Bluebell Railway – A Magical and Memorable Visit

Our Visit to The Bluebell Railway

My wife and I visited the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex on Friday, 18 July 2025. While it was a very hot day at 28 degrees Celsius, the sun was not always out, as can be seen in some of the photographs. We started our journey at Sheffield Park Station.

The Bluebell Railway had one train schedule (Schedule A) with two departures to East Grinstead and two departures on the way back. We chose the 11 a.m. departure from Sheffield Park Station. The locomotive running on the day was a Class 4MT 80151. Horsted Keynes and Kingscote stations were closed in preparation for the Southern At War event on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July. We thoroughly enjoyed the rides and also appreciated the Bluebell Museum, gift shop, and the Steam Works exhibits, located in the locomotive shed at Sheffield Park Station.

Surprise Arrival of a Class 202 201001 DEMU

This was a lovely surprise as this Class 202 heading a set of carriages was not in service, yet delighted us greatly at Sheffield Park Station. My understanding is that the Bluebell Railway does not own this locomotive, so I presume it was on loan from another heritage railway. The train stopped for some ten minutes, allowing me time to take photographs.

Bluebell Railway Photo Gallery

You can click or touch any image (above the captions) to see a full-sized photo and to cycle through the gallery.

Web author at Sheffield Park Station. — Sheffield Park Station

Waiting for 11 am departure to East Grinstead. — Sheffield Park Station

Definitely a Great Day Out

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Bluebell Railway and highly recommend it as an attraction.

Parking at Sheffield Park Station

There is free parking at Sheffield Park Station. The car park seemed very spacious to us, and there were not many people visiting while we were there. I have no idea how easy or difficult parking might be on a busy day.

Have you visited the Bluebell Railway? I would love to read your comments below.