‘Magical and memorable’ festive season at Bluebell Railway – all you need to know

Illuminated trains and Santa Specials form part of the heritage line’s winter services planned to run from December 3, to January 31.

The railway runs between Sheffield Park in East Sussex and East Grinstead in West Sussex.

Both counties have been placed in Tier 2, which allows businesses to continue to operate in a covid-secure manner.

Chris Hunford, Bluebell Railway chairman, said: “We look forward to welcoming our passengers back to the railway and can promise them a magical and memorable ride.

“We have our new illuminated train and lineside displays called SteamLights as well as our ever-popular Santa Specials to provide some cheer and welcome delight for families.”

The not-for-profit railway has been closed since November 5, as part of the national lockdown in England.

The closure meant the railway had to cancel all services and postpone the formal start of its festive trains which had been due to begin in November.

The Bluebell Railway will also reopen its East Grinstead station for the first time since March for the Santa Specials services to take passengers to the festivities at Horsted Keynes station.

When the railway reopens, its shop at Sheffield Park will be open and operating in a Covid-safe way while continuing to trade online.

The Bessemer Arms at Sheffield Park will reopen offering table service and serving alcohol with a substantial meal in line with the Tier 2 regulations.

Full details of the railway’s services for December and January as well as ticket availability are at www.bluebell-railway.com.