Character Days at Bluebell Railway
For 2026 we are pleased to announce an exciting, varied range of family fun events, all FREE with the purchase of an all-day rover travel ticket, plus kids travel for just £1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult!
Meet Buzz Bot
18th, 19th & 20th February | SteamWorks! Sheffield Park
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating day out at Sheffield Park, Steamworks! this February. Get up close and personal with this giant machine and see it in action. Spend the day at the railway, travel on our historic trains, and meet this truly epic character that kids (and adults!) will love. From towering mechanical giants to fascinating moving machines, there’s something to amaze visitors of all ages. Perfect for curious young minds!
You can find the majestic robot at Sheffield Park, in SteamWorks!, or roaming around the platform 1 at these times:
Morning: 9:45 | 11:00
Afternoon: 12:25 | 1:40 | 2:50
Traveling from East Grinstead? Catch one of these trains to meet the Robot:
- 11:30am departure → Arrives at Sheffield Park by 12:20pm – Catch Robot’s 3rd outing
- 12:45pm departure → Arrives at Sheffield Park by 1:40pm – Catch Robot’s 4th outing
Please check train timetables and plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss this event at Sheffield Park.
Watch Miss Rachel
28th February & 1st March | Sheffield Park (Birch Grove Suite)
The Bluebell Railway is excited to announce classroom sessions with Miss Rachel! Join in for singing, music, action songs, dancing, bubbles, maraca shaking, photo opportunities, and more! Based in our warm function room, at no extra cost. Proof of a train ticket is required to watch the show. Spaces are strictly first-come, first-served, so make sure to arrive early!
You can enjoy Miss Rachael’s session in the warm Birch Grove Suite, which is located at Sheffield Park above the café.
The Birch Grove Suite is accessible by steps, but there is also a chair lift, should you need to use it, please arrive with plenty of time.
Morning: 9:45 | 11:00
Afternoon: 12:25 | 1:50 | 3:25
Traveling from East Grinstead? Catch one of these trains to meet the Robot:
- 11:30am departure → Arrives at Sheffield Park by 12:20pm – Catch Miss Rachael’s 3rd show
- 12:45pm departure → Arrives at Sheffield Park by 1:40pm – Catch Miss Rachael’s 4th show
Please check train timetables and plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss this event.
Meet Ohana Blue Alien
14th & 15th March | SteamWorks! Sheffield Park
Your favourite mischievous Hawaiian blue alien is coming to the Bluebell Railway! Come meet this friendly but cheeky character up close for a meet and greet and photo opportunity!
Hop aboard and enjoy a memorable day out with train rides, scenic views, and plenty of family-friendly excitement.
Batmobiles
28th & 29th March | Kingscote Station
Start your engines and head to the Bluebell Railway for an exciting new event in 2026! Fans of Batman classic cars are in for a treat as we welcome a special display featuring a range of beloved vehicles — perfect for photo opportunities and a chance to admire the collection together. It’s an epic sight! To attend, you’ll need to travel to Kingscote, which means starting your journey from Sheffield Park, East Grinstead, or Horsted Keynes. There is strictly no parking at Kingscote.
Easter Bunnies
1st & 2nd April | Sheffield Park & onboard the trains
Celebrate the magic of Easter with a delightful meet-and-greet experience with Easter Bunnies onboard our heritage trains! This enchanting event is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories while enjoying a ride through the beautiful Sussex countryside. Meet our friendly Easter Bunnies as they hop through Sheffield Park, spreading joy and Easter cheer. Kids can enjoy interactive moments, photo opportunities, and a truly unforgettable day on the rails. Add a sprinkle of Easter magic to your family outing and enjoy the perfect combination of heritage, fun, and festive cheer. Book your tickets early to secure your seats for this egg-cellent experience!
Cute, Small, Baby Dinosaur
18th & 19th April + 11th & 12th July + 5th & 6th August | Onboard Set A Trains
Experience a prehistoric adventure at The Bluebell Railway with Baby Dino’s! On select days, our Set A trains will feature a charming little dinosaur for all to enjoy. This is your chance to meet and greet the adorable Baby Dino’s, and on other days advertised, encounter our impressive larger dinosaur displays both on our trains and at Sheffield Park!
Stormtroopers and Darth Vader
2nd, 3rd & 4th May | Sheffield Park
A must-attend event for all Star Wars fans – prepare for an epic galactic adventure as Darth Vader & Stormtroopers take over the Bluebell Railway! There will be incredible photo ops and authentic Star Wars costuming, plus a meet & greet. Iconic characters will be appearing at intervals between 10am – 3pm at SteamWorks!
Don’t miss this out-of-this-world experience! Gather your crew, book your tickets, and “May The 4th” be with you!
Spaceman and Cowboy
4th & 5th July | Sheffield Park
Yeehaw & blast off! Meet your favourite cowboy and spaceman at Sheffield Park!
Rotating meet & greets mean everyone gets a chance for a photo and a high-five!
Unicorns
15th & 16th August | Kingscote Station
Join us at Kingscote Station to meet real-life unicorns! Our exclusive unicorn-themed weekend is ready to add a touch of magic to your journey. Authentic and captivating, they’re designed to ignite joy and wonder. Have your chance to meet and greet unicorns and have your photo taken with them, they will be available to visit between 11:00am and 3:00pm on both days.
Railway timetables and meet & greet timings for selected events will be made available in due course.
And more events and dates will be added throughout the year so keep an eye on this page and our socials to find out first!
