Just a few miles from Brighton, the Blue Bell Railway is a wonderful piece of British engineering heritage. This fully functional railway runs 11 miles along the East-West Sussex border, running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. From here, you can take a connecting train to London or Brighton. Famous as the world's first preserved steam railway to run a public service, the railway group includes 30 vintage engines and about 150 wagons, mostly pre-1939. Special train rides including excellent food and Thomas the Tank Engine rides are offered for children.