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The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip
The Christmas Sussex Belle
Steam day trip London to Sussex coast via South Downs and Weald
The Christmas Sussex Belle is a festive one-day steam excursion run by The Railway Touring Company. Departing London Victoria on a single December date in 2026, the train travels south and southeast across the North and South Downs and through the Weald, reaching the seaside town of Eastbourne near Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain. You then continue by diesel traction along the Sussex coast to Hastings, the site of the Norman Conquest and birthplace of television. The return journey restores steam power for the run back through Royal Tunbridge Wells, Battle, and Robertsbridge to London Victoria. Lunch is served at your seat (the tier you choose determines whether it is a full four-course meal or lighter refreshments). This trip suits first-time rail travellers, couples seeking a day outing, and those who value a leisurely meal with countryside and coastal views. The pace is relaxed, with free time in Eastbourne, and the physical demand is minimal.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure listed, in December 2026; confirm current availability with The Railway Touring Company.
- The from-price of £115 covers the Standard tier with reserved seating at a table for four; First and Premier Dining tiers cost significantly more and meals vary by tier.
Day by day
- Day 1
London Victoria to Eastbourne and Hastings via the Sussex Downs
Steam-hauled from London Victoria via East Croydon, Redhill, Gatwick Airport, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Lewes and the South Downs to Eastbourne (loco serviced, free time), then diesel-hauled along the coast to Hastings, reversing with steam back in charge via Battle, Robertsbridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells to London Victoria.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive pulls the train from London Victoria south through the Weald to Lewes and then across the South Downs to Eastbourne, where you have free time near Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain.
- Day 1Diesel traction carries the train along the Sussex coast to Hastings, then steam returns in charge via Battle and Royal Tunbridge Wells back to London Victoria.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the entire excursion from London Victoria to Eastbourne and Hastings and back to London Victoria, using steam and diesel locomotives.
- What meals are included?
- Meals depend on the tier. Standard includes a reserved seat only. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, a sweet treat, and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury of the day and a scone with butter and jam. Premier Dining adds Buck's Fizz and a four-course lunch silver-served at your seat.
- How much time do I have in each town?
- The itinerary states there is free time in Eastbourne while the steam locomotive is serviced. The description does not specify the duration or whether you have structured time in Hastings.
- Which trains are used?
- A steam locomotive hauls the train from London Victoria through the Weald and South Downs to Eastbourne and back from Hastings to London Victoria. A diesel locomotive operates the coastal section between Eastbourne and Hastings.
- Can I book a table for two?
- Yes, in Premier Dining and First Class, for a supplement of £50 per person, subject to availability.
