27-31 December – Trains hauled by Harry Potter star ‘Wightwick Hall’, and 73082 ‘Camelot’
Fresh from the spotlight as the star locomotive of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’ will be hauling Set B trains (subject to availability) between December 27th and December 31st. It’s a fantastic opportunity to ride behind a true screen star while enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of classic Great Western steam in winter.
Departures from Sheffield Park with 6989: 11:45 & 14:15
Departures from East Grinstead with 6989: 12:45 & 15:15* (*This departure does not return to East Grinstead.)
Best of all, fares are at the normal rate, making this a perfect festive treat for families, enthusiasts, and film fans alike.
Don’t miss your chance to travel behind Wightwick Hall as it brings a touch of star power to the Bluebell Line this Christmas and New Year.
Our Class 5 ‘Camelot’ – the only surviving of the named “Standard Arthurs”, is the other locomotive planned to be hauling trains on these days.
‘Camelot’ will be hauling set A, with departures from Sheffield Park at 10.30am and 1pm, with departures from East Grinstead at 11.30am and 2pm.
*Both locomotives subject to availability on the day.
The timetable for these days is available here, as are advance ticket sales
There is a discount for tickets purchased in advance, or you can just turn up and purchase tickets on the day at any of our stations
We are running our “Kids for a Quid” offer on these dates.
Harry Potter locomotive 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’
running on the Bluebell Railway on 26 October 2025
(photo thanks to Peter Hollands)
73082 ‘Camelot’ climbs Freshfield bank
with the 11.45 from Sheffield Park on 6 April 2025
(photo thanks to Nick Gilliam)
1 January 2026 – Celebrate with our New Year’s Day Gala
In addition to ‘Wightwick Hall’ and ‘Camelot’ (see photos above), the following locomotives also feature:
34059 ‘ Sir Archibald Sinclair’ at West Hoathly
on 24 April 2025 (photo thanks to Brian Lacey)
72 ‘Fenchurch’ whilst visiting the West Somerset Railway,
on 4 May 2025 (photo thanks to Ashley Smith)
Welcome in the New Year with the Bluebell Railway’s New Year’s Day Steam Up — a special mini-gala event to mark the start of the 2026 season in true steam-powered fashion!
In addition to our two regular passenger trains, you can also enjoy something extra special:
- A vintage goods train in operation, adding extra variety and a great opportunity for enthusiasts and photographers.
- Our beautifully restored Observation Car, offering a unique travel experience, behind our oldest locomotive ‘Fenchurch’.
Locomotives:
We’re planning a strong and varied line-up for this year’s Steam Up, featuring:
- No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ – LB&SCR A1 Class – Stroudley Terrier built in 1872
- No. 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall – GWR Modified Hall 5MT
- No. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair – Rebuilt Battle of Britain Class
- No. 73082 ‘Camelot’ – BR Standard Class 5MT
All locomotives, rolling stock, and listed activities are subject to availability or last-minute change.
