LAVENDER LINE ~ REOPENING 2021
The Railway plans to reopen on Sunday 29th & Monday 30th August Bank Holiday Weekend.
This will be subject to the necessary maintenance & retraining of operational staff
by the Railway Inspectorate.
Please check our website or our Lavender Line Loco Department Facebook page
for further updates.
LIFELINE FROM GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE RECOVERY FUND
The Lavender Line is among 162 organisations receiving a lifeline grant from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, intended to meet ongoing costs and support to restart activity when it is possible to do so safely.
We will receive £15,300, which will cover our unavoidable overheads until the end of March 2021 as well as the costs of some changes required to help mitigate the hazards of COID-19 for our volunteers and visitors.
The Lavender Line ceased operation in March, just before the first lockdown and has not operated since. Unlike many other heritage railways, we were not able to restart operations in the summer, as the increased costs of operation under COVID safe conditions and reduced revenue would have made our losses even greater than not operating at all. This grant will enable us to pay the basic bulls until next year when we hope to reopen at Easter. We have continued to work on our railway, while we have been closed and expect to reopen with significant improvements to our preserved railway station.
Please join us in keeping alive a piece of history,
the Lavender Line Station roof needs your help
STOCK FOR SALE – July 2021
Following a reappraisal of what the railway intends to restore and keep long term the rolling stock below is offered for sale on an as seen and where lying basis. It is a condition of sale that the stock be removed from Isfield within two months of purchase. Assistance with loading will be provided and there is reasonable road access. All items are open to reasonable offers..
What’s On
Why are we called the Lavender Line?
There has been much speculation over the years as to the real reason why the railway was named the Lavender Line. For example, the railway seems to produce a large amount of bluebells growing in the wooded areas around the line. However, the real reason why it’s called the Lavender Line is because of the activities of a local businessman, A.E Lavender, who had his coal merchant office located by the cattle dock at Isfield Station.
Although his business was based in the nearby village of Ringmer, the closest railway station was Isfield and he therefore had his office situated at Isfield Station, which enabled coal deliveries to be taken straight from the railway coal yard to nearby businesses. The unique coal office still remains at Isfield Station to this day.
HIRE OUR FACILITIES !
The station or the whole railway can be hire for private functions on all days when there is no train service operating (subject to availability).
Buffet (or a static coach) for use as a meeting room.
Buffet for cream teams etc.
Licensed buffet for birthday parties, wedding receptions, etc.
Station area for static use as a photographic backdrop.
Railway with train for filming or for school's visits, parties, etc.
For enquiries & bookings, please contact us - 01825 750515 or Nigel - 07518 764445
We've always something going on
The Lavender Line is open every Sunday & Bank Holiday, throughout the year except Good Friday & Boxing Day. There are a number of special events for all age groups from Easter bunny hunt specials to the mighty Gala weekends where we aim to have an event fit for everyone. Although we advertise our main events at the start of the calendar year, we do add extra events throughout the year, which will be placed in our special events page and Facebook page as and when they are confirmed.
Things to do at the Lavender Line
Around the Lavender Line
Explore the site of the Lavender Line
Timetable / Fares
Running Dates and Ticket Prices
Latest News
Locomotive / Stock
Pictures & Information on all of our Trains, Diesels etc
Driver Experiences
Always wanted to drive a Thumper? You can with one of our Driver Experiences.
Your Support
We are always on the look out for volunteers, can you spare some time?