Bluebell Railway - Special Events
2007 was yet another good year for Special events on the Bluebell. Bluebell 125 was one of the biggest for some time, including a cavalcade and several unusual trains such as the mixed working behind the Dukedog (left - photo by Richard Thomas). Giants of Steam brought together four Bulleid Pacifics as seen on the right, in Derek Hayward's photo.
We hope that 2008 will be a similarly varied and fun year, with the Branch Line weekend taking on a slight GWR theme with the visiting auto-tank loco and autocoach, and events for both youngsters and enthusiasts to say goodby to 'Stepney' and 'Birch Grove' as they come to the end of their operational periods pending further overhauls. New for this year are the Family Fun weekends and a Rail Ale train.
Special Timetables may apply on Special Event days.
These are usually available on the Services for the coming week page (which is aimed mainly at enthusiasts), in the days running up to the event.
For larger events a detailed event guide is often available in advance (with details on the individual page for that event).
Special Events Discount: We are pleased to offer discounted tickets for some of our special events, if purchased more than one month in advance.
- Thurs 1, Tues 6, Weds 7 & Thurs 8 May: Bluebell Specials
- Sat 10 - Sun 11 May: Southern At War Weekend - Turn back the clock to the days of the Second
World War, with the home guard, spitfire flypast (weather permitting), soldiers, military and period vehicles, displays
and even concert parties for you to enjoy - Photo report from the 2007 event
- Sun 15 June: Fathers' Day Ploughman's Lunch -
A real treat for dads, a ploughman's lunch and a
bottle of beer on board a special lunch time train. For more information or to book please contact our customer services team: Tel: 01825 720800 or e-mail
- Sun 15 June: Songs of Praise -
Special evening train at 5.45pm from Horsted Keynes
for a summer evening Songs of Praise service
- Sat 21 - Sun 22 and Sat 28 - Sun 29 June: Bluebell Family Fun
Weekends - A great family day out with clowns, Magic
and Punch & Judy shows together with a miniature
railway, face painting and much more. Half Price ticket offer
- Fri 4 & Sun 6 July: Victorian Picnic Evening - A special evening train, with exclusive compartments
of your own, and an evening Music Hall show.
- Sat 5 July: An Evening with The Yetties - The popular threesome from Dorset are back. Tickets available online.
- Sat 19 - Sun 20 July: Toy and Rail Collectors Fair -
A whole weekend opportunity to collect that little
railway nick knack you have always been hunting for.
- Fri 5 & Sat 6 September: Victorian Picnic Evening - A special evening train, with exclusive compartments
of your own, and an evening Music Hall show.
- Sun 21 September: Grandparents Cream Tea -
Afternoon cream tea on board a special train.
- Fri 17, Sat 18 & Sun 19 October: Giants of Steam -
Our larger locomotives take centre stage with a
visiting engine. - Photos and videos of last year's event
- Sat 25 - Sun 26 October: Wizard Weekend -
All kinds of mysterious happenings around the
railway. Dare you be here? Discount on advance ticket purchases.
- Autumn Tints Specials - Observation Car specials, giving the best view of the fantastic Autumn Colours - dates shown in Blue in the timetable. Autumn Tints trains depart from
Sheffield Park at 11.00am, 1.00pm and
3pm. Advance booking is essential as they are limited to 68 seats.
To book, or for more information, please call our Customer Services Team on 01825 720800.
- Autumn Tints Specials - Observation Car specials, giving the best view of the fantastic Autumn Colours - dates shown in Blue in the timetable. Autumn Tints trains depart from
Sheffield Park at 11.00am, 1.00pm and
3pm. Advance booking is essential as they are limited to 68 seats.
To book, or for more information, please call our Customer Services Team on 01825 720800.
- Sun 16 November: Vintage Bus Running Day - Vintage bus service to and from the Bluebell Railway.
- Sat 6 December:
Horsted Keynes Carol Service. Come and join us at our annual service on the station at 7.30pm, accompanied by The
Bluebell Railway Band.
- Sat 6, Sun 7, Sat 13, Sun 14, Sat 20, and Sun 21 to Weds 24 December: Santa
Specials. The children receive presents from Father
Christmas. Postal booking opens on 1st July, and telephone bookings will be taken from Monday 6th October 2008. Further details will be available in the late spring.
- Sat 20, Sun 21, Tues 23 & Weds 24 December: Victorian Christmas Special Trains - booking for these very popular trains is already open!
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Last updated 8 May 2008 by Richard
Salmon.
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Tuesday 1st January: Vintage Trains - Celebrate the New Year in style - our oldest locomotives hauling Victorian and Edwardian carriages.
Thursday 14 February: Valentine's Day Specials
Sundays 2nd and 9th March: Mothers' Day Cream Teas on board the Lounge Car.
Monday to Friday 7-11 & 14-18 April: Stepney Farewell Specials