The Southern Seaside Sparrow
Diesel trainSouth East England

The Southern Seaside Sparrow

Ely → Bognor Regis
Photo: train_photos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonAutumn
  • RunsSingle date: Saturday 3 October 2026
  • DurationFull day (06:44 to 22:46 from Ely)
  • TractionClass 37 diesels (EPR) with Eastern Rail Services Mark 2 carriages
  • OperatorUK Railtours

An enthusiast railtour behind Class 37s from East Anglia to Bognor Regis, with rare track in south London and Sussex.

The Southern Seaside Sparrow is a UK Railtours 'Off the Beaten Track' tour for enthusiasts. Class 37s haul the train from Ely via Cambridge North, Cambridge South, Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage and Hertford North to Finsbury Park, then take unusual routes across south London including a run to Hayes on the Mid Kent line.

The train heads for the Sussex coast with a break of almost two hours at Bognor Regis and multiple calls at Littlehampton for reversals and servicing, before returning along the coast through Worthing and Shoreham to London Victoria and back to East Anglia. The tour is operated by Hanson and Hall Rail Services.

Which side to sit

Ely → Bognor Regis

An enthusiast tour over rare track; the Mole valley and Arun valley scenery at the southern end is seen from both sides.

Either side0 sights on the left · 0 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationEly
  2. 14mi
    StationCambridge NorthPick-up
  3. StationLetchworth Garden CityPick-up
  4. StationStevenagePick-up
  5. StationHertford NorthRare routing via Langley Junction
  6. StationFinsbury ParkPick-up
  7. StationKensington OlympiaVia Gospel Oak and Willesden High Level
  8. StationLondon BridgeFinal pick-up beside the Shard
  9. StationLewisham
  10. StationHayesShort break at the Mid Kent terminus
  11. StationHerne HillReversal
  12. StationCrystal Palace
  13. StationSutton
  14. StationDorkingMid Sussex line through the Mole Gap
  15. StationHorsham
  16. StationAmberleyArun valley
  17. StationLittlehamptonFirst of three calls, for reversal
  18. StationBognor RegisBreak of almost two hours

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

On board

  • Bar
  • First Class

Highlights

  • Class 37 haulage
  • Hayes branch
  • Bognor Regis
  • Sussex coast

Classes of travel

StandardFirst Class (non-dining)
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

Is it still available?

The main tour is fully booked; UK Railtours takes waiting-list requests by email.

What traction is used?

Class 37 locomotives supplied by EPR.

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