' Station to meet Santa
Passengers are invited for a return journey from Heatherslaw along our magically extended line to the 'North Pole Station'. The trains will be hauled by steam* locomotives Bunty. Santa will welcome families at the North Pole Station and present each child with a quality gift whilst his helpers entertain the rest of the passengers. Adults and children over 2 - £17.50 each Under 2s - free but will receive a present Refreshments will be available to purchase separately. *Diesel may be substituted if necessary. PRE BOOKING ONLY NO TICKETS WILL BE AVALIBLE ON THE DAY Book here https://www.heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk/santa-specials
- Dates
- 14th December 2024 - 15th December 2024
- Event Type
- Father Christmas Event
- Location
- Ford Forge, Heatherslaw, Cornhill On Tweed, Northumberland, TD12 4TJ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow Christmas Trains
Step into Festive Elegance this December! Join us aboard the Golden Arrow Christmas Dining Train for a magical dining experience like no other.
Indulge in a delicious, festive meal served in vintage Pullman-style carriages, beautifully decorated for the season. Let the rhythm of the steam train and the warm glow of our historic Pullman carriages set the perfect scene for a memorable Christmas celebration with loved ones. This is your chance to enjoy fine dining on the rails—a Christmas tradition you’ll cherish forever. Don’t miss out—book your seats today!
- Dates
- 18th December 2024 - 21st December 2024
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Santa Specials
Take a ride on our Santa Specials to meet Santa and receive a early Christmas Gift
- Dates
- 21st December 2024 - 24th December 2024
- Event Type
- Father Christmas Event
- Location
- Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow Christmas Trains
Step into Festive Elegance this December! Join us aboard the Golden Arrow Christmas Dining Train for a magical dining experience like no other.
Indulge in a delicious, festive meal served in vintage Pullman-style carriages, beautifully decorated for the season. Let the rhythm of the steam train and the warm glow of our historic Pullman carriages set the perfect scene for a memorable Christmas celebration with loved ones. This is your chance to enjoy fine dining on the rails—a Christmas tradition you’ll cherish forever. Don’t miss out—book your seats today!
- Date
- 23rd December 2024
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow NYE Dining Train
Join Us For A New Year's Eve Like No Other At The Bluebell Railway!
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable dining experience aboard our beautifully restored and elegant Golden Arrow Dining Service! Step back in time and indulge in a luxurious evening of fine dining, vintage charm, and enchanting scenery as we journey through the wintry Sussex countryside. Book now and don't miss out! Visit https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/nye-golden-arrow-dining-train/
- Date
- 31st December 2024
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Steam Footplate Tasters
Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at The Bluebell Railway!
Step into the boots of an engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable journey on the footplate of a magnificent steam locomotive. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary adventure, this hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to learn the art of driving and firing a steam locomotive. Under expert guidance, you’ll get a chance to both drive and fire either 72 ‘Fenchurch’ or SECR O1 65 (subject to availability).
- Dates
- 12th February 2025 - 14th February 2025
- Event Type
- Drive a Train
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Footplate Ride
We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.
We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line. You’ll get to watch what’s involved in operating one of our steam or diesel locomotives, as it hauls today’s passenger service. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, but you’ll be able to see first hand what it’s like for our volunteer crews. Please note, this is not a full Driver Experience and you wont be driving the train
- Dates
- 15th February 2025 - 16th February 2025
- Location
- Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Pie and Mash Supper Train
Enjoy a delicious supper on board our pie & mash train!
Our steam hauled train will depart from Sheffield Park Station at 6:30pm for the 1¾ hour journey through the beautiful Sussex countryside. Once onboard, sit back and enjoy your supper (pie and mash followed by a dessert), and take in the views. Your ticket price includes your journey (approximately 1 ¾ hours), a delicious supper and dessert and tea/coffee after your meal. The Bessemer Arms on Platform 1 will be open from 5.30pm – why not pop in for a drink before you board your train? Browse the menu and book your tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/pie-and-mash-supper-trains/
- Date
- 15th February 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Lineside Photography PTS Courses
Our Lineside Photography PTS Courses at The Bluebell Railway are back for 2025!
The Bluebell Railway’s Lineside Photography PTS (Personal Track Safety) Courses offer photographers a unique opportunity to capture the railway’s stunning scenes up close, from a rare perspective along the tracks. Participants gain essential safety knowledge and skills needed for accessing particular lineside areas available, all while receiving guidance on the best practices for railway photography. Completing the course provides access throughout the year on running days and during special events, allowing photographers to immerse themselves in the beauty of our locomotives, special events and the chance to capture our railway and the picturesque countryside. This experience is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and create breathtaking, professional-grade railway images. Our half-day course will provide you with the essential safety training you will need to access lineside areas on our railway. A must for any railway photographer! There are two timeslots each day: Morning 9am – 12pm | Afternoon 1pm – 4pm Book now to avoid disappointment! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/lineside-photography/ Applicants must be BRPS members and be able to quote a valid membership number at the time of booking. Upon completing the course, you will be issued a Lineside Photographer’s Permit, valid for 1 year.
- Date
- 15th February 2025
- Event Type
- Behind the Scenes Access
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Footplate Ride
We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.
We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line. You’ll get to watch what’s involved in operating one of our steam or diesel locomotives, as it hauls today’s passenger service. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, but you’ll be able to see first hand what it’s like for our volunteer crews. Please note, this is not a full Driver Experience and you wont be driving the train
- Date
- 19th February 2025
- Location
- Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Curry Supper Train
Enjoy a delicious supper on board our curry train!
Your steam hauled train will depart from Sheffield Park Station at 6.30pm for the 1¾ hour return journey through Sussex countryside. Once on board, sit back and enjoy a bottle of Cobra, glass of wine or a soft drink while you enjoy the views. You will then be served your curry meal with all the traditional accompaniments. Browse the menu and book your tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/curry-supper-trains/
- Date
- 21st February 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Event Type
- Curry Night
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Footplate Ride
We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.
We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line. You’ll get to watch what’s involved in operating one of our steam or diesel locomotives, as it hauls today’s passenger service. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, but you’ll be able to see first hand what it’s like for our volunteer crews. Please note, this is not a full Driver Experience and you wont be driving the train
- Dates
- 22nd February 2025 - 23rd February 2025
- Location
- Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Lineside Photography PTS Courses
Our Lineside Photography PTS Courses at The Bluebell Railway are back for 2025!
The Bluebell Railway’s Lineside Photography PTS (Personal Track Safety) Courses offer photographers a unique opportunity to capture the railway’s stunning scenes up close, from a rare perspective along the tracks. Participants gain essential safety knowledge and skills needed for accessing particular lineside areas available, all while receiving guidance on the best practices for railway photography. Completing the course provides access throughout the year on running days and during special events, allowing photographers to immerse themselves in the beauty of our locomotives, special events and the chance to capture our railway and the picturesque countryside. This experience is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and create breathtaking, professional-grade railway images. Our half-day course will provide you with the essential safety training you will need to access lineside areas on our railway. A must for any railway photographer! There are two timeslots each day: Morning 9am – 12pm | Afternoon 1pm – 4pm Book now to avoid disappointment! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/lineside-photography/ Applicants must be BRPS members and be able to quote a valid membership number at the time of booking. Upon completing the course, you will be issued a Lineside Photographer’s Permit, valid for 1 year.
- Date
- 22nd February 2025
- Event Type
- Behind the Scenes Access
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Fish and Chips Supper Trains
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/
- Date
- 22nd February 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Event Type
- Fish & Chips
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Wealden Rambler Afternoon Tea
- Date
- 23rd February 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Steam Footplate Tasters
Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at The Bluebell Railway!
Step into the boots of an engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable journey on the footplate of a magnificent steam locomotive. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary adventure, this hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to learn the art of driving and firing a steam locomotive. Under expert guidance, you’ll get a chance to both drive and fire either 72 ‘Fenchurch’ or SECR O1 65 (subject to availability).
- Dates
- 26th February 2025 - 28th February 2025
- Event Type
- Drive a Train
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Class 73 Diesel Footplate Taster
Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.
- Date
- 28th February 2025
- Event Type
- Drive a Train
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away