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If you're not local but have heard of Horsted Keynes before then it's
almost certainly because of "The Bluebell Railway", one of the largest
steam railways in the UK. Stand in the middle of the village
and as long as the wind's in the right direction you can hear the toot and enjoy the smell of hot
oil and steam, which even the internet can't convey - YET !
Over 50 years ago the then British Railways decided to
implement a report by Dr. Beeching, who lived close by, that recommended reducing their mounting losses by the simple expedient of closing down every line
that didn't make a profit! A group of train enthusiasts managed after a long
battle with officialdom and with the help of a determined lady called Miss. Bessimer
to reopen 4 miles of the line that used to run from East Grinstead to Lewes in
Sussex. Their line ran from the station of Sheffield Park to the edge of our
local station Horsted Keynes. This was the first full scale railway line to be
reopened by private enterprise and has rapidly increased in size and scope. Now
The Bluebell Railway is 11 miles long and a Public Company which has recently
reconnected with the national network at
East Grinstead.
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| Filming a pop video at Horsted
Keynes station |
If you'd like to visit
The Bluebell Web Site then please follow this link,
there's lots to see and do. If travelling by car then Horsted Keynes has easily the
better parking facilities and a pleasant picnic spot. Metrobus route 270 busses
connect with Horsted Keynes station at weekends. Please note that to placate the
local residents you CANNOT park at Kingscote or even buy a ticket there (unless
you arrive by bus or bike!).
Dogs are welcome on the line, and there is even a special ticket
available for them. The upper part of the field at Horsted Keynes is a good
place for them to let off steam. The only restrictions are entry to the buffet/restaurant
building and Golden Arrow Pullman Dining Train, for obvious reasons. Guide
and recognised assistance dogs are most certainly welcomed, and travel free
Local residents also get to travel on the Bluebell at a
discounted fare, this concession is NOT well publicised but
more details can be found here.
Unfortunately this concession has increased from £5 to £10 to its current £15
per person which seems rather high especially if you are a family. This idea, of giving local residents, who inevitably have to put up with a
certain amount of disruption and much extra traffic at weekends, cheaper
admission to local attractions is one that other tourist sites might like to
emulate.
There is of course a way for those especially interested in
trains to join the railway society and thereby train to take part in some of its
activities. In the interests of fairness your webmaster must add that there are
many other steam railway societies all over the UK, many of whom being smaller
may enable those wanting to actively take part achieve their ambitions quicker
and perhaps as well feel more included and a part of the whole enterprise.
The Lavender Line is just 8 miles away and although short
offers diesel and steam train rides. Further afield but still less than 25 miles
away there are two railways, the Rother Valley
Railway which hopes to soon reconnect with the
Kent and East Sussex Railway which
together would give a 14 mile journey all the way to Tenterden in Kent.
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