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.

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/

Enjoy a three-course meal on the move as you turn detective and piece together the clues to catch the culprit!

Departing Sheringham at 7:00pm, one of our steam locomotives will haul the ‘The North Norfolkman’ luxury dining train carrying you on two round trips along the picturesque North Norfolk coastline to Weybourne and Holt. Enjoy a three-course meal on the move but keep your eye on the cast of suspicious characters that will join you for the journey! A drama unfolds as the evening continues and it is likely that a crime will be committed – possibly even a murder! You and your companions can turn detective and piece together the clues to finger the perpetrator. By the time coffee & mints are served someone will have solved the murder and the culprit will be unveiled on arrival back at Sheringham. Each train has a distinct theme and many diners choose to dress the part – this is encouraged but not compulsory. There’s a prize for the most successful sleuth but it’s up to you how seriously you take the investigations! ‘The North Norfolkman’ boasts an onboard bar selling a selection alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dining is very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please note this service is not suitable for children under the age of 12. Trains are available to board from 6.30pm, departing at 7.00pm. You will make two return journeys from Sheringham to Holt, arriving back in Sheringham at approximately 10.30pm. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/murder-mystery-dining/

Luncheon silver service dining aboard the Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow train.

Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow train is the perfect setting for a special meal with friends or an intimate dinner for two. With luxurious Pullman Cars Christine, Fingall, and Car 54, the train recreates the fabulous Golden Arrow which once linked London and Paris with the style and panache which made it one of the most glamorous and famous trains in the world. On board you will enjoy fine food and wine served to the standards of yesteryear. This premier dining service includes a three-course meal and travel on a steam-hauled train through the beautiful countryside of the Sussex Weald to East Grinstead. Your journey will last approximately 3 1/2 hours. A cup of tea or coffee at the end of your meal is included in the cost, and all other drinks may be purchased and paid for on the train. All Golden Arrow services begin and end at Sheffield Park Station and the Golden Arrow Luncheon will begin at 12:25 on selected Sunday afternoons. Browse the menu and book your tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/golden-arrow-luncheon-2025/

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.

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.

A truly indulgent treat!

Take a seat in our First Class dining carriage and enjoy a Chocolate-inspired Afternoon Tea. You'll be welcomed onboard with a mug of liqueur hot chocolate before being served a selection of freshly made sandwiches, chocolate chip scones and a selection of cakes.

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/

Climb aboard a train of historic carriages and enjoy a meal served on the move!

The North Norfolkman luxury dining train runs on selected lunchtimes. Enjoy a complimentary locally-produced drink on arrival – choose from ale, lager, cider or apple juice – all made within the County. Then, relax in the comfort of one of our dining cars built for British Railways in the 1950s or ’60s and boasting restored interiors of varnished wood and a distinctive upholstery moquette that was characteristic of the period. As your train steams gently from Sheringham to Holt and return, enjoy the changing vista of some of the County’s finest countryside coastal views whilst savouring a delicious meal, freshly prepared and cooked onboard. a will be served at your seat by the attentive team of waiters. A glass of house wine, beer or a soft drink to accompany your meal will be served at your table by the team of attentive waiters. The train will make two return journeys so you can enjoy your meal a leisurely pace and steam occasionally drifting past the window, you will be transported briefly back to a time when the pace of life was less hurried. Dining is very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please note this service is not suitable for children under the age of 12. Trains are available to board from 12.00noon, departing at 12.25pm . You will arrive back in Sheringham around 3.10 – 3.30pm. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/premier-lunch/

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.

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

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/

Step aboard for an evening of suspense and steam on the South Devon Railway's Murder Mystery Experience. Watch the drama unfold, uncover the clues, and enjoy a hot pasty on board this immersive heritage whodunnit.

All aboard for an evening of mystery, murder, and steam-powered intrigue on the South Devon Railway. In partnership with Murder by Appointment, the longest established murder mystery company in the West of England, this unique experience brings classic crime drama to life on board a heritage train. The evening begins at Buckfastleigh station from 18:30, with the train departing at 19:00 and returning by 22:00. As the train travels through the Devon countryside, professional actors will perform a thrilling murder mystery in your carriage. Watch the plot unfold, listen for clues, and question the suspects if you wish to try and solve the case. A freshly baked Devon pasty will be served to your seat before departure. Choose from steak, cheese and onion, or roasted vegetable (vegan) when booking. The on-train Buffet Car will also be open, serving a selection of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks including local beers, ciders, and wine. Each Murder Mystery event features a different storyline, making it a great reason to return for more. Period dress is welcome, and a prize is offered for the best outfit, though the dress code is casual. Pre-booking is essential. The event is recommended for adults and children aged 12 and over. Seating is arranged in tables of four, and unbooked seats may be allocated to other parties.

Take control of a GWR steam locomotive in this hands on half day experience. Drive and fire over 14 miles, enjoy time on the footplate, and bring up to four guests to share the journey

Step onto the footplate and discover what it is really like to work a Great Western Railway steam engine. This half day session offers a focused, practical introduction to steam footplate work on the South Devon Railway. Choose a morning or afternoon session and book on at Buckfastleigh at either 0900 or 1245. You will receive a safety briefing and meet your footplate crew before heading out for two round trips along the line, 14 miles in total. There are four participants per session, with two people at a time on the engine, one driving and one firing, while the others travel with the guard and their guests in the train. You will rotate during the session to make sure everyone gets equal time in both roles. Each participant can bring up to four guests to travel in the carriages, giving them a front row seat to your time at the regulator and the shovel. Hot and cold drinks are provided on board for participants, and you will receive a personalised certificate to take home.

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.

Take your footplate adventure further with an extended driving experience at the controls of a steam train with carriages. Twice the distance of the Bronze, this is the ultimate day for any railway enthusiast.

The Silver Edition of our Steam Locomotive Driver Experience offers an even deeper dive into the world of steam. You will drive a steam locomotive hauling coaches for a full 16-mile journey along the Great Central Railway and ride the footplate for another 16 miles, sharing the day with one other participant. It is a rare opportunity to take charge of a working train on Britain’s only double-track main line heritage railway. Your day begins with a welcome briefing and introductory film, followed by the main footplate experience. Lunch is included for you and two guests, and you will enjoy a guided tour of the locomotive works and a visit to the Loughborough signal box. A presentation certificate and 12-month membership of the Friends of the Great Central Mainline are included, along with runabout tickets for the rest of the day. Whether for yourself or as an unforgettable gift, this is a real taste of the steam age brought to life.

A special evening, steam train dining experience, hauled by our visiting guest locomotive LMS Jubilee Class No. 45596 Bahamas.

With a tailored itinerary to allow you to sit back, relax and indulge in a mouth-watering 5 course meal as you travel along our 16-mile double-track railway. Your experience starts at 6:30pm as you are welcomed in our refreshment room where our bar will be open, serving a range of drinks, to start your evening off in style. There will be plenty of photo opportunities with the Bahamas Locomotive. At 7:10pm guests will be escorted into our beautifully restored first-class carriages. Immerse yourself in a world of vintage luxury and get comfy before departure. As the train begins to steam off into the Leicestershire countryside your fine-dining experience will commence as you are served your pre-selected five course meal. Featuring an expertly crafted menu with locally sourced ingredients, each dish is prepared by our skilled chefs on board and served directly to your table by our stewards. All our fine dining services carry an on-board bar serving a quality selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to make toast to your celebration meal. Why not choose something from our locally inspired cocktail menu? Once you reach Leicester North Station you will be able to get off and explore the station and perhaps even get the chance to step onto the locomotive footplate. The locomotive will ‘run round’ and be ready for your journey back. With magnificent views, delicious food and amazing company, before you know it, we’ll arrive at Rothley Station at 9:00pm. You will have the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore our Edwardian-styled, gaslit, station restored to reflect how it may have been in 1912. At 9:30pm your return journey to Loughborough begins where you will be served tea, coffee & hand-finished chocolate truffles to complete your culinary journey. Tickets for this unforgettable evening are very limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. View the full menu on our website at tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/128008

oin us and Fox & Edwards Events for a steam train journey with a difference - a fish and chips meal to enjoy!

Take in the picturesque scenery on a round trip from Norden station (where there is car parking - postcode BH20 5DW) in a heritage carriage from the 1950s or early 1960s, hauled by a steam locomotive. The trip takes approximately 70 minutes - perfect for getting a good "fill" of nostalgia or celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasions. The fish and chips meal, bottle of water and baked sweet treat (flapjack or biscuits) are served at the half-way point in the journey for the return trip. Alternative meal options are offered for those who prefer not to have fish and these are selected when purchasing tickets. Reviews for other Fox & Edwards Events journeys include: "It was nice to have a bit of nostalgia from childhood memories" "Staff was pleasant and helpful polite, questions through emails was quickly answered fantastic service" ​ "Lovely relaxing day out" "Thank you to all who helped make our day feel really special. We all felt like VIP's. Well done!" We are currently unable to welcome dogs on this trip. Please note that tables are arranged in fours. Groups of two may be seated on the same table as other groups of two. Adult Ticket - £37.50 Child Ticket (Aged 3 to 11) - £24.95 Infant Ticket (Aged 2 and under) - Free Service provided by Fox and Edwards not the Swanage Railway. Swanage Railway does not take nor administer bookings, Swanage Railway gift card cannot be redeemed against this product.