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
- Drive a Train
- Dining Experience
- Father Christmas Event
- Fish & Chips
- All Dates
- Dec 2025
- Jan 2026
- Feb 2026
- Mar 2026
- Apr 2026
- May 2026
- Jun 2026
- Jul 2026
- Aug 2026
- Sep 2026
- Oct 2026
- Nov 2026
- Dec 2026
Sentinel Shunter Driver Experience
Sentinel Shunter Driver Experience. This is a must for anyone who always wanted to be a Train Driver!
Well here's an amazing experience to do just that, come along and drive  (under instruction) our Sentinel engine. Our Sentinel came from Daw Mill in 1993, it is powered by a Rolls Royce 8 cylinder supercharged engine, has 325 brake horse power and capable of hauling 1500 tonne. If you like power this engine ticks the boxes. The experience begins at Stanhope Station (DL13 2YS) where you will meet the team, enjoy a cuppa and listen to a safety brief and a little more about the Sentinel. Once the formalities are done, you will be in the hands of our Driver who will take you through the controls and undertake a short test run just to get the feel of the engine, then we will set off down to Broadwood River Bridge approx. 3 miles down the track. On returning to Stanhope there will be time to take some photographs and you receive a memento of your experience.
- Date
- 9th December 2025
- Event Type
- Drive a Train
- Location
- Stanhope Station, Station Road, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 2YS, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Restaurant Car Festive Ploughman's
Relax in our historic Restaurant Car and enjoy a festive Ploughmans lunch served at your seat, with a welcoming atmosphere and countryside views.
Settle into our beautifully restored carriage and savour a traditional West Country Ploughman's made with fresh local ingredients. Sit back, relax and take in the winter scenery as the train winds through the Devon countryside. A standard and a vegetarian option are available, with menu choices selected at the time of booking. A friendly at-seat service is provided to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience throughout your visit. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 9th December 2025 - 10th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Restaurant Car Festive Afternoon Tea
Relax in our historic Restaurant Car and enjoy a festive afternoon tea served at your seat, paired with beautiful views of the Devon countryside.
Step aboard our lovingly restored carriage and settle in for a delightful festive afternoon tea freshly prepared with local ingredients. A warm and welcoming at-seat service ensures you can relax and savour the flavours while the train journeys through the stunning winter landscape. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and menu selections can be made at the time of booking. It is a cosy and indulgent way to celebrate the season with friends and family while enjoying a classic heritage railway experience. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 9th December 2025 - 10th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Pullman Christmas Lunch
Celebrate the season in style with a festive three-course Christmas lunch served at your seat in our beautifully restored Pullman dining carriage.
Step aboard Pullman Car Lydia and relax into an elegant and memorable dining experience. A delicious three-course Christmas menu, freshly prepared using local ingredients, will be served to you by our friendly at-seat team as the train travels through the stunning winter scenery of the Devon countryside. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available, with menu selections made at the time of booking. It is the perfect chance to enjoy traditional West Country flavours and a festive atmosphere while travelling in true heritage comfort. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 9th December 2025 - 10th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Pullman Festive Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a luxurious festive afternoon tea served at your seat aboard our beautifully restored Pullman dining carriage, surrounded by the winter scenery of the Devon countryside.
Take your place in Pullman Car Lydia and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a seasonal twist. Freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, it is a relaxing and warming way to celebrate the festive season in heritage style. Our friendly at-seat service ensures you can sit back and savour every moment as the train journeys through the picturesque landscape. Vegetarian and gluten-free menu options are available, with selections made at the time of booking. Whether treating yourself or sharing the occasion with loved ones, it offers a delightful combination of great food, comfort and classic railway charm. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 9th December 2025 - 10th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Premier Lunchtime Dining Trains
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.
- Dates
- 11th December 2025 - 12th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow Evening Dining
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.
- Dates
- 11th December 2025 - 13th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Santa Steam Specials
All aboard the Santa Steam Specials! This enchanting journey is the ultimate festive treat for children, offering a magical steam train ride from Princes Risborough to Santa's Grotto at his North Pole station. Here, little ones can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself!
On selected dates in November and December, all trains will depart from Princes Risborough Station Platform 4 (SatNav HP27 9DN), where Santa's stewards will warmly welcome you onboard. During the journey, the Elves will entertain the children with activity packs, puzzles, handouts, children's games and 'Letters-to-Santa'. The steam train will take you to Santa's Enchanted Workshop and Grotto at the North Pole station. Here, you can enjoy refreshments, chat with Santa, take memorable photos, and receive a Christmas present for every child. An added attraction this year will be face painting for the 3-11 year-olds while the trains are in the platform at Chinnor. On the return journey, volunteers will ensure all children are delighted with their gifts and their painted faces. Travel in comfort in our 1950s carriages, named after Santa's reindeer - Rudolph, Blitzen, Dasher, and Prancer. Seats are booked at tables to keep families together. Enjoy the traditional elements of our Santa experience: the steam train ride, hot and cold beverages, mince pies or biscuits, and a magical visit with Santa. Additional treats like sandwiches, hot sausage rolls, crisps, snacks, and mulled wine can be purchased at the station cafe, and you might find some last-minute presents in our station shop. Important Details: Early Season dates (5 pounds off) are 29 and 30 November 2025 - Adult, Senior or Child 1-12 years £24.50 per person. Peak Season dates are 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 December 2025 - Adult, Senior or Child 1-12 years £29.50 per person. Train departure times and duration: Princes Risborough departures at 10.30, 12.30, and 14.30, duration approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Departure location: Santa Steam Specials depart from and return to Platform 4, Princes Risborough Station HP27 9DN. Car parking: Chiltern Railways Pay-and-Display at the station (SatNav HP27 9DN) - currently charging Saturday and Sunday £6.50, Friday and Monday £9.30. Accessibility: a wheelchair space is available in a separate area of the train and is limited to one wheelchair dependent person and one accompanying carer at the individual seat price shown above. Please phone 07979 055366 between 10.00 and 16.00 on weekdays to book tickets. Buggies and strollers: must be left on Platform 4 at Princes Risborough, or you may prefer to leave them in your car for added security. Sorry, they cannot be carried on the train. Presents: each child ticket (1-12 years) includes a present. 'Babes in arms' under 1 year do not need a ticket but will still receive a small gift. Unfortunately, adults and teenagers do not receive a gift from Santa! Complimentary refreshments: mince pie or biscuits and a drink of tea, coffee, chocolate or a fruit shoot are included in the ticket price and will be served at Chinnor station. Limited dietary needs are catered for. Station cafe at Chinnor: on sale hot mulled wine, hot sausage rolls, vegetarian and vegan sausage rolls, sandwiches in wholemeal bread (chicken and stuffing, brie and cranberry, tuna mayo and sweetcorn, cheese and pickle), chocolate bars, cans, water, fruit shoot, crisps and snacks. Booking size: passengers in one booking will be seated together where possible. If you want to sit with another family group, please tell us when booking your ticket in the 'additional information' section at the bottom of the Checkout page. Tables in our carriages seat four people, and if your booking is for individual seats in multiples other than four, you may be sharing a table with another family. Groups: we welcome groups and will always try to ensure you are seated together, but please note there are generally no discounted fares. For bona-fide groups of Brownies, Cubs and similar organisations, we may be able to offer concessions for a limited number of accompanying adults - please enquire via email. Dogs: unlike some Santa experiences, small dogs are welcome to travel on our Santa Special trains, but they must be kept on a short lead and are not allowed on the seats. Due to hygiene and other considerations, dogs (except assistance or guide dogs) cannot be taken into Santa's Grotto.
- Dates
- 13th December 2025 - 14th December 2025
- Event Type
- Father Christmas Event
- Location
- Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Premier Lunchtime Dining Trains
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.
- Date
- 16th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Restaurant Car Festive Ploughman's
Relax in our historic Restaurant Car and enjoy a festive Ploughmans lunch served at your seat, with a welcoming atmosphere and countryside views.
Settle into our beautifully restored carriage and savour a traditional West Country Ploughman's made with fresh local ingredients. Sit back, relax and take in the winter scenery as the train winds through the Devon countryside. A standard and a vegetarian option are available, with menu choices selected at the time of booking. A friendly at-seat service is provided to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience throughout your visit. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 16th December 2025 - 17th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Restaurant Car Festive Afternoon Tea
Relax in our historic Restaurant Car and enjoy a festive afternoon tea served at your seat, paired with beautiful views of the Devon countryside.
Step aboard our lovingly restored carriage and settle in for a delightful festive afternoon tea freshly prepared with local ingredients. A warm and welcoming at-seat service ensures you can relax and savour the flavours while the train journeys through the stunning winter landscape. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and menu selections can be made at the time of booking. It is a cosy and indulgent way to celebrate the season with friends and family while enjoying a classic heritage railway experience. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 16th December 2025 - 17th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Pullman Christmas Lunch
Celebrate the season in style with a festive three-course Christmas lunch served at your seat in our beautifully restored Pullman dining carriage.
Step aboard Pullman Car Lydia and relax into an elegant and memorable dining experience. A delicious three-course Christmas menu, freshly prepared using local ingredients, will be served to you by our friendly at-seat team as the train travels through the stunning winter scenery of the Devon countryside. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available, with menu selections made at the time of booking. It is the perfect chance to enjoy traditional West Country flavours and a festive atmosphere while travelling in true heritage comfort. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 16th December 2025 - 17th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Pullman Festive Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a luxurious festive afternoon tea served at your seat aboard our beautifully restored Pullman dining carriage, surrounded by the winter scenery of the Devon countryside.
Take your place in Pullman Car Lydia and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a seasonal twist. Freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, it is a relaxing and warming way to celebrate the festive season in heritage style. Our friendly at-seat service ensures you can sit back and savour every moment as the train journeys through the picturesque landscape. Vegetarian and gluten-free menu options are available, with selections made at the time of booking. Whether treating yourself or sharing the occasion with loved ones, it offers a delightful combination of great food, comfort and classic railway charm. Pre-booking is essential. Book via our website.
- Dates
- 16th December 2025 - 17th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- The Station, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Premier Lunchtime Dining Trains
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.
- Date
- 18th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow Evening Dining
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.
- Dates
- 18th December 2025 - 20th December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Santa Steam Specials
All aboard the Santa Steam Specials! This enchanting journey is the ultimate festive treat for children, offering a magical steam train ride from Princes Risborough to Santa's Grotto at his North Pole station. Here, little ones can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself!
On selected dates in November and December, all trains will depart from Princes Risborough Station Platform 4 (SatNav HP27 9DN), where Santa's stewards will warmly welcome you onboard. During the journey, the Elves will entertain the children with activity packs, puzzles, handouts, children's games and 'Letters-to-Santa'. The steam train will take you to Santa's Enchanted Workshop and Grotto at the North Pole station. Here, you can enjoy refreshments, chat with Santa, take memorable photos, and receive a Christmas present for every child. An added attraction this year will be face painting for the 3-11 year-olds while the trains are in the platform at Chinnor. On the return journey, volunteers will ensure all children are delighted with their gifts and their painted faces. Travel in comfort in our 1950s carriages, named after Santa's reindeer - Rudolph, Blitzen, Dasher, and Prancer. Seats are booked at tables to keep families together. Enjoy the traditional elements of our Santa experience: the steam train ride, hot and cold beverages, mince pies or biscuits, and a magical visit with Santa. Additional treats like sandwiches, hot sausage rolls, crisps, snacks, and mulled wine can be purchased at the station cafe, and you might find some last-minute presents in our station shop. Important Details: Early Season dates (5 pounds off) are 29 and 30 November 2025 - Adult, Senior or Child 1-12 years £24.50 per person. Peak Season dates are 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 December 2025 - Adult, Senior or Child 1-12 years £29.50 per person. Train departure times and duration: Princes Risborough departures at 10.30, 12.30, and 14.30, duration approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Departure location: Santa Steam Specials depart from and return to Platform 4, Princes Risborough Station HP27 9DN. Car parking: Chiltern Railways Pay-and-Display at the station (SatNav HP27 9DN) - currently charging Saturday and Sunday £6.50, Friday and Monday £9.30. Accessibility: a wheelchair space is available in a separate area of the train and is limited to one wheelchair dependent person and one accompanying carer at the individual seat price shown above. Please phone 07979 055366 between 10.00 and 16.00 on weekdays to book tickets. Buggies and strollers: must be left on Platform 4 at Princes Risborough, or you may prefer to leave them in your car for added security. Sorry, they cannot be carried on the train. Presents: each child ticket (1-12 years) includes a present. 'Babes in arms' under 1 year do not need a ticket but will still receive a small gift. Unfortunately, adults and teenagers do not receive a gift from Santa! Complimentary refreshments: mince pie or biscuits and a drink of tea, coffee, chocolate or a fruit shoot are included in the ticket price and will be served at Chinnor station. Limited dietary needs are catered for. Station cafe at Chinnor: on sale hot mulled wine, hot sausage rolls, vegetarian and vegan sausage rolls, sandwiches in wholemeal bread (chicken and stuffing, brie and cranberry, tuna mayo and sweetcorn, cheese and pickle), chocolate bars, cans, water, fruit shoot, crisps and snacks. Booking size: passengers in one booking will be seated together where possible. If you want to sit with another family group, please tell us when booking your ticket in the 'additional information' section at the bottom of the Checkout page. Tables in our carriages seat four people, and if your booking is for individual seats in multiples other than four, you may be sharing a table with another family. Groups: we welcome groups and will always try to ensure you are seated together, but please note there are generally no discounted fares. For bona-fide groups of Brownies, Cubs and similar organisations, we may be able to offer concessions for a limited number of accompanying adults - please enquire via email. Dogs: unlike some Santa experiences, small dogs are welcome to travel on our Santa Special trains, but they must be kept on a short lead and are not allowed on the seats. Due to hygiene and other considerations, dogs (except assistance or guide dogs) cannot be taken into Santa's Grotto.
- Dates
- 19th December 2025 - 22nd December 2025
- Event Type
- Father Christmas Event
- Location
- Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Golden Arrow Evening Dining
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.
- Date
- 23rd December 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Winter Warmers
GWR Steam Locomotive No.1369 is on hire from South Devon Railway and will be hauling our 1950s period carriages on our Winter Warmer trains in 2024
GWR Pannier Tank No 1369 provided by South Devon Railway will be hauling our steam trains on 28, 29 December 2024, and on New Year's Day 01 January 2025. From the comfort of your reserved seats enjoy the winter panorama of the Chiltern foothills as the scenery gently unfolds and the steam drifts past your window For more information on what you can see en-route please take a look at our Journey Guide. Fares shown below are for one round-trip starting out from Chinnor or Princes Risborough and include online issued out-and-back seat reservations - returning by the next train service shown on the timetable. Adult (16-59 yrs) £15 - online £14; Concession (Senior 60+ yrs or Adult National Railcard holder) £14 - online £13; Adult or Senior Resident (Postcodes OX39 or HP27) £11 - online £10; Accompanied Child 3-15 yrs (Maximum 2 Children per Adult or Senior ticket holder) Kids-for-a-Quid £1; Child 0-2 yrs Free (No ticket required). You can also buy tickets at stations on the day of travel and these offer complete flexibility for travel in our unreserved seats At Chinnor Station Café there's a complimentary cup-of-tea or coffee and a mincepie or biscuit for each ticket holder!
- Dates
- 28th December 2025 - 29th December 2025
- Location
- Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, 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 2025
- Event Type
- Dining Experience
- Location
- Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
- Distance
- 0 away
Winter Warmers
GWR Steam Locomotive No.1369 is on hire from South Devon Railway and will be hauling our 1950s period carriages on our Winter Warmer trains in 2024
GWR Pannier Tank No 1369 provided by South Devon Railway will be hauling our steam trains on 28, 29 December 2024, and on New Year's Day 01 January 2025. From the comfort of your reserved seats enjoy the winter panorama of the Chiltern foothills as the scenery gently unfolds and the steam drifts past your window For more information on what you can see en-route please take a look at our Journey Guide. Fares shown below are for one round-trip starting out from Chinnor or Princes Risborough and include online issued out-and-back seat reservations - returning by the next train service shown on the timetable. Adult (16-59 yrs) £15 - online £14; Concession (Senior 60+ yrs or Adult National Railcard holder) £14 - online £13; Adult or Senior Resident (Postcodes OX39 or HP27) £11 - online £10; Accompanied Child 3-15 yrs (Maximum 2 Children per Adult or Senior ticket holder) Kids-for-a-Quid £1; Child 0-2 yrs Free (No ticket required). You can also buy tickets at stations on the day of travel and these offer complete flexibility for travel in our unreserved seats At Chinnor Station Café there's a complimentary cup-of-tea or coffee and a mincepie or biscuit for each ticket holder!
- Date
- 1st January 2026
- Location
- Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, GB
- Distance
- 0 away