A festive lunch train from London Victoria to the Sussex coast, returning through the High Weald.
The Christmas Sussex Belle leaves London Victoria at about 10:50 behind steam and runs down the Brighton main line via East Croydon, Redhill, Gatwick Airport, Three Bridges and Haywards Heath. It leaves the main line at Keymer Junction for Lewes and the East Coastway to Eastbourne, where there is time ashore while the locomotive is serviced.
A diesel takes the train along the coast via Normans Bay, Cooden Beach and Bexhill to Hastings, where it reverses and steam resumes for the run north through Battle, Robertsbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks back to London. Premier Dining includes a four-course lunch.
East of Keymer Junction the South Downs escarpment, Firle Beacon and the Long Man of Wilmington are on the right; Mount Caburn is on the left.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
| Date | From | Traction | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 25 Nov 2026 10:50 |
London Victoria Approximate timings. |
Steam (diesel Eastbourne to Hastings) | See operator |
| Wed 16 Dec 2026 10:50 |
London Victoria Approximate timings. |
Steam (diesel Eastbourne to Hastings) | See operator |
Premier Dining includes a four-course lunch served at your seat.
No. A diesel works the coastal section between Eastbourne and Hastings.
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