SteamLights
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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!
Safe and enjoyable
- 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 with your party; keeping your visit safe and enjoyable. Add a special picnic box 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.
Prices
Third class compartments (up to 8 people) – £120.00
First class compartments (up to 6 people) – £150.00
Picnic boxes are available for £10 for adults and £7 for children.
Adult Picnic Box
Child Picnic Box
Departures times vary. Please select your departure time during the booking process.
Accommodation for wheelchair users: Due to social distancing guidance space in this area is limited, therefore parties are limited to 4 people.
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. To request a booking 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.
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. In line with current government guidelines, Tier 2 restrictions state: you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
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.
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@bluebell-railway.com
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.
Can I order or bring food?
You can order picnic boxes, and these will be ready for you in your compartment. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments if you wish.
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.
Will there be platform only tickets?
Platform only tickets are not available during SteamLights.
