Santa Specials
Nothing stops Santa visiting the Bluebell Railway!
It may be slightly different this year, but we still aim to give you a wonderful, safe and enjoyable festive experience with all the traditional sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas.
- Get into the mood with some Christmas music while having your tickets checked
- Board your train in your own private compartment for a safe and enjoyable journey
- Mince pies and chocolate coins waiting for you on board
- Enjoy the trip to Horsted Keynes through the winter countryside
- Visit Santa in his parlour with an opportunity for a photo
- Collect your special present from Santa’s Workshop
- Enjoy the traditional inclusive amusement attractions – all carefully spaced apart
- Take time for a glass of delicious Christmas Punch on sale on the platform
- Rejoin your train to return to Sheffield Park or East Grinstead
- Pick up Christmas gifts in our shops
The whole experience will take around 2 hours from Sheffield Park and 2 hours 15 minutes from East Grinstead. For more details visit our Covid-19 Safety Measures page.
When booking tickets, please check carefully for your required station of departure – Sheffield Park or East Grinstead.
EAST GRINSTEAD CUSTOMERS: To maintain social distancing, we ask passengers joining us at East Grinstead for the 11am service to arrive at the event time stated on your ticket. If you are booked for the afternoon service, please arrive at 2pm.



Prices
Third class compartments – £130.00
First class compartments – £170.00
The price is per compartment, not per person.
Sheffield Park Services | First Class compartments are designed to seat up to 6 adults
Third Class compartments are designed to seat up to 8 adults |
East Grinstead Services | Some First Class compartments are designed to seat up to 8 adults, others will seat up to 6
Some Third Class compartments are designed to seat up to 10 adults, others will seat up to 8 |
To book wheelchair accommodation, please fill out a contact form below. This is for wheelchair accommodation only:
Wheelchair accommodation tickets costs £25 per person, with one carer travelling free with a registered disabled passenger. Up to two additional passengers can be added per booking for £25 each.
Dates
- 5 December
- 6 December
- 12 December
- 13 December
- 19 December
- 20 December
- 22 December
- 23 December
- 24 December
Start Times
- From Sheffield Park: 10am & 12.45pm
- From East Grinstead: 11am & 1.45pm
FAQs
What are your current Covid-19 safety measures?
We have fully risk assessed all areas and activities on the railway and put new measures in place. Find out more about our up-to-date measures at: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/covid-19-safety-measures/
Do I buy tickets per person or per compartment?
Tickets are per compartment. First class compartments can seat up to six people in Sheffield Park departures and eight people in East Grinstead departures.
Will I have to share my compartment?
No - tickets are sold per compartment and groups will not be sharing with other parties.
What is the difference between a first and third class compartment?
First class compartments contain plusher seats and are more luxurious.
Will there be toilets on the train?
No, but there will be toilets open at all our stations.
Are there any discounts available?
There are no discounts available on this service.
Is this service accessible?
Due to social distancing guidance, parties with a wheelchair user are limited to 4 people. If you would like to book, please email enquiries@buebell-railway.co.uk
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted on this service.
Is there a cost for the amusement rides at Horsted Keynes?
There is no cost for fair rides this year.
What are the ages for presents?
Children aged 0 - 14 will be given presents. We have presents for 0 - five year olds and for six - 14 year olds.
Is there a car park?
We have a car park at Sheffield Park. If you are booked for the East Grinstead services, you can park in pay and displays in the town, or catch the National Rail service to East Grinstead - our station is a very short walk away.
Will there be platform only tickets?
Platform only tickets are not available during Santa Special services.