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Written by Christopher Ward - 20 Dec 2005
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Location notes
Horsted Keynes is the middle station of the Bluebell Railway in Sussex. The award winning station was a former Southern Railway junction between the East Grinstead - Lewes line and an electrified branch to Haywards Heath on the main Brighton line. This link will one day be restored. Horsted Keynes is also home to the yards and the carriage works of the railway, which maintains the award winning vintage carriages and wagons.
Railway type and traffic
The Bluebell is the only all steam preserved railway in the country, so is lacking in diesel or electric locomotive. The line has engines built from the 1870s to the 1960s. These haul everything from Mk.1s to Victorian branch trains and Metropolitan Railway carriages. See the Bluebell Railway for more information.
Environment
The station is in the middle of beautiful Sussex countryside, about a mile from the small village of the same name.
Road directions
From the A23 at Haywards Heath:
Follow signs to the Bluebell Railway and either travel by train from Sheffield Park or follow the A275 north past there towards Danehill, then signs to the Bluebell Railway from there.

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Horstead Keynes map co-ordinates
Parking
There is ample free car parking at Horsted Keynes and Sheffield Park (travel by train). It is advisable to leave the car at Sheffield Park in wet weather as the car park at Horsted Keynes is a large field.
Public transport
From London travel to East Croydon from London Victoria, Clapham Junction, London Bridge, then board a train to East Grinstead (roughly hourly frequency). At East Grisntead, a vintage bus runs most weekends from the station forecourt to Kingscote station, form where you can travel by train to Horsted Keynes. Alternatively, Metrobus services link Horsted Keynes direct with Haywards Heath.

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Amenities
Plenty of toilets on the station, plus a refreshment room. Or travel down to Sheffield Park for a fully licensed restaurant on platform 1.
Accommodation
Hotels in East Grinstead, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Brighton and Lewes are within easy reach. Also Bed and Breakfasts in several local villages.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Horstead Keynes

Googly map
Streetmap links
Horstead Keynes general view map
Horstead Keynes close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Horstead Keynes



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Photographic notes
The light is good all day. The south end of platform 5 is good for northbound trains, and the field good for southbound services. Plenty of space at the station for pictures and videos.


General views - All photographs © Christopher Ward unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south

This picture is from the field to the west of the station, but is not normally accessable except for special events. Showing a northbound train leaving the station.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 -  Looking north

This picture shows a northbound train arriving at the station from the end of platform 5

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