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The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip
The Christmas Sussex Belle
One-day steam rail excursion from London to the Sussex coast
The Railway Touring Company's Christmas Sussex Belle is a one-day steam rail excursion departing London Victoria around 10:50 in the morning, traveling south through the North and South Downs and the Weald countryside to Eastbourne on the Sussex coast. From there, the train continues by diesel to Hastings before returning steam-hauled to London via Battle and Royal Tunbridge Wells. The journey combines heritage steam railroading with leisure time to explore two historic coastal towns: Eastbourne, famous for Beachy Head, and Hastings, connected to the Norman Conquest. Depending on your fare level, you receive a reserved seat at a table for four, or one of two meal services, from breakfast and afternoon tea to a full four-course seated lunch. This is an ideal outing for first-time rail travelers seeking a short, all-inclusive day trip, as well as repeat steam enthusiasts and couples looking for a festive November excursion.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure date is currently listed: November 2026. Confirm availability with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
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 departs London Victoria around 10:50 and travels south through the North and South Downs via Lewes to Eastbourne, where you have time to visit the seaside town near Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain.
- Day 1From Eastbourne, a diesel locomotive takes the train along the Sussex coast to Hastings, connected to the Norman Conquest, before steam resumes for the return journey to London Victoria via Battle and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The from-price of GBP 115 (Standard class) covers your reserved seat and rail fare. First Class and Premier Dining tiers include additional meal services.
- What meals are included?
- Standard includes a reserved seat at a table for four with no meal service. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon breakfast roll and sweet treat, plus afternoon tea with savoury and scone. Premier Dining adds Buck's Fizz and a four-course silver-service lunch.
- Which trains operate this route?
- A steam locomotive pulls the train from London Victoria to Eastbourne via Lewes through the South Downs. From Eastbourne to Hastings, a diesel locomotive takes over. Steam resumes for the return to London Victoria via Battle and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
- How much time do I have in Eastbourne and Hastings?
- The itinerary notes free time in Eastbourne while the steam locomotive is serviced. The description does not specify exact durations for either stop.
- Can I book a table for two?
- Yes, in Premier Dining and First Class only, for a supplement of GBP 50 per person, subject to availability.
