Reviews written in capitals are written by Brian all others written by Tanya.
We live in Cheltenham...
Reviews written in capitals are written by Brian all others written by Tanya.
We live in Cheltenham with our children Courtney 7, Oliver 4 and Samuel 11 weeks.
Member since:25.01.2004
Reviews:50
Members who trust:14
The Bluebell Railway is a very popular tourist attraction. It’s Victorian Metropolitan Railway. A great day out for all the family, especially if you like trains. They are all old steam trains. Both my children like Thomas the Tank engine and we are planning a second visit to Bluebell Railway to see Thomas and friends in the summer.
Bluebell Railway is in East and West Sussex it just crosses the border between the both. Sheffield Park Station is the best place to get on the Bluebell Railway, which you will find it on the A275 East Grinstead. You can get your tickets at most central south coasttrain stations. I know you can get them from London Victoria, then travel down by the London to Brighton line, Just jump on the South-Central or Thameslink trains. After reaching East Grinstead you will have to get the bus to Bluebell railway but it’s all very well signposted.
You can purchase a combined Rail, Bus, Bluebell Railway ticket from most National train stations. Which id would say is well worth looking into.
History about The Bluebell Railway. Museumstoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik is Twinned with Bluebell railway, Its in the Netherlands, It shows you how transport played a big part to develop the country. The Bluebell Railway Preservation Society owns bluebell Railway. Its 9 miles in length from Sheffield Park to Kingscote.
All Bluebell Railway staff, drivers, firemen and guards, and many other staff are volunteers. There are over 30 steam engines. You can see these throughout your day, some of them would be in the train shed. "Fenchurch" steam train is there most popular, was first built in 1872. Stroudley Terrier is another popular one that can be seen. Bulleid Q1 is famous for being "the ugliest engine ever built"
The Railway Children, was filmed at the Bluebell railway as well as some other films such as The Wind in the Willows and 102 Dalmatians. You can even get married at Birch Grove Suite, or have your wedding reception there.
The steam trains run at 25 miles an hour, they can run a lot quicker than that, but they don’t on the Bluebell railway.
There is access on the trains and busses for Disabled people, and they do provide help if needed with getting on and off trains. If you was to drive down, a little tip for you all, park your car at East Grinstead and get the bus provided just outside the station
Prices do vary as it depends on what your doing on the day, and what class seats you buy. But I can tell you what we bought when we was there. I recommend buying an unlimited day travel (Sheffield Park, Horsted Heynes, Kingscote plus return) Adult £9.00, Child £4.50 (3 and under 16), Family £25.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children), Senior Citizen £7.50 You can take your dogs, a special ticket is needed for them. Guide dogs travel free. You get a discount if there are group bookings, school trips, and parties.
One thing I would of liked to do but didn’t get round to it, as having children it wasn’t for them was to get on the Golden Arrow Pullman Dining Train. You go back in time to the 1920’s (Not literally its just a re-enactment of the 20s)
There are all different times to travel on the day, so its best to look at the timetable, as it does change.
Once we were on the steam train it was about a 30 minute train ride through the bluebell railway stopping at Horsted Keynes, and Kingscote. It’s a single line track and you don’t go very fast, so you do have time to look at all other trains and scenery.
There isn’t a lot of choice to hot and cold foods. I made up a picnic that was really nice to have. You can get light refreshments on some of the trains.
It is a lovely day out to see the steam trains. Its also an interesting day out and would recommend it for a day out. Nicer in the summer.
They do special events. Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, Troublesome Trucks (if im honest there my favourite, but SHHHH don’t tell everyone) Sir Topham Hatt The Fat controller will be there at the Bluebell railway which we are planning to go and see. It’s on 19th – 20th and 26th – 27th June. There are loads to do, my daughter is very excited. I believe there is things like, face painting, punch and Judy show and loads more to keep kids entertained. I think it’s costing us £34, that’s for a family ticket 2 adults and 2 children. (But you can have up to 3 children on that ticket)
They accept most payments, Cash, Mastercard, Switch, Visa, Delta, Solo or Cheques.
Bluebell Railway gift vouchers can be bought, if I remember correctly you buy them in five pounds. They do have a gift shop, where you can buy little gifts for everyone.
Thank you for reading my review. Would love to hear any comments you might have. Tanya
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