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.

If you're looking for somewhere unusual to have a lunchtime outing accompanied by Fish and Chips, then the Epping Ongar Railway's Epping Fryer dining train is the perfect place for you.

We can cater for singles, couples, families and even larger groups who want to celebrate a special anniversary, birthday or just a great time with friends. Enjoy a scrumptious meal of Fish and Chips on board one of our heritage trains as you journey through the Essex countryside. This is our most popular dining option, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Sit back and savour a variety of premium gins aboard a historic steam train!

Enjoy a unique and exclusive evening gin experience – it’s just the tonic! Our popular gin train features five specially selected local gins served as your steam train makes two journeys from Sheringham to Holt and return. Start the evening with a long gin drink served on arrival, then take your seat in a first class dining carriage ready for departure. A generous mezze board of cold meats and cheeses provides a delicious accompaniment your drinks. You will savour three contrasting gins each served with a mixer and also have the chance to try a tasty homemade cheesecake (infused with gin of course!). A gin liqueur or gin served neat over ice is the perfect way to round off the evening. On many trains, you can meet a producer from one of the local distilleries and there’s also the chance to purchase small bottles as a souvenir and take home a taste of Norfolk. Trains are available to board from 6.00pm, departing at 6.30pm. You will make two return journeys from Sheringham to Holt, arriving back in Sheringham at approximately 9.15pm. Please note this service is not suitable for those under the age of 18. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/the-gin-train/

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.

A guided morning bird song tour along the Bluebell Railway.

Join our guided service for a relaxed and fascinating birdwatching journey through the Sussex countryside, as the seasons bring the landscape — and its wildlife — to life. Running in April and September, these special guided trains are perfectly timed to enjoy both spring birdsong and autumn movement. As the train winds through woodland, fields and cuttings, look out for familiar favourites such as Robins, Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Goldfinches, Dunnocks, House Sparrows, and lively Wagtails. In the trees, you may spot Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, while Song Thrushes and Blackcaps add their voices to the soundtrack of the line. Keep an eye on the skies for soaring Buzzards, elegant Red Kites, and hovering Kestrels, and with a little luck you might glimpse the dazzling blue flash of a Kingfisher near water. Swallows are a delight in spring, while autumn brings changing behaviour and seasonal movement across the countryside. With knowledgeable guides on hand to help you spot, identify, and learn about the birds along the route, these journeys are ideal for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and discover just how much wildlife can be seen from the rails.

An opportunity to drive a Pacer DMU

How do you fancy taking the helm of a Diesel Multiple Unit? A four hour experience in prepping and driving a Pacer Unit.

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.

Our combined All-Day Rover Ticket and Ploughman's Lunch offer is the perfect opportunity for relaxing on a full or half-day out on Sundays 14 May or 09 July 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 freshly prepared Traditional or Vegetarian Ploughman's served at your reserved table in the Train Restaurant departing Chinnor station at 13.10 hours.

Our volunteer stewards will be delighted to welcome you onboard the Train Restaurant with a complimentary alcoholic drink or fruit juice and serve your Ploughman's Lunch - after your meal there is a choice of tea or coffee service and homemade sweet nibbles. Additional ales and a selection of wines can also be served at an extra charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy the panorama of the Chiltern foothills - as the scenery gently unfolds past your window you may spot some of our local wildlife and the ubiquitous Red Kites whirling overhead! See the Journey Guide for more information. TICKETS & PRICE: All-Day Rover Ticket and Ploughman's Lunch £35 per person - minimum of 2-persons per table. Seat reservations for the Train Restaurant are included on the 13.10 departure from Chinnor. Passengers are seated at tables of 2 or 3 persons. No seat reservations are required on any other steam or diesel services and ample seating is provided throughout the day. Menu: Welcome drink - Bottle of Ale 500ml / Wine 187ml / Orange or Apple juice Ploughman's - Scotch Egg, Two Cheeses, Ham, Cheese & Onion Quiche, and Salad OR Vegetable Frittata, Two Cheeses, Cheese & Onion Quiche, and Salad (V) Tea and Coffee service with a Chocolate treat 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 and thank you for your support.

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.

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

The “Norfolk Fryerâ€? 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/

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/

An opportunity to drive a Pacer DMU

How do you fancy taking the helm of a Diesel Multiple Unit? A four hour experience in prepping and driving a Pacer Unit.

We are able to offer a one day course, designed to get you behind the controls of one of our unique narrow gauge steam locomotives.

A fantastic present to give someone for a special occasion, or maybe it's just an opportunity for you to indulge in a childhood dream! • Preparation of steam locomotive for service • Driving a steam locomotive hauling passenger carriages - 9 miles • Refreshments (including a cooked lunch) • Price £275.00 Please note this experience is available for suitably fit people aged 18 years and over only.

Brake Van Rides with Sentinel Loco Joyce

Brake van rides at Princess Risborough behind our resident Sentinel Loco 7109 Joyce.

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

The “Norfolk Fryerâ€? 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/

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/

A half-day course featuring TWO complete round trips over the full length of our line on one of our impressive steam locomotives!

Our silver 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 steam locomotives at the head of a train between Sheringham and Holt. You will drive one trip and fire one trip 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. This package is offered on several dates throughout the year and we take two participants and their guests on each half-day experience. 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 aboard the footplate for two full round trips with a private train of passenger carriages 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 on the footplate) 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 fire the locomotive hauling a private train of passenger carriages during two return trips to Holt. Guests can ride in one of the carriages of the 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/steam-driver-experience-silver/

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.