Tour Ref: BB5/1
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Head to the coast with Inside Track aboard our newly created southern holiday exploring the best that Sussex has to offer. From steam at the Bluebell to the grandeur of Brighton Pavilion this trip has something for everyone.
The holiday starts at Haywards Heath Station around lunchtime and we begin with a real highlight. An afternoon of steam on the Bluebell Railway between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. This is a top-class attraction, not only a lovely long ride, with things of interest at most stations. Sheffield Park has a pub on the platform, a railway museum, and the excellent Steamworks Exhibition.
“Oh I do like to be beside the seaside” and today we shall. We’re off to Beachy Head and then to Hastings. Here is a miniature railway running along the front and two cliff lifts (hopefully open). Time allowed for lunch as well before we head inland to where the battle actually took place – Battle. Nearby is Herstmonceux where we visit the amazing observatory to learn about the universe – this is eye opening!
A huge day out today combining two very different railways. We drive cross-country to Northiam and join the Kent & East Sussex Railway. A delightful 11 ½ mile chug through rolling countryside, including views of Bodiam Castle, ends at Tenterden with time to visit the Colonel Stephens Museum. Then, it’s onwards to the Kent coast for a narrow-gauge afternoon at the inimitable Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway running for 13 ½ miles between Hythe and Britain’s only desert, Dungeness. We’ll break our return journey to Brighton somewhere for refreshments with a leg stretch.
Heading inland our first steam of the day is courtesy of the Bentley Miniature Railway – lovely people and great fun. Then, we take the Uckfield branch line as far as Eridge where we join the Spa Valley Railway. A super steam ride to enjoy, passing vineyards, as we travel up to Royal Tunbridge Wells. There will hopefully be time to see a little of this elegant spa town before we track back down to Sussex by the sea.
There are a number of local attractions to round off this super holiday. So, it’s down to the seafront for the amazing Volks Electric Railway followed by a visit to the magnificent Royal Pavilion – sheer opulence. Homeward bound journeys commence from Brighton Station early afternoon.
For four nights we are staying at this modern 4-star establishment just steps away from Brighton Railway Station. It’s location is ideal for our brand of railway touring holiday and yet close enough for evening explorations of this vibrant city. All rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed – no pokey single rooms here.
