Chailey travel guide and discussion

My last visit to the Bluebell Railway was over a decade ago, so I thought a warm day would be the ideal time to return. Unfortunately, no steam engines were operating during my visit due to the dry weather and fire risk. However, this didn’t bother me as I prefer diesel locomotives over steam engines. I traveled from London and arrived at East Grinstead station, which is accessible by regular train services to the town. After purchasing my day ticket, which allowed unlimited train travel, I didn't have to wait long for the arrival of the Class 201 Hastings unit. Boarding this beautifully restored old train was a treat. I traveled along the line to Horstead Keynes, a charming station that once served as a junction. Historically, there was a line connecting Horstead Keynes to Haywards Heath, and the trackbed is now owned by the Bluebell Railway. Perhaps one day trains will run on this route again. The station itself is well-preserved, featuring an underpass and a carriage stationed at platform 5, offering passengers a neat way to cross over to platform 4 for southbound travel. There’s also a small café to enjoy. From Horstead Keynes, I continued to the terminus at Sheffield Park, home to the locomotive shed. There, I observed a range of impressive steam engines resting, unable to venture far due to current restrictions. Brake van rides were being offered with "Fenchurch" shuttling within the station area and delighting visitors with its sharp whistle. In addition to the locomotive shed, there’s a railway museum and an expansive gift shop featuring an array of items like model railway supplies, souvenirs, and sweets. I caught the final train back to East Grinstead from Sheffield Park, enjoying the journey in a comfortable old Mark I coach with spacious bay seats. Watching the scenery pass by through the window at a leisurely pace allowed me to take in the natural beauty in great detail. Throughout the day, the railway was hosting other activities, such as unicorn-themed events at Kingscote station and afternoon tea in carriages at Horstead Keynes. It’s commendable that they’re exploring unique ways to attract visitors. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

#1 £1 steam train Small trains sit a lot, big steam trains are the first time. Bluebell Railway Steam Train offers a special offer every term break or holiday on designated dates, where children (3-15 years old) can ride the steam train with any paying adult for just £1. Of course adult tickets are not cheap, regular seats cost £25/pp. Aim to experience it and see the scenery💁🏻♀️. Stop stop order 🚂: Sheffield Park Station Horsted Keynes Kingscote Station East Grinstead Station Only Sheffield Park Station and Horsted Keynes have free parking 🅿️. Because the weather was not too good that day, we focused on the tour at Sheffield Park Station. This station has The Bluebell Railway Museum, Steamworks!, Souvenir Shop, restaurants and snack bars🍽. Among them, Steamwork simulates driving a steam train🕹, which is very addictive and the children love it🥰. Also Horsted Keynes has buffet and indoor soft play for younger children. Kingscote Station also has an outdoor playground and buffet. p.s. If you want to get off at the halfway station, you have to open the door and get off yourself 😅 蓝铃铁路——(谢菲尔德公园,车站) https://maps.app.goo.gl/UP3c9xNew8wP5PhGQ7?g_st=ic #steamtrain #UK parent/child destination #uk #uklife #UKlife #UKLifesharing #doublebrothers #hkmama #hkmoms #hkmum #hkkids #hkparent #hkfamily #hkinfluencer #visituk #uktravel #discoveruk #playwithkids

This time, I'll be sharing my experience riding the Bluebell Railway, a heritage railway near London... It takes exactly an hour to get on the train from London Victoria Station to East Grinstead...and it's right there when you get off at the last stop, East Grinstead! By the way, the round-trip fare during the off-season was about 3900 yen! (I bought it on Trip.com). First, buy a ticket at the reception and board the train. The ticket was just over 5000 yen! By the way, it's not a round-trip ticket, but seems to be valid for the entire day. Then, to the last stop, Bluebell Station...you can get off along the way, by the way. Apparently, the ice cream shop at Bluebell Station is recommended by the station staff! There's also a museum and a cafe serving fish and chips at the station. Trains run infrequently, but it's a great way to kill time! ⚠️Note⚠️The last train leaving Bluebell Station is at 4pm, so be careful! ️ That's roughly what it was like (lol). You can experience nature, and I think it'll be enjoyable whether you're interested in trains or not! (I'm not really a train fan myself...) The breeze felt great! By the way, depending on the passenger car, it can get pitch black inside the tunnel, so be careful! Also, don't stick your head out the window when entering a tunnel... you'll die. #FreeTravel #SoloTravel #UKTrip #PreservedRailway #Train

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