Coronavirus: Bluebell Railway suspends all train services

The heritage steam railway, which runs a regular service between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park, had originally decided to stay open and run a minimal service over the weekend (March 21-22), with enhanced health protection measures in place but now says the national and global situation with coronavirus means it will have to close.

Chris Hunford, Bluebell Railway plc chairman, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors remains our priority.

“Some people have been calling up asking if we’re open and saying they still intend to travel this weekend although several people have also called asking to defer their bookings.

“Taking all this into account and the latest Government advice, we have decided to suspend all services this weekend and the railway will close until further notice.”

During the closure, there will be no trains running and the shop and catering outlets will not be open to visitors although the railway’s online shop will continue to trade.

Mr Hunford said the railway would keep the situation under constant review in the coming days and weeks and assess the situation as it evolves.

He added that all events and activities planned for this year remained under review.