We look forward to welcoming you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Swanage Railway.

The experience consists of approximately an hour long return train journey leaving from the Swanage Railway Station, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB. The train cannotbe boarded at any other station. The nearest long stay car park (Pay and Display) is in Victoria Avenue, BH19 1AP. We regret there is no parking available at the station. On board each train will be actors appearing as characters from the book and film of THE POLAR EXPRESS*™. There will be singing, dancing and interaction with our customers. All customers will receive a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey, and a special present on the return journey from the North Pole.

Step into Festive Elegance this December! Join us aboard the Golden Arrow Christmas Dining Train for a magical dining experience like no other.

Indulge in a delicious, festive meal served in vintage Pullman-style carriages, beautifully decorated for the season. Let the rhythm of the steam train and the warm glow of our historic Pullman carriages set the perfect scene for a memorable Christmas celebration with loved ones. This is your chance to enjoy fine dining on the rails—a Christmas tradition you’ll cherish forever. Don’t miss out—book your seats today!

Take a ride on our Santa Specials to meet Santa and receive a early Christmas Gift

Step into Festive Elegance this December! Join us aboard the Golden Arrow Christmas Dining Train for a magical dining experience like no other.

Indulge in a delicious, festive meal served in vintage Pullman-style carriages, beautifully decorated for the season. Let the rhythm of the steam train and the warm glow of our historic Pullman carriages set the perfect scene for a memorable Christmas celebration with loved ones. This is your chance to enjoy fine dining on the rails—a Christmas tradition you’ll cherish forever. Don’t miss out—book your seats today!

Join Us For A New Year's Eve Like No Other At The Bluebell Railway!

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable dining experience aboard our beautifully restored and elegant Golden Arrow Dining Service! Step back in time and indulge in a luxurious evening of fine dining, vintage charm, and enchanting scenery as we journey through the wintry Sussex countryside. Book now and don't miss out! Visit https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/nye-golden-arrow-dining-train/

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at The Bluebell Railway!

Step into the boots of an engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable journey on the footplate of a magnificent steam locomotive. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary adventure, this hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to learn the art of driving and firing a steam locomotive. Under expert guidance, you’ll get a chance to both drive and fire either 72 ‘Fenchurch’ or SECR O1 65 (subject to availability).

We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.

We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line. You’ll get to watch what’s involved in operating one of our steam or diesel locomotives, as it hauls today’s passenger service. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, but you’ll be able to see first hand what it’s like for our volunteer crews. Please note, this is not a full Driver Experience and you wont be driving the train

Enjoy a delicious supper on board our pie & mash train!

Our steam hauled train will depart from Sheffield Park Station at 6:30pm for the 1¾ hour journey through the beautiful Sussex countryside. Once onboard, sit back and enjoy your supper (pie and mash followed by a dessert), and take in the views. Your ticket price includes your journey (approximately 1 ¾ hours), a delicious supper and dessert and tea/coffee after your meal. The Bessemer Arms on Platform 1 will be open from 5.30pm – why not pop in for a drink before you board your train? Browse the menu and book your tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/pie-and-mash-supper-trains/

Our Lineside Photography PTS Courses at The Bluebell Railway are back for 2025!

The Bluebell Railway’s Lineside Photography PTS (Personal Track Safety) Courses offer photographers a unique opportunity to capture the railway’s stunning scenes up close, from a rare perspective along the tracks. Participants gain essential safety knowledge and skills needed for accessing particular lineside areas available, all while receiving guidance on the best practices for railway photography. Completing the course provides access throughout the year on running days and during special events, allowing photographers to immerse themselves in the beauty of our locomotives, special events and the chance to capture our railway and the picturesque countryside. This experience is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and create breathtaking, professional-grade railway images. Our half-day course will provide you with the essential safety training you will need to access lineside areas on our railway. A must for any railway photographer! There are two timeslots each day: Morning 9am – 12pm | Afternoon 1pm – 4pm Book now to avoid disappointment! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/lineside-photography/ Applicants must be BRPS members and be able to quote a valid membership number at the time of booking. Upon completing the course, you will be issued a Lineside Photographer’s Permit, valid for 1 year.

We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.

We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line. You’ll get to watch what’s involved in operating one of our steam or diesel locomotives, as it hauls today’s passenger service. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, but you’ll be able to see first hand what it’s like for our volunteer crews. Please note, this is not a full Driver Experience and you wont be driving the train

Enjoy a delicious supper on board our curry train!

Your steam hauled train will depart from Sheffield Park Station at 6.30pm for the 1¾ hour return journey through Sussex countryside. Once on board, sit back and enjoy a bottle of Cobra, glass of wine or a soft drink while you enjoy the views. You will then be served your curry meal with all the traditional accompaniments. Browse the menu and book your tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/curry-supper-trains/

We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.

We’re offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line. You’ll get to watch what’s involved in operating one of our steam or diesel locomotives, as it hauls today’s passenger service. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, but you’ll be able to see first hand what it’s like for our volunteer crews. Please note, this is not a full Driver Experience and you wont be driving the train

Our Lineside Photography PTS Courses at The Bluebell Railway are back for 2025!

The Bluebell Railway’s Lineside Photography PTS (Personal Track Safety) Courses offer photographers a unique opportunity to capture the railway’s stunning scenes up close, from a rare perspective along the tracks. Participants gain essential safety knowledge and skills needed for accessing particular lineside areas available, all while receiving guidance on the best practices for railway photography. Completing the course provides access throughout the year on running days and during special events, allowing photographers to immerse themselves in the beauty of our locomotives, special events and the chance to capture our railway and the picturesque countryside. This experience is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and create breathtaking, professional-grade railway images. Our half-day course will provide you with the essential safety training you will need to access lineside areas on our railway. A must for any railway photographer! There are two timeslots each day: Morning 9am – 12pm | Afternoon 1pm – 4pm Book now to avoid disappointment! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/lineside-photography/ Applicants must be BRPS members and be able to quote a valid membership number at the time of booking. Upon completing the course, you will be issued a Lineside Photographer’s Permit, valid for 1 year.

Step aboard the Wealden Rambler and prepare for an evening of delicious food, stunning scenery, and timeless charm.

The Fish & Chips Supper Trains combine the best of British tradition with the magic of steam travel, offering a truly unique dining experience. Relax in our beautifully restored heritage carriages as the gentle rhythm of the steam engine takes you on a journey through the picturesque Sussex countryside. As you soak in the views, enjoy a freshly cooked fish and chips supper served to your table, complete with all the classic trimmings. Whether you’re looking for a cosy evening with loved ones, a special celebration, or simply an excuse to indulge, the Wealden Rambler Fish & Chips Supper Trains promise a delightful combination of comfort, flavour, and nostalgia. Book your tickets now! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/fish-and-chips-supper-trains/

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at The Bluebell Railway!

Step into the boots of an engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable journey on the footplate of a magnificent steam locomotive. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary adventure, this hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to learn the art of driving and firing a steam locomotive. Under expert guidance, you’ll get a chance to both drive and fire either 72 ‘Fenchurch’ or SECR O1 65 (subject to availability).

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Our Diesel Footplate experiences are back for 2025 with a difference!

The experience is around 1 hour 30 mins in total, each participant will have an opportunity to work D4106 around Horsted Keynes, with an opportunity to work the diesel shunter to East Grinstead and back. Light refreshments and a hot drink will be provided for participants on the day from Horsted Keynes. Guests can purchase refreshments on the day. Book a Brake Van ride for your guests! There is a chance for your guests to travel in our Southern Railway brake van between Horsted Keynes and East Grinstead on your experience. This is an additional fee of £25 per person and can be booked via the button below (this is separate to booking the main Diesel Footplate Taster event). Please note: Participants must be 18+ or over to take part. Cancellation is 1 month & £10 admin fee if you cancel. Participants must be physically able to take part. Medical form must be submitted before event. Book your experience now: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/diesel-footplate-taster-day/

Luncheon silver service dining aboard the Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow train.

Bluebell Railway’s Golden Arrow train is the perfect setting for a special meal with friends or an intimate dinner for two. With luxurious Pullman Cars Christine, Fingall, and Car 54, the train recreates the fabulous Golden Arrow which once linked London and Paris with the style and panache which made it one of the most glamorous and famous trains in the world. On board you will enjoy fine food and wine served to the standards of yesteryear. This premier dining service includes a three-course meal and travel on a steam-hauled train through the beautiful countryside of the Sussex Weald to East Grinstead. Your journey will last approximately 3 1/2 hours. A cup of tea or coffee at the end of your meal is included in the cost, and all other drinks may be purchased and paid for on the train. All Golden Arrow services begin and end at Sheffield Park Station and the Golden Arrow Luncheon will begin at 12:25 on selected Sunday afternoons. Browse the menu and book your tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/golden-arrow-luncheon-2025/

Ever wondered what it’s like to be in control of a powerful steam locomotive? Now’s your chance to find out! Footplate Taster Sessions with 32424 Beachy Head, Britain's newest steam locomotive, are here!

For 1 hour, you’ll step into the heart of the action aboard this majestic engine, getting a first-hand feel of what it’s like to be part of the crew. It’s a day where every moment is an unforgettable adventure. Starting at Sheffield Park, you’ll have the rare opportunity to experience one of the most exciting additions to the steam railway world – 32424 Beachy Head – in action. With expert guidance from our experienced footplate crew, you’ll learn the ins and outs of operating this unique steam locomotive. Perfect for railway enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, or anyone who has dreamed of piloting a steam engine, these Footplate Taster Sessions are the ultimate hands-on experience. Book your session today, and prepare to feel the power of 32424 Beachy Head under your hands! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/beachy-head-footplate-tasters/