The railway industry was once Battersea’s biggest employer, with steam locomotives from Longhedge and Nine Elms sheds hauling freight and passenger trains across southern England. For the first time the Battersea Society is offering members the opportunity to relive the experience of steam train travel on the much-loved Bluebell Line, the earliest preserved standard gauge railway in the country.  You will board the train at East Grinstead at 11.45am for a return ride to Sheffield Park, where there will be approximately 1¾ hours to enjoy refreshments and explore the various sights at this historic station, including the railway’s excellent museum.  Travel details: The organisers will be travelling on the 9.57am train from Clapham Junction, arriving in time for coffee before boarding the heritage train at East Grinstead at 11.45am.  The return train leaves Sheffield Park at 14.15 to East Grinstead, for connecting trains back to Clapham Junction at 15.06 and 15.36. Alternatively, members are welcome to join the trip at East Grinstead Station for 11.45am.

£18 per person, excluding cost of travel to and from East Grinstead