Santa Specials At The Bluebell Railway
SANTA SPECIALS WILL RETURN IN 2024. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VISITED US AND TRAVELLED ON OUR TRAINS IN 2023.
Nothing stops Santa visiting the Bluebell Railway!
After our successful season last year, we aim to give you another wonderful 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 Santa Specials from one of two starting stations. You can join our services from either Sheffield Park (compartment trains) or East Grinstead (open seating trains). PLEASE CHECK CAREFULLY which station of departure.
- Chocolate coins for you on board will be given out during your journey.
- Drinks trolley will be available onboard these services.
- 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- Follow your special route to Santa’s Parlour where you will meet him and get your present. Photos will be possible.
- Enjoy the traditional inclusive amusement attractions.
- Take time for a glass of delicious Mulled Wine on sale in the Pantry & The Buffet at Horsted Keynes. Festive treats will be available too.
- 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.
When booking tickets, please check carefully for your required station of departure – Sheffield Park or East Grinstead.
Please be aware that some of the attractions which will be available are not undercover so please ensure that you bring suitable winter clothing for potential inclement weather conditions.
FAQs
Do I Buy Tickets Per Person Or Per Compartment Or Seats?
Tickets are per compartment from Sheffield Park station and per seat from East Grinstead station.
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?
Yes. However, we will be running the Observation Coach on our East Grinstead services, this coach does not have toilet facilities on board. All other coaches will have toilets on board.
Are there any discounts available?
Carers accompanying a registered disabled passenger are required to purchase a travel ticket. Please complete the wheelchair accommodation form to request a booking. There are no discounts available on this service.
Is this service accessible?
Yes, however parties with a wheelchair user are limited to 4 people. If you would like to book, please email enquiries@buebell-railway.com
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted on this service.
Is there a cost for the amusement rides at Horsted Keynes?
No
What are the ages for presents?
Children aged 0 - 14 will be given presents. We have presents for 0 - 2-year-olds, 3 - 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds and 8+ 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.
Can I take my pram/pushchair on the train?
We're sorry but it isn't possible to take prams/buggies/pushchairs onto our trains during this event. These may be left in the care of the station staff at the departure station