Trains, Gin and Cheese what's not to love!

We have teamed up with our friends to bring you a relaxed afternoon travelling by rail through the Weardale countryside, combining local flavours with a leisurely heritage train journey. The experience lasts around three hours. You will board the train at Bishop Auckland at 13.00 and travel to Stanhope while enjoying a guided tasting of Durham Gin and Weardale Cheese, with commentary from the producers themselves. Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, three gin and tonics, and a selection of locally produced cheeses served with crackers. Tickets are priced at £60 per person and must be booked in multiples of two.

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.

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 Sparkling Afternoon Tea offer is the perfect opportunity for a relaxing full or half-day out on Sunday 28 May; 11 & 25 June; 23 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 Sparkling Afternoon Tea served at your reserved seats in the Train Restaurant - which departs from Chinnor station at 13.10 hours.

Our volunteer stewards will be delighted to welcome you onboard the Train Restaurant and serve your Sparkling Afternoon Tea provided by Ashlea Catering, together with a glass of Prosecco and 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. If you are looking for something more in the local area, please see our What to see and do section for more information. TICKETS & PRICE: All-Day Rover Ticket and Sparkling Afternoon Tea £38 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, 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: Welcome drink - glass of Sparkling Prosecco, or Orange/Apple Juice, plus a 200ml bottle of still water Afternoon Tea - Selection of Savouries, Sandwiches (Vegetarian option available), Homemade Scone and Cake 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 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.

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

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!

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.

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.

Join us for Afternoon tea whilst travelling on Weardale Railway behind one of our heritage locomotives.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea while travelling through Weardale behind one of our heritage locomotives. Sit back and take in the scenery as you enjoy a traditional afternoon tea served on board during the journey. On selected dates, trains operate as a return service from Stanhope, and on other dates from Bishop Auckland. Each service departs at 13.30 with an expected return time of 15.15. This experience is ideal for a special treat, a celebration, or simply an enjoyable afternoon out with friends or family. Please note that seating is arranged at tables of four, and smaller parties may be seated with other guests.

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.

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.

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!

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/

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!

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.

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.

On Saturdays 31 May, 19 July and 06 September 2025 you can get a feel of a first generation mainline diesel and experience the sheer power as you unleash its engine to tackle our steeply graded railway! You will get to pull a rake of 1950s passenger coaches when you drive a round trip of the line up to our boundary gate at Thame Junction and return, all made under guidance from our experienced driving instructor. We are confident you will have a great time!

Our friendly and knowledgeable train crew will look after all our new drivers and guide them throughout their Diesel Driver Experience. Your session will begin with a safety briefing, followed by a familiarisation session with the locomotive to show how it works and the operation of its controls. We'll be getting you used to starting and stopping the train safely along the seven-mile round trip of the line. You will actually get two trips in the cab, one as a driver and one as an observer. You can also bring along up to six guests for a free ride in the passenger coaches if arranged in advance – share the fun with family and/or friends! Your party are free to travel on the train on as many trips as you wish (five in all). In addition, you and your guests are welcome to stay for more trips of the line and please do discuss with Chris by email below. The price is £425 for each session. Refreshments Your Driving Experience course price includes refreshments for the driver and one guest. We will be delighted to provide refreshments for additional guests at our regular prices. The driver and special requests If you are buying this experience as a gift please let us know the name of the driver in the additional information box on the booking form. Our aim is to ensure all of our visitors to have a wonderful and memorable visit with us. If you have a special request then do let us know (email below) and we’ll see how we can accommodate your wishes. For further information and to book? You can book online below, or if you would like to find out more including diesel locomotive availability please email Chris, Experiences Coordinator, at driverexperience@chinnorrailway.co.uk THE PARTICIPANT MUST: 1. Be aged over 18 years 2. Be reasonably fit and in good health - fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided 3. Wear old clothing that fully covers the arms and legs 4. Wear sturdy shoes or boots that protect the feet - trainers are not permitted 5. Not travel in the cab under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please note that the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway reserves the right to reschedule any diesel footplate ride or refuse entry for whatever reason. The ride is for one adult participant aged 18 years or over and no other guests are allowed on the footplate.

See the Bluebell Railway like never before – from the Sunset Observation coach.

Step aboard a truly unique evening experience on the Golden Arrow – not in the dining car, but in one of the most distinctive vehicles on the railway: our beautifully restored LNWR Observation Coach No. 1503. Coupled to the rear of the Golden Arrow set, this offers an unforgettable vantage point with wide, sweeping windows and open views down the line. Included in your ticket is a welcome drink and canapés. Watch the countryside roll by as you relax in elegant vintage style, enjoying a return journey from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead during the golden hours of the evening. The stunning High Weald landscape is transformed by the soft light of sunset, creating the perfect setting for a peaceful and atmospheric steam experience. This is steam travel at its most magical – no distractions, just the gentle rhythm of the rails, the sights of a bygone era, and the comfort of classic Edwardian-style carriage design.

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.