Welcome to The Lavender Line Railway
The Lavender line is a preserved railway that boasts a fantastic family atmosphere in the heart of East Sussex. The railway travels for a two mile round trip between the village of Isfield and Worth halt located in the Parish of Little Horsted. At Isfield you will find the headquarters of the Lavender line which includes our original Victorian station and signal box.
Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of a preserved railway whilst travelling through the beautiful Wealden countryside. A great day out for the whole family.
January Services
Sunday 21st January we will be running our Wickham Railbus, which will be operating from Platform 2 – 11:00 – 16:30 (half hourly service). Cinders Buffet will be open from 09:00 for breakfasts and other delicious hot and cold food including our famous cakes. The Railway’s attractions – Victorian Signal Box, Gift Shop and the Children’s Play Area will be open from 10:30.
Sunday 28th January we will be running our Wickham Railbus, which will be operating from Platform 2 – 11:00 – 16:30 (half hourly service). Cinders Buffet will be open from 09:00 for breakfasts and other delicious hot and cold food including our famous cakes. The Railway’s attractions – Victorian Signal Box, Gift Shop and the Children’s Play Area will be open from 10:30.
Riley’s Railway are delighted to announce that they are sending a cheque for an incredible amount of £2400 to the Evelina Hospital with the help of donations received this year. They will be open again by Easter – check website for details.
February Services
Sunday 21st January we will be running our Wickham Railbus, which will be operating from Platform 2 – 11:00 – 16:30 (half hourly service). Cinders Buffet will be open from 09:00 for breakfasts and other delicious hot and cold food including our famous cakes. The Railway’s attractions – Victorian Signal Box, Gift Shop and the Children’s Play Area will be open from 10:30.
Sunday 28th January we will be running our Wickham Railbus, which will be operating from Platform 2 – 11:00 – 16:30 (half hourly service). Cinders Buffet will be open from 09:00 for breakfasts and other delicious hot and cold food including our famous cakes. The Railway’s attractions – Victorian Signal Box, Gift Shop and the Children’s Play Area will be open from 10:30.
Riley’s Railway are delighted to announce that they are sending a cheque for an incredible amount of £2400 to the Evelina Hospital with the help of donations received this year. They will be open again by Easter – check website for details.
New! Class 309 3 Car Emu
The Lavender Line is delighted to announce the acquisition of a Class 309 3 car EMU from the Coventry Electric Railway Museum. Following a visit to the museum earlier this year by a team to evaluate how we could help them with the movement from their site of some of the exhibits, a bid was offered to purchase the 3 car unit outright. After a meeting of their Trustees, the bid was accepted and now that the museum has closed, we can announce the exciting news!
There are several pieces that will have to be moved before the 309 can be extricated and brought back to Isfield, but as soon as we can get the cars onto low loaders, it will be making its way south.
We’ll be keeping everyone updated as things go along and the formation of a special ‘309 Club’ is highly likely for those wishing to help with the recommissioning of this outstanding EMU. More soon!
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.
Latest News
Sunday 21st January we will be running our Wickham Railbus, which will be operating from Platform 2 – 11:00 – 16:30 (half hourly service).
Cinders Buffet will be open from 09:00 for our legendary breakfasts and other delicious hot and cold food including our famous cakes.
The railway’s attractions – Victorian Signal Box, Gift Shop and the Children’s Play Area will be open from 10:30 for our visitors’ enjoyment.
So why not come along have a bite to eat, and enjoy the Sussex countryside.
When are we open?
The Lavender Line will be open every Sunday throughout the year from 7th January 2018 until 16th December 2018, which will be the last day this year.
All Bank Holidays & Special Events.
Please check back for details.
Party Time?
Make your child’s birthday a memorable event by holding a special tea party at the Lavender Line.
Our party teas are served at tables inside a railway carriage standing at the platform of our country station.
The carriage interior will be decorated with balloons and party stationery to give that really special party atmosphere.
We’ve always something going on
Throughout the year the Lavender Line has 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
