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.

It is the only line which, for its first 46 years, relied exclusively on steam power for both our trains and all shunting. The visitor will find between 4 and 6 locos in steam on many weekends, although now for the first time, a diesel shunter has been hired in to assist with completion of the East Grinstead extention and some shunting work. You will never, however, find anything but steam on one of our public passenger services.