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statesmanrail.com · Day Excursion

Sussex Coast Statesman

One-day charter train from Derby to Eastbourne for Airbourne 2026.

Illustration of Sussex Coast Statesman

The Sussex Coast Statesman is a single-day charter train excursion operated by Statesman Rail, departing before sunrise from stations across the English Midlands, from Derby through Luton, and arriving in Eastbourne on the Sussex coast around mid-afternoon. The 200-mile route travels south via the North London line to Clapham Junction, then joins the Brighton line, passing Gatwick Airport and threading through the Sussex Downs National Park and the market town of Lewes. The timing aligns with Airbourne 2026, Britain's largest annual air show, held on Eastbourne's promenade and seashore, leaving passengers approximately three hours to experience the spectacle at their own pace. Passengers choose between three classes: Pullman Dining offers a five-course seasonal dinner, full English breakfast, and champagne service with attentive steward care; First Class provides tea, coffee, and light snacks; Standard Class includes complimentary tea and coffee, with other beverages and snacks available for purchase. The return journey departs Eastbourne in the late afternoon. This trip suits repeat rail travellers and food-and-wine enthusiasts seeking upscale on-board hospitality, as well as couples willing to book private window table supplements for intimate dining.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed: August 2026. Confirm availability before planning.
  • The from-price (£185) is Standard Class; Pullman Dining and First Class cost more, with additional supplements for private window tables.
  • No itinerary details are published for the return journey from Eastbourne; confirm the departure time and route back with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Departure and journey to Eastbourne

    Board at your local station from Derby (05:45) through to Luton (09:20). Travel via the North London line to Clapham Junction, then the Brighton line past Gatwick Airport, through the Sussex Downs National Park and the town of Lewes, arriving Eastbourne at approximately 13:15. Approximately three hours at leisure to enjoy 'Airbourne 2026' air show on the promenade and seashore. Depart Eastbourne at 16:55 and return to boarding stations, arriving Derby approximately 23:20.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Sussex Coast Statesman charter train before dawn at your local station from Derby to Luton, then travel via the North London line to Clapham Junction and the Brighton line toward the coast.
  • Day 1Pass through the Sussex Downs National Park and the town of Lewes en route to Eastbourne, arriving around 13:15.
  • Day 1Spend approximately three hours at leisure in Eastbourne viewing the Airbourne 2026 air show on the promenade and seashore.

Included

  • Rail travel from boarding station to Eastbourne and return
  • Complimentary tea/coffee throughout journey (First Class and Standard Class)
  • Light snacks (First Class)
  • Pullman Dining: glass of chilled Bucks' Fizz on departure, full English breakfast, late morning tea/coffee with pastries, glass of chilled champagne and canapés on return, five-course seasonal dinner, Great British cheese board with biscuits and chutneys, half bottle of wine per person (Sommelier's choice), coffee and homemade petits fours
  • Attentive liveried steward service (Pullman Dining)

Not included

  • Light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks in Standard Class (available to purchase from buffet bar)
  • Private window table for two supplement (£60 per person, or £150 per person for 'superior' private window table) – Pullman Dining and First Class
  • Exclusive table for three supplement – £280 total (Pullman Dining), £180 total (First Class)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel from your boarding station (Derby to Luton range) to Eastbourne and return is included in the ticket price.
Which trains are used?
The Sussex Coast Statesman Charter Train, a luxury charter operating in Pullman Dining, First Class, and Standard Class configurations.
What is included in Pullman Dining?
A glass of chilled Bucks' Fizz on departure, full English breakfast, late morning tea and coffee with pastries, a five-course seasonal dinner, Great British cheese board with biscuits and chutneys, half a bottle of wine per person selected by a sommelier, and coffee with homemade petits fours on return. Liveried steward service is provided throughout.
What is included in First Class and Standard Class?
Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the journey. First Class also includes light snacks. Standard Class passengers may purchase snacks, wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks from a buffet bar.
How much time is there in Eastbourne?
Approximately three hours of leisure time to view the Airbourne 2026 air show and explore the town.
When does this trip run?
One departure is scheduled for August 2026 at a price of £185 per person from-price.

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