Bluebell Railway

Welcome back to Rarars Adventures, I hope you are all well.

This Month we have been out and about visiting Bluebell Rail.

When we visited, unfortunately not everything was open due to covid. But we were able to share the main points of what our visit was about, which is how accessible it is to visit.

I’d like to first share some information about Bluebell Railway before we begin.

I have quoted this from their website so that I give you the right information.

“The volunteer-run Bluebell Railway was the UK’s first preserved standard Gauge passenger railway,

Re-opening part of the Lewies 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 remains true to its objectives of the preservation of posterity of a country branch line.

It's steam locomotives, coaches, and good stock. Signaling systems, stations, and operating practices.

The Society and thus its Trustees and members, own a majority shareholding in the Railway (a not-for-profit company) and set the overall policy of the Railway.

Bluebell Railway has grown through the strengths of its members which now totals over 10,000.

As the Railway continues to develop there is a need for more members and volunteer to achieve its aims and objectives.”

For me visiting Bluebell Railway brought back some happy memories, as I used to visit here regularly with my sister and grandad my grandad was a massive fan of trains, so he used to come here all the time.

Which was lovely, and it was nice to see what had and had not changed.

To be fair not much had changed, it was a shame we were not able to stop at all the stations, but I was able to find out information about each station, which I will be sharing with you in a moment.

So, as you arrive at Bluebell Railway it is clearly signposted so that you know where you are going and will not miss the turning.

There is car parking as soon as you pull in for cars but if you follow the road down a little more, then you will find parking for coaches and disabled parking. (this is also signposted as you drive in)

Also, I wanted to point out that as you are driving to the disabled car park there is a walkway which is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters and if you follow it down it takes you to a green with a picnic area, which might be nice to stop at or have a little nosy around, it seems to be very quiet and might also be a good place if you are feeling anxious and you just want five or ten minutes to calm down. (This is something I need to do before each of my visits as I get so anxious myself)

So, as you go into Bluebell itself to the entrance there are two double doors which are held back, and it is all one level (if there is only one door open there is a member of staff there that will open the other door.) Then you pay for your ticket and then there is another set of doors to go through which again should be open.

Sheffield Park

The first station that you walk on to from the entrance is called Sheffield Park Station.

Quoted from website

“Sheffield Park station is one of four stations at Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park station is from the late Victorian to 1923 pre-grouping and representing the London Brighton and South Coast Railway.

Only half a mile away from the seat of Lord Sheffield, the station was primarily built to serve Lord Sheffield who owned the large house and estate about a mile away.

Sheffield Park and garden is now a National Trust property and within easy walking distance of the station.

Today the station has been restored in the style of the Brighton era in the 1880s.”

Also, at this station, you have Steam works and Bessemer Arms for a bite to eat. and an Ice Cream Kiosk, Birch Grove Suite, and Sales and information office.

If you go over the bridge if you are able, if you are not able then you can go down a ramp and cross the tracks, there is a bell there for assistance to help you across which we did as I had a wheelchair, they are very quick and don’t leave you waiting around which was brilliant, you go over to the other side of the platform where you will find the museum.

The museum is fully accessible, for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The Steam Works

(Quoted from website)

“Situated in the locomotive shed on platform 1, Steam works! Uses touchscreen displays, information boards, and interactive elements to bring the science and mechanics of steam to life.

The star of the show is an interactive model of the locomotive.

Based on our very own Terrier Class locomotive ‘Stephey’ (as featured in the Tomas the Tank Engine books series), this special ‘engine’ features a display showing how the engine’s boiler works, and as an added bonus, a special driving experience simulator in the cab enables you to experience what it’s like to drive Stepney on the Bluebell Railway”

The second station you will stop at is called Horsted Keynes Station

Information is quoted from their website.

“Horsted Keynes Station was built in 1882 by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway.

It was a large junction station in the 1930s, with a line branching off to Haywards Heath via Ardingly.

Today, the station has been restored to the Southern Railway – mid-1920s.

This station is particularly popular with film and television companies and used as a filming location for Downtown Abbey. The Woman in Black and Muppets Most Wanted.”

At this station, there are also the following

Carriage and wagon viewing gallery – “is the home of our award-winning Carriage and Wagon department which is where all our carriage restoration takes place including metal fabrication, woodwork, marquetry, upholstery, and painting.

You can visit the carriage works viewing gallery and display which is accessible from platform 5.

Elephant van indoor soft play, which was originally used to transport circus elephants, has now been transformed into a bright red play carriage especially for our younger visitors.

Bring the kids along and let them enjoy soft play in this safe environment, with fun activates ideal for children up to 7 years old.

Model Railway

King George V Buffet- tea, coffee, and snacks are available every day that trains are running.”

There are no disabled toilets at this station.

The third station is called Kingscote Station

“Kingscote Station was built in 1882 by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. Regarded as our most tranquil and picturesque station.

Kingscote has been restored to the British Railway period mid-1950’s.

The station was known as being one of the quietest stations on the Brighton network,

Only serving a few houses with the closest village of Turners Hill about three miles away.

The station did boast a large timber yard resulting in goods traffic being the most important activity at Kingscote.

Today the station boasts colorful flower beds and a children’s playground and is the pride of the station staff and the friends of the Kingscote (FOK) volunteer group that looks after Kingscote for all to see.”

There is also a Children’s Play area- a place for the children to let of some steam, and a picnic area to have a bit of lunch.

Goods Yard

The Well House – Do you fancy ice cream, snacks, or perhaps a drink?

Grab some refreshments from the Well house alongside the picnic area.

There is also a heritage trail at Kingscote to guide visitors and families around the station.

Associated with the trial are two quizzes; the first aimed at families with children up to 7 years old, and the other for 9-13 years old.

There are also disabled toilets and baby changing facilities at this station.

The fourth and last station is called East Grinstead Station

“East Grinstead Station back in 1960, Bluebell Railway only owned and ran from Sheffield Park to a halt just before Horsted Keynes.

But after reconnecting to East Grinstead in 2013, we can welcome engines by rail for special occasions, and passengers can come by mainline to East Grinstead and walk just one minute along the path to Bluebell Railway.

At East Grinstead, watch the locomotive uncouple the ‘run round’ to the other end of the train and recouple to the carriages.”

Also, at East Grinstead station there is.

Grinstead Buffet

Souvenir’s shop

Here is some more information about the Mobility side of things for Bluebell Railway which I have quoted to give you the right information.

“Our carriages

Specially adapted vehicles, which allow wheelchair access, are available on certain trains and can accommodate wheelchairs that are within the dimensions prescribed in government regulations covering public transport (700mm wide by1200mm long.)

· Width 700 millimeters

· Length (including footplates) 1200 millimeters

· Weight (loaded) no more than 230kg (36stone), which is the safe limit that many of our ramps can carry

At all stations, ramps are available which connect between the train and the platform. The train crew and station staff will assist passengers in wheelchairs if required: they are trained in doing this.

We strongly recommend all wheelchair users to seek advice prior to booking. All trains are wheelchair accessible, but some of the carriage’s accommodation is not suitable. Suitable disabled accommodation on- trains is strictly limited, and only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Due to operational difficulties, wheelchair accommodation may sometimes be unavailable at short notice.

PLEASE DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS WITH OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF BEFORE BOOKING.

We can only accommodate standard designs of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Unfortunately, some larger vehicles are too wide and heavy to traverse the ramp into our carriages.

Some powered scooters are effectively road vehicles are unsuitable for carriage in vehicles. This is because the majority of mobility scooters have wider turning circles than wheelchairs occupying the same space and tend to be heavier and therefore are appropriate to take on board trains with the confined space on the carriages. We do undertake however to carry those models of scooter that can be folded down into lightweight and manageable components and those that fit within the wheelchair size above.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to load the scooter on and off the train and we ask the disabled passenger or their traveling companion to ensure that the scooter is folded down ready for boarding prior to the train’s arrival. Assistance may be requested from either a member of the station or train crew.

The folded scooters can be stored safely in the luggage compartments.

For reasons of safety, powered wheelchairs and scooters must not exceed 2 mph on station platforms and must not go near the platform edge.

PLEASE DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS WITH OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF BEFORE BOOKING

Our dining trains.

Due to the historic design of our dining car carriages with their narrow doors and gangways, it is NOT possible to accommodate wheelchairs at a table in one of these carriages. It is also important to note that passengers with mobility issues will need to climb up or down a step to get into or out of the train.

For those who are able to walk a short distance, wheelchairs can be folded and carried in the brake van.

Our Stations

Please remember that our stations were built in the 1800s and, as such, can pose some access difficulties.

Our stations have bridges or subways connecting the platforms, but those with walking difficulties or wheelchairs can be escorted by our station staff via a ramped crossing between the platforms.

At Sheffield Park – Designated parking bays are situated in the top car park next to the coach parking bays. These bays are heavily used. We advise drivers to ‘drop off’ passengers who have mobility problems at the top of the car park.

The booking office, shop, and catering facilities are located on platform 1 and are all accessible to wheelchairs and on the same level as the platform. The Bessemer Arms is also accessible and all tables have loose chairs enabling disabled persons in wheelchairs access to tables.

At Horsted Keynes- there is sufficient parking however access is via uneven surfaces from the main car park, which some wheelchair uses may find difficult.

Drivers can ‘drop off’ right outside the station entrance.

There is no disabled toilet facilities on the station. The buffet is accessible on platform 3 via the foot crossing where station staff will assist, however, most trains arrive on platform 3.

At Kingscote – There are no car parking facilities. There is a disabled toilet.

East Grinstead – There are no car parking facilities. There is a disabled toilet.

The East Grinstead Buffet is accessible, and all tables have loose chairs enabling disabled persons in wheelchairs access to tables.

Please note that mobile phone networks may not work in the area through which the line travels.

No wheelchairs are available for use at any of our stations.

Concessions for Carers and Disabled people.

Our policy admits the necessary companion, or carer, of a disabled visitor free of charge. While the normal membership, or admission fee, applies to the disabled visitor.

Carer’s tickers can be obtained from station booking offices on the day of travel.

We request customers requiring carers ticket please produce of one the following forms of ID when collecting tickets: Personal independence payment (PIP) Document, Disability Living Allowance Record Book, Attendance Allowance Book, invalidity Benefit Book, Visual Impairment Registration Card (BD8), Blue/Orange Parking Permit or written confirmation of the above from the DWP with photographic identification.

Assistance Dogs

We recognize that these dogs provide assistance not only for the sight-impaired but also for those with hearing loss, epilepsy, diabetes, physical mobility problems, and more. Assistance dogs are welcome in our restaurants, on our trains, museum, and ‘SteamWorks’ exhibition. We also welcome Assistance Dogs in training provided they are accredited as such.

Assistance Dogs (and those in training) travel free on our trains “

We had such a lovely time it, was sad that we were unable to stop at the stations but understandable at this time because of COVID, maybe we would be able to go back there later once things have opened a little more.

We enjoyed our visit and I hope you have enjoyed reading about Bluebell Railway.

Let us know if you go there to visit and what your thoughts are, or if you have already been I would love to hear what you thought.

I have left some pictures from our visit, and I have also left the links below to the short film we made so don’t forget to check that out!

Also, I have left all the links that you may need for Bluebell Railway to help you plan your visit.

Here is the link to go and watch on youtube

https://youtu.be/eLYE4BdTj7s