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.

Enjoy a classic Ploughman's Lunch made with local West Country produce, served at your seat in a 1950s dining carriage as you steam through the scenic valley of the River Dart.

Step aboard the South Devon Limited Restaurant Car for a relaxed dining experience featuring a traditional Ploughman's Lunch. Travel in vintage style behind a heritage locomotive through the picturesque valley of the River Dart, with a generous West Country platter served at your seat. Departing Buckfastleigh at 12:10, the train returns at 13:30, with the experience concluding at 14:00. The lunch features the finest homemade treats and locally sourced produce, including items from the Dart Valley, followed by a freshly prepared dessert to round off your journey. Tickets include your train fare, first class upgrade, all courses of your meal, and unlimited travel on other South Devon Railway public services for the whole day. Drinks are available from the at-seat bar, offering a selection of wines, local ales, ciders, and soft drinks. The Ploughman's Lunch is available on selected dates throughout the year and offers a delicious way to enjoy the charm and scenery of this historic Great Western Railway branch line.

Step onto the footplate for a full day of hands on steam action. Drive and fire a real GWR steam engine over 28 miles, tour Buckfastleigh Station, and bring up to six guests to enjoy the day alongside you.

Turn a dream into reality with our flagship steam locomotive experience. This full day package gives you the chance to take both the regulator and the shovel aboard a Great Western Railway steam engine on the South Devon Railway. Your day starts at Buckfastleigh Station at 0830 with a welcome briefing and a guided tour of the station, yard, and running shed, where your locomotive is being prepared. You will meet your crew and then head out onto the footplate for a day of unforgettable railway action. Each experience is shared with three other participants. Two people are on the footplate at a time, one driving, one firing, while the others travel in the train with their guests. You will rotate throughout the day, making four round trips in total and covering 28 miles, with equal time in both roles. You can bring up to six guests to share the day with you, travelling in the carriages and watching your turns on the engine. Hot and cold drinks are provided for participants, and you will receive a personalised certificate at the end of the day.

Enjoy a memorable evening of fine dining on board a steam-hauled train through the Hampshire countryside. This is a unique opportunity to savour a high-quality three course meal while travelling in vintage 1st Class style.

Step aboard The Watercress Belle for a refined dining experience that blends timeless railway charm with contemporary cuisine. Relax in the comfort of beautifully restored 1st Class carriages, complete with upholstered seating, original wooden panelling, table lamps, and white tablecloths. As the train steams through the Hampshire countryside, guests will enjoy a delicious three course meal prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, alongside amuse-bouche and coffee or tea with mint chocolates to finish. A curated wine list is available for purchase, including locally sourced English sparkling wine. Your evening begins at Alresford Station, where the train departs and returns later in the evening. Although the dress code is smart, guests are welcome to add their own flair for the occasion. The Watercress Belle is a relaxed and elegant way to celebrate a special event or simply enjoy a unique evening out. Please note that seating is arranged at exclusive tables for two or shared tables for three or more, and guests must be aged 12 or over. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if notified at the time of booking.

Climb aboard the Real Ale Train for a lively evening of local ales served from the bar car as you travel by heritage train through the Hampshire countryside. Enjoy great beer, hot food and a relaxed atmosphere on board.

Affectionately known as the RAT, the Real Ale Train is a firm favourite for ale lovers and railway fans alike. Step into a heritage carriage and enjoy a rolling pub on rails, with a selection of real ales from local breweries served at the on-board bar. Every ticket purchased in advance includes a free pint voucher, and additional drinks and food are available throughout the evening. Soft drinks and other alcoholic options are also offered, with generous discounts when ordering in advance. The evening begins with departure from Alton Station, completing two round trips along the line before returning in time for onward mainline connections. There are themed evenings throughout the year, including beer festivals, pie and ale nights, and even a Halloween special. For groups, compartments are available for up to six people, each with their own free pint vouchers. Whether you're a dedicated ale enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out, the RAT delivers a friendly, sociable experience in a unique setting.

Relax in style with a traditional afternoon tea served in the comfort of a restored first-class carriage. Enjoy a unique dining experience while travelling along the heritage line.

Step aboard and indulge in a classic afternoon treat with a difference. The Great Central First Class Afternoon Tea offers a delicious spread of handcrafted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and a tempting selection of cakes. All of this is served with a pot of English tea as you travel through the Leicestershire countryside in a beautifully restored first-class carriage. This is a chance to slow down and enjoy a touch of vintage luxury, perfect for a special outing or a memorable gift. The service is delivered with our signature warm welcome, and the setting evokes the golden age of railway travel. Whether you are marking an occasion or simply enjoying time with family or friends, this experience promises a relaxed and indulgent afternoon.

Take the controls of a real steam locomotive and experience the power and thrill of driving it along Britain's only double-track main line heritage railway. An unforgettable hands-on day for anyone with a love of steam.

This is your chance to step into the boots of a steam locomotive driver and live the dream. Under expert guidance, you will take the controls for an eight-mile journey along the Great Central Railway, then ride the footplate for a further eight miles. The day begins with a welcome briefing and film introduction, followed by a shared driving session with one other participant. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the locomotive works and signal box, and lunch is included for both you and your guest. The experience includes a runabout ticket for passenger services for the rest of the day, a commemorative certificate, and 12 months membership of the Friends of the Great Central Mainline. With a full day immersed in railway heritage, this makes an ideal gift or personal milestone. No previous experience is needed - just a sense of adventure and a love of steam.

Enjoy a traditional three-course Sunday Lunch served in a beautifully restored British Railways dining carriage, as you travel by steam through the scenic valley of the River Dart.

Step aboard the South Devon Limited Restaurant Car for a unique Sunday Lunch experience, combining heritage steam travel with the best of West Country hospitality. Your journey departs Buckfastleigh at 12:10, with a freshly prepared three-course meal served at your seat as you steam through the beautiful valley of the River Dart. The train returns at 13:30, with the experience concluding at 14:00. The menu features the finest local ingredients, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Choices are selected when booking to ensure a relaxed dining experience on the day. Tickets include your train fare, first class upgrade, all three courses, and unlimited travel on other South Devon Railway public services for the whole day of your visit. Drinks are available from the at-seat bar, offering wines, local ales, ciders, and soft drinks. Sunday Lunch is available on selected Sundays from May to July and from September to November. It’s the perfect way to unwind and indulge while enjoying the timeless charm of heritage railway travel.

Our combined All-Day Rover Ticket and Classic Cream Tea offer is the perfect opportunity for a relaxing full or half-day out on Sundays 14, 28 May; 11 June, 09 July, 13 August 2023. You can travel on all train services throughout the day (or on as many as you choose!) and also enjoy your choice of a traditional Cream Tea served at your reserved seats in the Train Restaurant - which departs from Chinnor station at 15.45 hours.

Our volunteer stewards will be delighted to welcome you onboard the Train Restaurant and serve your Classic Cream Tea together with your choice of tea / coffee, or soft drink. A selection of wines can also be served at an additional charge. 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 and Classic Cream Tea £25 per person - minimum of 2-persons per table. Seat reservations for the Train Restaurant are included on the 15.45 departure from Chinnor. Passengers are seated at tables of 2, 3 or 4 persons. No seat reservations are required on any other steam or diesel services and ample seating is provided throughout the day. Menu: Two Large Scones with accompanied Jams and Cream 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.

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/

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

Relax with a traditional Afternoon Tea served at your seat in a heritage dining carriage, as you enjoy a steam-hauled journey through the scenic valley of the River Dart.

Treat yourself to a traditional Afternoon Tea experience aboard the South Devon Limited Restaurant Car. Travel in style behind a heritage locomotive through the beautiful valley of the River Dart while enjoying a delicious selection of sandwiches, savouries, and cakes served at your seat. Departing Buckfastleigh at 15:45, the train returns at 17:00 with the experience concluding at 17:15. The menu is made using fresh, local ingredients, and special dietary requirements can be catered for when specified at the time of booking. Tickets include your train fare, first class upgrade, all elements of your Afternoon Tea, and unlimited travel on other South Devon Railway public services for the day of your visit. Drinks are available to purchase from the at-seat bar, offering wines, local ales, ciders, and soft drinks. Afternoon Tea is available on selected Sundays between March and November. It's the perfect way to unwind and indulge in West Country charm aboard a lovingly restored heritage train.

Enjoy a first class dining experience with a three-course Sunday lunch served on board a heritage train. Sit back and take in the Hampshire countryside while dining in Pullman-style comfort.

tep aboard for a memorable Sunday journey combining the elegance of heritage travel with fine dining at its best. Guests are welcomed into luxurious first class carriages featuring original wooden interiors, upholstered seating, table lamps, and crisp white tablecloths. This is an experience designed for those looking to celebrate a special occasion, treat a loved one, or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon of excellent food and timeless travel. A freshly prepared three-course lunch is served at your seat, with dishes created by acclaimed local caterers using seasonal ingredients. Warm bread and butter, coffee or tea, and the option to purchase from an extensive wine list, including a local sparkling wine, all add to the experience. With views of the South Downs rolling past your window, The Royal Wessex offers a taste of classic railway dining in a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Step aboard for a thrilling evening of drama and suspense as a murder unfolds during your journey through the Cornish countryside. Watch the story play out, follow the clues, and see if you can solve the mystery before the night ends.

Join us for an unforgettable night of intrigue at Bodmin Railway, where a peaceful evening takes a dark turn. What begins as a relaxed fundraising event with local VIPs is quickly thrown into chaos when two unexpected guests arrive. A body is discovered, secrets are exposed, and everyone becomes a suspect. Led by the acclaimed Murder By Appointment team, this live-action mystery will keep you guessing at every twist and turn. Your evening begins with a welcome drink and a delicious award-winning pasty from Adam's Pasties. As the story unfolds on the platform and continues aboard a heritage steam train, you will watch for clues, interrogate the cast, and try to piece together the truth. It is an immersive experience combining classic rail travel with gripping theatre, perfect for groups, families, and amateur sleuths alike.

A traditional favourite served at your seat aboard the North Norfolk Fryer!

The “Norfolk Fryer” steams out of Sheringham at 6.30pm on many Wednesdays and at 6.00pm on selected summer Fridays. Enjoy an evening out on the railway with Cod and Chips cooked the traditional Sheringham way in beef fat from one of Sheringham’s top chip shops! Gluten free and Vegetarian options are also available; please ring our Bookings office on 01263 820800 for further information. The trains runs from Sheringham to Holt and and back with the return journey taking approximately 90 minutes. Ticket includes travel, fish & chips and a locally-made tub of Ronaldo’s ice cream to finish. A licensed bar is also on board. Dining is very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/fish-chip-trains/

Join us in celebrating 200 years of the modern railway by visiting ‘Inspiration’ The Railway 200 Exhibition Train!

This unique travelling exhibition, curated in partnership with The National Railway Museum, features interactive displays, inspiring stories, and hands-on activities for all age groups to enjoy. Sporting an eye-catching livery, the ‘Inspiration’ train features four carriages, each offering a unique experience. Highlights of the event: 1. Railway Firsts: Showcasing ground breaking innovations in railway history. 2. Wonderlab on Wheels: Offering engaging hands-on activities to explore the science and engineering behind railways. 3. Your Railway Future: Uncovering some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to consider a career in rail to shape the next 200 years. 4. The Partner Zone: A place for local organisations to tell their stories (content will vary event to event).

Silver service breakfast dining aboard the Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow train.

The Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow Breakfast train is the perfect setting for a special meal with friends and family. Step aboard luxurious Pullman cars Christine, Fingall, and Car 54, which recreate the glamour of the iconic Golden Arrow, once linking London and Paris with unparalleled style and panache. On board, you’ll enjoy fine food and drinks served to the high standards of yesteryear. ‘Christine’ and ‘Fingall’ evoke the elegance of the 1920s and ‘30s with their unique wooden wall panel marquetry and plush seating. ‘Pullman Car 54’, built in 1923 as a Kitchen Third by Claytons and later rebuilt in 1937 as a Parlour Brake, is a historic vehicle, one of the first three ‘K’-type Pullmans. Returning to service in 2024 after restoration at our very own Carriage and Wagon Department to accommodate wheelchair passengers, it’s the first of its kind. This premier dining service includes a full breakfast selection, served while you travel on a steam-hauled train through the stunning countryside of the Sussex Weald to East Grinstead. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. A selection of drinks is included in the cost, and other drinks can be purchased on board. Please note that no alcohol will be available on this service. All Golden Arrow Breakfast services begin and end at Sheffield Park Station, with departures at 9:15 on selected Mondays.

Relax in style with a traditional afternoon tea served in the comfort of a restored first-class carriage. Enjoy a unique dining experience while travelling along the heritage line.

Step aboard and indulge in a classic afternoon treat with a difference. The Great Central First Class Afternoon Tea offers a delicious spread of handcrafted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and a tempting selection of cakes. All of this is served with a pot of English tea as you travel through the Leicestershire countryside in a beautifully restored first-class carriage. This is a chance to slow down and enjoy a touch of vintage luxury, perfect for a special outing or a memorable gift. The service is delivered with our signature warm welcome, and the setting evokes the golden age of railway travel. Whether you are marking an occasion or simply enjoying time with family or friends, this experience promises a relaxed and indulgent afternoon.

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/

Back for 2025, our popular Murder Mystery events are ready to roll, with two exciting new shows available this year!

Embark on an unforgettable journey where mystery and fine dining intertwine, offering a unique experience – a murder mystery dinner aboard a steam train. The evening begins with pre-murder cocktails (not included in the price), setting the stage for an atmosphere shrouded in intrigue and suspense. These early moments are crucial, laying the groundwork for the enigmatic events that are about to unfold. As you sip your drink, observe the interactions around you – they could provide the first clues to unlocking the mystery. As the plot thickens, you'll witness a meticulously planned murder unfold before your very eyes. This marks the start of your adventure into the unknown, where every detail matters, and every character becomes a suspect. The transition from witness to detective is seamless as you board the majestic Pullman carriages, hauled by a steam locomotive, stepping back in time to an era of elegance and mystery. Seated comfortably, you’ll be presented with detective packs and clues alongside a sumptuous three-course meal. The immersive experience continues as the train steams through the High Weald of Sussex, building suspense as the thrilling investigation unfolds onboard. Your role as a detective is both challenging and exhilarating. Throughout the journey, you'll have the opportunity to cross-examine the surviving characters, piecing together their testimonies and searching for inconsistencies. Be vigilant, for amid the genuine leads are cunningly placed red herrings designed to throw you off the scent. Trust no one, as the murderer is among you, weaving lies and deceit to conceal their identity. The success of your investigation hinges on your ability to discern truth from falsehood, connect all the dots, and ultimately unmask the culprit. Book tickets via "The Company Upfront" using the details below: Phone: 01732 862353 Email: info@murder-party.co.uk Online: www.murder-party.co.uk