The volunteer run Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex, yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.

The Bluebell Railway has the UK's largest and most comprehensive collection of ex-Southern Railway locomotives and those of its three main constituents. It also, surprisingly, has the largest collection of BR standard designs. It is the only UK preserved railway where you can guarantee not to see (or hear) a diesel. We even do all our shunting by steam, and on most Mondays the LSWR B4 (usually) can be found employed on the only regular steam shunting turn on any railway in the country. Our one non-steam loco, the Howard Rail Tractor, built for internal use within Howard's own factory complex, is petrol driven and is capable of limited shunting at low speed. It is currently undergoing a long-term overhaul at Horsted Keynes, which is nearing completion.

All steam locomotives require a complete strip-down, for a boiler overhaul and insurance inspection, after ten years operation. At any time, therefore, only a selection of our locomotives are serviceable, and there is a page specifically for these Operational Locomotives. With our oldest locos now 130 years old, the work required to keep them in a serviceable condition is, as might be expected, quite onerous. The Locomotive Roster shows the shedmaster's intention as to which locos should be working on any particular day.

Refreshments

At Sheffield Park Station, housed within the purpose built restaurant is our real ale bar, The Bessemer Arms. Bar lunches, featuring appetising homemade food, are available here every day except Christmas day. On the first floor you will find Puffers, our self selection family restaurant serving hot and cold homemade food, snacks, drinks and more. Our Birch Grove Suite can be booked for Parties, Dinner Dances or Discos.

Horsted Keynes Station has a Victorian refreshment room which is open on most operating days, serving drinks and limited hot and cold meals and snacks. Due to planning restrictions, there are only limited catering facilities on some days at Kingscote Station.