Hop on the beautiful Bluebell Railway and walk among the Bluebell woods on this scenic trail. Step back in time, discover the captivating flora as you walk along the picturesque countryside and find treasures in a local fair with this perfect day-out guide and map. This post provides tips and recommendations for an unforgettable experience on the Bluebell Railway.
Let’s get on an easy bluebell woods walk by train! Check the below guide to learn everything you need to know about the Bluebell Railway, where to stop and what to see on your journey for a perfect day out with friends and family!
In this article, I go through everything you need to know about the Bluebell Railway from pricing to facilities, and then, I deep dive into two walks to see bluebells after the train ride. You will find all the information you need for both options and a free GPS map that you can download at the end of this post.
Happy discovery!
The Bluebell Railway
Step back in time on a journey across the West Sussex countryside with the Bluebell Railway.
Opened in 1960 as a tourist attraction between Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes, the line now covers 11 miles (17.7 km) from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park.
It started in 1877 with the opening of the line linking Lewes to East Grinstead. However, in 1954, the British Railway offered to close the line due to the discontent of the locals. After 4 years of legal battle, the line stopped operating.
In 1959, the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society was created. Their project: bringing vintage locomotives back to life! And so was born the Bluebell Railway.
Video: Watch the Bluebell Railway arriving at Kingscote Station
Ran by volunteers, the Bluebell Railway offers an experience like no other. You can enjoy an All Day Rover Ticket and hop on and off the train at each station.
The journey takes 50 minutes from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park and 40 minutes the other way. This is due to the train making a longer stop at Horsted Keynes for passengers to enjoy the fair on the platform on the way to Sheffield Park but not on the way to East Grinstead.
Video: Watch the Bluebell Railway going across a field
The stations are refurbished to make you feel back to the early 1900s with details such as the posters on the platform’s walls, the cinema room, the decoration of the waiting room or even the train ticket itself which you get punched when leaving the station at Sheffield Park.
What are the stations?
- East Grinstead
This is the departing/terminus station of the Bluebell Railway. The line was extended to connect with East Grinstead in 2013. There is a coffee place in an old carriage to have a snack and refreshments whilst waiting for your train. Toilets and changing rooms are also available at this station.
- Kingscote
This is the quietest station on the Bluebell Railway. With its vibrant colours, the station’s platforms are decorated with piles of old suitcases. You also find a kiosk should you fancy a bite and a playground area behind Platform 2 to keep the little ones busy when waiting.
- Horsted Keynes
The train makes a longer stop at this station on the way from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park. And this is for a good reason: there are so many things to see! From an old carriage used to transport elephants for the circus turned into a playground, another one turned into a bookshop to a toy and rail collector fair on the middle platform, you won’t get bored! Horsted Keynes station also features in films and TV productions such as Downtown Abbey.
- Sheffield Park
This is the last stop on the Bluebell Railway line and also the biggest one. With a museum, an interactive Steam Locomotive attraction, a pub and several kiosks, this station is buzzing. If you are looking for somewhere a little quieter for your lunch, you would find a picnic area just outside the station on your left.
Useful Information
Contact
Hello, are you there?
Address: Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL
Email: enquiries@bluebell-railway.com
Phone Number: 01825 720800
Website: www.bluebell-railway.com
Price
How much?
All Day Roll Over Adult: £25 advance, £28 on the day
All Day Roll Over Child: £12,50 advance, £14 on the day, £1 on weekend & holiday
Special fares apply for Bluebell Railway Members
Facilities
What can I find?
Toilets at the stations only/ No facilities available onboard
Dining facilities on board (booking required/ only on specific dates)
Murder Mystery activity (booking required/ only on specific dates)
Wheelchair users area
Accessible for prams & pushchairs
Dogs are allowed on board but not during the dining events
Eat & Drink
I am hungry
The Bessemer Arms, Sheffield Park Station
The Kiosk, Sheffield Park Station
The King George V Buffet, Horsted Keynes Station
The Well House Kiosk, Kingscote Station
The Golden Arrow, onboard dining service (booking required)
Picnic area outside of Sheffield Park Station
What to do after the Bluebell Railway trip?
So, the journey on the train is great, but where do we actually see bluebells?
When you end your journey at Sheffield Park, you can:
- Walk 15 minutes to the National Trust Sheffield Park & Garden
- Wander in Waspbourne Bourne Bluebell Wood
Option 1
If you choose to visit the National Trust site of Sheffield Park & Garden, here is what you need to know.
Useful Information
What I need to know
Price: Adult £15, Child £7.50
Eat/Drink: The Shant
Facilities: Toilets, Car Park
Shops: Book Shop, Plant Shop
Dog friendly except on Saturday mornings before 1.00 pm
Free guided tours are available
Option 2
If you choose to go for a stroll in a nearby bluebell wood, then follow the walking guide below and download the GPS map for free at the end of this article.
Bluebell Railway Walk Guide
So, now we covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!
Logistics of the Bluebell Railway Walk
- Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
- Total Ascent: 243 ft (74 m)
- Highest Point: 200 ft (61 m)
- Lowest Point: 62 ft (19 m)
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Direct train from London Victoria to East Grinstead. The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
- At East Grinstead, take the Bluebell Railway to Sheffield Park and back.
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Please note that woodland paths can get muddy so make sure you wear waterproof shoes
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Packed lunch if you don’t want to buy from one of the kiosks or pubs at the stations
- Rain cover if the weather is grey
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if the sun is out
Highlights of the Bluebell Railway Walk
- Sheffield Park Bluebell Railway Station
- Wapsbourne Woods
- Bluebells, bluebells and bluebells!
Bluebell Railway Walk Directions
We start our walk at Sheffield Park Station, the terminus of the Bluebell Railway. When you come out of the station, walk up to Lewes Road until you reach the junction with the dirt road at the entrance of Wapsbourne Manor House and take a right onto the lane. On your way to the forest, you pass by the Wowo Campsite.
There is only one footpath going through the woods, so if you wanted to make a loop, you can start by walking on the edge of the forest until you reach Butterbox Lane. Continue on this road until you find a footpath heading inside the forested area. Take this path and enter the bluebell woods.
Wapsbourne Wood is a 5.85 km long bluebell wood. Less popular and smaller than its neighbour Sheffield Park and Garden, its access is however free of charge, so you can fill your eyes with the beauty of the purple carpet without emptying your pockets.
Related Content: Ashridge Bluebell Walk
Walk straight until you meet the main footpath going across the forest as you arrive at Kitt’s Cottage Campsite. Take a left to head towards the opposite edge of Wapsbourne Wood and then retrace your steps to the campsite.
This time, continue straight on the main path until you get to the edge of the forest. Once you exit the wood, retrace your steps back to the station.
Have a lovely Bluebell Railway ride back!
Bluebell Railway Walk Map
Do you want to do this walk? Simply download the GPS map by clicking on the button above the image. To learn how to upload the map onto your navigation app, check my step-by-step guide here.
Final Thoughts on the Bluebell Railway Walk
In conclusion, the Bluebell Railway walk is a wonderful, leisurely walk that can be enjoyed by families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. It connects East and West Sussex, past and present. After the train journey, the bluebell walk is a refreshing reminder of the beauty of nature and the calming effects of being close to nature. Not only is it a great way to exercise, but it’s also a great way to unwind and appreciate the scenery.
So if you’re looking for a serene way to get some fresh air, then give the Bluebell Railway Walk a go! Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and let the beauty of nature bring you peace and joy.
Looking for more bluebell walks? Check out the beautiful Bluebell Walks near London selection.
And you, what is your favourite bluebell walk? Let me know in the comment below.
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