Sussex Based| The Bluebell Railway

Hello everyone,

Hope you are all well.

This is the first post, in a series I am doing called Sussex Based. Sussex Based will be a series based on places to visit in Sussex...if the title didn't give it away! This could be visitor attractions, such as museums to local bars or restaurants as well as events in my area and around the south coast. If you are Sussex Based and would like to get involved, please email me to get involved. (see bottom of blog post)

My first Sussex Based post is on the Bluebell Railway.

Bluebell Railway is an old line that runs from Sheffield Park to Ease Grinstead. With the largest collection of steam locomotives, I had never been on a steam engine let alone been up close to one.

The journey it's self is a 22 mile return trip from Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, with trains being recreated from 1880's to the 1960's. Bluebell Railways is popular and used in many films and on TV Shows such as Downton Abbey, The Woman in Black as well as The Railway Children.

Upon arrival we brought tickets and hopped onto the 1.15pm train and found ourselves a table that happened to be next to the bar/coffee shop on board the train. A cup of tea was certainly required when on board a steam train. The cafe/bar offers a variety of different drinks and snacks which are reasonably priced!

The journey itself is beautiful, even though I felt for second, I had taken the Hogwarts express. The train takes you through beautiful Sussex countryside and there is so much to look at when looking out of the window. The journey it's self is almost relaxing. We walked up the carriage to see that the train had 3rd class, 2nd class and 1st class seating and it's worth a walk up the carriage to see the different seating areas.

Upon arrival at the first station, it looked like we had been transported back in time. With old fashioned posters up on station walls as well as old suitcases. You are able to get off at each station and explore each one. As well as a train journey, there is also a museum, coffee shop and a gift shop.