SteamLights
Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with a seasonal lights spectacular!
SteamLights will return to Bluebell Railway in 2021.
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!
- 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, bringing 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 be approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a separate service to Santa Specials – Santa will not be appearing on our SteamLights service.
Prices:
First Class Compartment (seats up to 6 adults) – £170.00
Third Class Compartment (seats up to 8 adults) – £130.00
Table (seats up to 4 adults) – £110.00
Accommodation for wheelchair users:
Wheelchair accommodation is available for groups of up to four people. One carer can travel free with a registered disabled passenger.
The price for wheelchair accommodation is £35.00 per adult £17.50 per child.
Please fill in the form below if you wish to request a booking for wheelchair accommodation
SteamLights 2021 dates:
SteamLights will be running on selected dates from Friday 5 November to Saturday 8 January.
Add a picnic and make the experience extra special!
Adult picnic box – £12.50 for one
- Savoury filled roll
- Brie and sun-dried tomato quiche
- Pork pie
- Chipolata sausage
- Traditional Christmas cake
- Butter shortbread biscuit
- Deep filled mince pie
Child picnic box – £6.50 for one
- Savoury filled roll
- Satsuma
- Candy cane
- Chocolate coins
- Gingerbread man
A selection of drinks can also be added during the booking process.
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 later in the year.
Where will the SteamLights service run to and from?
Services will begin at Sheffield Park for a return trip to Horsted Keynes.
How many people can sit in a compartment?
Tickets are sold per compartment, or tables for four. Third class compartments can seat up to eight people, and first class compartments can seat up to six people.
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. We advise older children to have their own seat.
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?
Carers travel free when accompanying a registered disabled passenger. Please complete the wheelchair accommodation form to request a booking. 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 complete the wheelchair accommodation booking request form.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on this service, with the exception of assistant dogs.
Is there a car park?
We have a car park for visitors 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 and there will be refreshment kiosks at Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes.
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 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 and admire the spectacular lights. 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.
Will there be platform only admission tickets?
Unfortunately platform admission tickets are not available during SteamLights.
