Are you ready for a steam train adventure that goes beyond your wildest imagination? Join us and experience the thrill, the beauty, and the joy of a journey that will stay with you forever. With exclusive offerings and special features, this deal is truly one-of-a-kind. More than just a train ride—it's a true heritage experience.

• Please note: Reservations must be made via the online booking tool. Walk-ins are not permitted. Valid only from Sheffield Park Station.

🎉 Ring in 2026 with Steam-Powered Splendour 🎉

Kick off the new year aboard a living piece of railway history, the Bluebell Railway’s New Years Day Steam Up (1 January 2026) promises a full day of steam, nostalgia and charm.

Expect an enhanced two-train passenger service all day, with the first departure from Sheffield Park Station at 10:00 AM, and the other bookable slots throughout the day.

As a special extra, beyond just passenger rides, a vintage goods train will also be operating: a rare treat for enthusiasts and photographers alike.

For an even more unique experience, hop aboard the beautifully restored Observation Car, offering a distinctive way to travel, perfect for soaking up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a heritage railway.

🛤️ Steam Stars of the Day 🛤️

The gala features a varied and historic locomotive line-up (all subject to availability), including:

• No. 72 Fenchurch — LB&SCR A1 Class

• Wightwick Hall (No. 6989) — GWR Modified Hall

• Sir Archibald Sinclair (No. 34059) — BR-rebuilt Battle of Britain class Pacific

• Camelot (No. 73082) — BR Standard 5MT

Each locomotive brings its own slice of railway history, making every journey through the beautiful Sussex countryside a step back in time.

✅ Why This Deal Is Unmissable

• More than just a train ride: with special services (goods train), historic rolling stock, and the Observation Car, it’s a full-on heritage experience, not a standard ride.
• Flexible and family-friendly: with multiple trains across the day, you can choose a time that suits you, great for families, groups, or solo travellers.
• Perfect for enthusiasts and photographers: the vintage goods train and diverse locomotive roster provide photo-ops and steam-era charm you won’t find on regular services.
• A memorable way to start the year: nothing says “new beginnings” like winding through misty countryside in a roaring steam engine, a unique memory to mark 2026.

What We Offer

Welcome to the world of our "Standard" locomotives, meticulously designed for British Railways, blending classic style with engineering excellence. Enjoy a remarkable travel experience with flexible ticket options that cater to all preferences.

• Versatile Seating: Choose between open carriages and 3rd class compartments—perfect for solo travellers or groups. Select your seat and immerse yourself in the authentic sights, sounds, and emotions of a bygone era.
  

• Historical Significance: Locomotives like 'Camelot' represent a pivotal era in British railway history. Built between 1951 and 1957, their design was inspired by William Stanier’s LMS Black Fives, marking a key moment in the evolution of railway engineering.
  

• Exceptional Performance: Equipped with roller bearings and modern enhancements, locomotives like 'Camelot' deliver a smooth, reliable journey. Though withdrawn in the 1960s, their legacy lives on today.

Why You Should Grab the Offer

• Heritage Preservation: Bluebell Railway holds one of the UK’s finest collections of preserved steam locomotives and carriages, offering a true taste of the golden age of rail.
  

• Family-Friendly Fun: Operating since 1960, Bluebell Railway offers a full day of adventure. Use the All Day Rover ticket to hop on and off at stations like Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. Families can enjoy picnic spots and children’s play areas.
  

• Dog-Friendly Travel: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome aboard. Please note, dogs are not permitted in the museum or the Bessemer Arms, with the exception of assistance dogs.
  

• Timeless Locomotive Collection: Ride through history aboard iconic locomotives such as BR (GWR Design) No. 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’, Rebuilt SR Bulleid Light Pacific ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, LBSCR Terrier No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’, and BR Standard Tank No. 80151. Each has its own unique story and charm.