Never seen before in the South East!
SteamLights
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!
Tickets are available to book online
Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with a seasonal lights spectacular!
Sparkle, glow and shimmer on a magical steam train covered by thousands of colourful lights.
Illuminate the dark landscape as you journey and feast your eyes on an amazing light show along the way. With festive displays, music and narration, this is a steam train experience not to be missed!
The experience
- Before boarding, witness the big switch on as we light up the darkness of Sheffield Park Station
- Board for the magical journey and be seated in the luxury of your own compartment; keeping your visit safe an enjoyable. Add a special hamper stuffed with tasty treats and drinks at time of booking and we will put them in your compartment to make the journey extra special!
- Journey through the Sussex countryside under cover of darkness, but bring shimmering light and colour as you go. Along the way, enjoy festive scenes among the trees and clearings and a colourful light show orchestrated in time with music and narration. A multi-sensory feast!
- Arrive at Horsted Keynes Station and disembark for 30 minutes to take photographs of your spectacular train covered in lights. The atmospheric country station adorned with lights and festive decoration provides the perfect backdrop.
- As you return to Sheffield Park, enjoy a second chance to sparkle through the countryside and view the festive scenes you may have missed the first time.
The whole experience will take around 1 hour 30 minutes and we ask people to arrive in good time to allow for social distancing measures. For more details visit our Covid-19 Safety Measures page.
Photo and video credits: With thanks to North Norfolk Railway and North Yorkshire Moors Railway
PLEASE NOTE: This is a separate service to Santa Specials – Santa will not be appearing on our SteamLights service.
If you would like to volunteer at SteamLights, please fill out our contact form here.
Prices
Third class compartments (up to 8 people) – £120.00
First class compartments (up to 6 people) – £150.00
You can also add hampers to your experience – these cost £10 for adults and £7 for children.
Adult Hamper
Child Hamper
Departures times vary. Please select your departure time during the booking process.
- 14 November
- 15 November
- 18 November
- 19 November
- 20 November
- 21 November
- 22 November
- 25 November
- 26 November
- 27 November
- 28 November
- 29 November
- 2 December
- 3 December
- 4 December
- 5 December
- 6 December
- 9 December
- 10 December
- 11 December
- 12 December
- 13 December
- 16 December
- 17 December
- 18 December
- 19 December
- 20 December
- 21 December
- 22 December
- 23 December
- 27 December
- 28 December
- 29 December
- 30 December
- 2 January
- 3 January
- 4 January
- 5 January
Accommodation for wheelchair users: Due to social distancing guidance space in this area is limited, therefore parties are limited to 4 people. To book please fill out the form below:
FAQs
Are you still running Santa Specials?
This is a separate service to Santa Specials. Santa will not appear on Steamlights - he is very busy packing presents for our Santa Specials. Tickets for Santa Specials will be on sale 28 August.
Where will the SteamLights service run to and from?
Services will start at Sheffield Park for a return trip to Horsted Keynes.
What are your current Covid-19 safety measures?
Yes, 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/
How many people can sit in a compartment?
Tickets are sold per compartment. Eight adults can sit in third class compartments and six people in first class compartments.
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.
Do toddlers and babies need their own seats?
Children aged three and under can sit on laps and do not count towards the seating limits.
Will there be toilets on the train?
No, but there will be at Sheffield Park Station and Horsted Keynes where you can disembark for 30 minutes. The journey time is 25 minutes each way.
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, apart from assistant dogs.
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 The Bessemer Arms and SteamWorks! be open?
The Bessemer Arms Restaurant on Platform 1 will be open until 10pm or 11pm (depending on date), offering a limited table drinks service for you to start the evening off with a glass of our famous mulled wine. Card payments only please. SteamWorks will also be open, should you wish to look round before the event begins.
Can I order or bring food?
You can order hampers, and these will be waiting for you in your compartment. You are also welcome to bring your own if you wish. Please note that there will not be an on-board drinks service, but you can order drinks in advance when you book, or by calling our customer services team: 01825 720800.
What shops will be open?
Once you arrive back at Sheffield Park you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and gifts from our shop and market stalls on the platform before you leave.
What happens at Horsted Keynes?
At Horsted Keynes you will be able to get off the train to take photos on the platform. It will be necessary for you to follow a designated route along the platforms to keep you safe. You will have 30 minutes at Horsted Keynes – enough time to buy teas and coffees and another cup of mulled wine on sale outside the Buffet. Card payments only please.