Facilities

What's Available

Reserved accommodation on trains – seating in open plan carriages can be reserved for groups of 15 or more passengers.

Toilets – facilities are available on board most trains (not disabled) and at all four stations. We regret that the accessible toilet at Horsted Keynes Station will be unavailable from 17th to at least the 24th June owing to works at the station.

Picnic areas – these are available at Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. Covered areas are available beneath platform canopies and in the Waiting Rooms at both Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. Snacks can also be eaten on board the train.

Refreshments – full refreshment facilities are available at Sheffield Park, and a buffet car serving light refreshments is normally available on the train. We also have catering outlets at Horsted Keynes, Kingscote and East Grinstead.

Gift shop – at Sheffield Park Station.

Parking – at Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes

Free coach parking – at Sheffield Park Station.

WiFi – at Sheffield Park Station.

Disabled Access

At our stations

Level access is available from each of the station drives. Our stations have bridges or subways connecting the platforms, but those with walking difficulties or wheelchairs can be escorted by our station staff via a ramped crossing between the platforms. On occasions at Sheffield Park, such access may be blocked by the position of a steam locomotive on the end of its train, and patience may be required. It is therefore advisable to ask our staff to help you cross well before the train is due. Guide Dogs are most welcome on the Bluebell Railway. Train destinations are indicated both visibly with traditional “finger boards” and through audible announcements. Our station staff will be pleased to give visitors any help or assistance that they may require.

On our trains

One of our carriages has been extensively modified with double-doors, wheelchair lifts and an open saloon. Please give the Sales and Information Office a ring in advance to find out if this wheelchair-accessible saloon is operating, and if so on which train, if more than one is in the timetable. At present wheelchair passengers are also carried in any carriage brake-van, with access via a portable ramp. Thus all of our trains (except when formed of the Observation Car on its own) can carry at least a couple of wheelchairs, but the special saloon provides a much more enjoyable way to travel, and can accommodate larger parties with entirely flexible seating and a panoramic view from the windows.

Bluebell Guides & Speakers

When possible a qualified Bluebell Guide can be arranged to meet groups visiting the Bluebell Railway to provide background information about the Railway and the services that we provide and to answer any questions that you may have.

Clubs and Societies wishing to know more about the Bluebell Railway either in advance of a visit or at a later date may like to be aware that we have a team of speakers available to talk about the history of the Railway and the services that we offer. A charge is not normally made for such visits but a donation to Bluebell funds would be appreciated. Bookings can be made via the Sales and Information Office.