Immerse yourself in the world of wizardry, as Horsted Keynes Station opens its doors to the magical realm of enchantment and wonder!

This historic station, normally a hub for steam trains, transforms into a captivating scene straight out of a wizard’s tale. Witches and wizards of all ages gather, their robes swishing and wands at the ready, as they prepare to discover new skills in a variety of workshops and challenges.

Board the Express for a trip to Horsted Keynes, where the event will begin. Your travel tickets allow you to use any service for your return journey.
Steam billows around the platform, obscuring the figures of mystical creatures and fantastical beings that roam freely. Stalls brim with spellbinding goods, from mouth-watering treats to magical gifts.

As the whistle blows, signaling the train’s imminent departure, the platform comes alive with activity. Here, at Horsted Keynes, reality and fantasy blend seamlessly, offering an unforgettable escape into a world where magic is not just a possibility, but a delightful reality.

Details for the day

A magician will be on board train service set A, roaming the corridor coaches (set A = the 10:30am and 1pm departures from Sheffield Park Station and the 11:30am departure from East Grinstead). Please ensure you board the correct train to make it on time to the workshops at Horsted Keynes Station.

Workshop sessions

First Session

  • Workshop Rooms open at 10:45am
  • Rooms close at 11.40am
  • Visitors are then free to look around the station until suggested departure at 12:05pm

Second Session

  • Visitors arrive and free flow activities in the station
  • Workshop Rooms open at 12.15pm
  • Rooms close at 1:10pm
  • Visitors again have can freely look around the station until suggested departure at 1:17pm

Final Session

  • Workshop Rooms open at 1:20pm
  • Rooms close at 2:15pm
  • Visitors are then free to look around the station until suggested departure at 2:35pm

Departure times are suggested, however, All Day Rover ticket holders are permitted to use any timetabled service to return to other stations.

What you can get involved with throughout the day

  1. Potion Making Workshop (Ages 5+): Led by a host, each child will create a potion to take home. Children will be encouraged to use cauldrons, recipes, measuring cups, and funnels in the room to create their potion.
  2. Wand Making Workshop (Age 4+): Led by a host, children will craft their own wands using air-drying clay and participate in a spell practice game using balloons.
  3. Games and Photo Booth Room (Age 4+): Led by a host. Activities include an elf sock toss, a table top Quidditch game, and a photo booth with costumes and props. Children will also create a pencil broomstick craft to take home.

Additional Activities

  • Field Space: A Quidditch game area will be set up with broomsticks, balls, and decorative elements, along with a clear sign explaining the game and its rules. We encourage all visitors to take part in this activity.
  • Scavenger Hunt: A unique scavenger hunt featuring fantastical beast-inspired props and a map will be available at Horsted Keynes Station.
    This is a family friendly immersive event, where characters will be roaming and interacting with our visitors, with props and photo opportunities accross the platforms.