Children's Section

Bluebell Railway is a family friendly visitor attraction. Not only do we run special events across the year, but we also have plenty of activities and facilities for children to enjoy at our stations!


Stepney Club Magazine

The summer 2020 edition of the Stepney Club Magazine is now available to view online! Read it here.

Download these prior editions of the Stepney Club Magazine for fun activities and resources to enjoy at home. They are sure to keep the little ones (and perhaps the big ones too) amused!

        

Click here to find out about what else Stepney Club offers members.


Storytime

Join Bluebell Railway’s Education department for special readings of children’s stories.

For the full playlist click here.

You can buy the book and support Bluebell Railway – 25% of the price will go to our railway if you buy it here.


Children’s Activities

Keep the little ones entertained with these fun activities.

All you need to do is click to download and print the sheets below.

    

     


Plane Spotter’s Bingo

Print and play this fun WWII inspired game.

The full instructions and cards are available via the links below.

SteamWorks! Activity Book

The Bluebell Railway SteamWorks! Activity book is packed with 12 fun-filled steam activities for use around the Steam Works! exhibition at Sheffield Park Station and also full of science to do at home.

You can buy it online here.

For a taster of what’s inside, please download the fun and educational activities below.


Sheffield Park 

SteamWorks!

Learn the science and stories behind steam in our interactive exhibition SteamWorks! on Platform 1. Set among some of our fabulous collection of locomotives in the running shed, you can gets hands-on with interactive displays and even have a go on our Stepney locomotive driving experience!

Bluebell Railway Museum

Head to Platform 2 and find our extensive museum. Here we tell the story of the railways, and the Bluebell Railway in particular, through a stunning collection of artefacts, display panels and videos. Visitors are invited to pull a signal lever in the Victorian signal box and children can do a quiz and win a badge.

Horsted Keynes

Elephant Van

Once upon a time there was a railway van which moved elephants belonging to Billy Smart’s Circus from town to town.Now, it provides undercover soft play for little ones and is full of wonderful activities.

Look out for it at Horsted Keynes Station, you won’t miss it – it’s bright red!

 

Kingscote

Playground

The only thing that interrupts the tranquil atmosphere of Kingscote Station is the laughter of children playing in the picnic area and playground.

A kiosk selling snacks, ice cream and drinks is open at weekends during high season, on special events and during the school holidays. So why not break your journey here?

Kingscote Heritage Trail (KHT)

There is also a heritage trail at Kingscote to guide visitors and families around the station. Associated with the trail are two quizzes; the first aimed at families with children up to about 8 years old, and the other for 9-13 year olds.  Find out more about the Kingscote Heritage Trail.

Outside space

Aside from our river-side picnic area at Sheffield Park and generous outside space at Horsted Keynes, the railway is surrounded by a network of footpaths and situated on the edge of the Weald, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Enjoy view of the Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie the Pooh, as the train steams through the Sussex countryside.


Free Travel for Blue Peter Badge Holders!

The Bluebell Railway is one of over 200 attractions throughout the UK that Blue Peter badge holders can enter for free. At Bluebell Railway, Blue Peter badge holders with a valid badge card are eligible for free one day unlimited travel.

To take advantage of this offer badge holders must be accompanied by a full paying or concessionary adult and a valid badge holders card must be shown at the time of purchase. This can not be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Refreshments

We have a range of children’s options in The Bessemer Arms restaurant, should you wish to enjoy a hot meal as part of your day out at the railway.

Our Stepney lunch boxes are also available to purchase in the Bessemer Arms Restaurant. If in a larger party then please pre-order for collection on the day. The lunchboxes can be eaten in the restaurant, picnic areas or on the train.

Lunch Boxes include the following:

  • Filled Roll
  • Crisps
  • Piece of Fruit
  • Chocolate Treat
  • Juice Carton
  • Colouring booklet and crayons

The lunch boxes are priced at £5.95 each. If pre-ordering then payment would be required in advance.