The Lavender Line is a heritage railway at Isfield in East Sussex. Run by volunteers, they have a number of different steam and diesel trains from different eras which they operate back and forth along one mile line of track.
The Lavender Line was originally part of the Lewes to Uckfield railway which opened in 1858 and closed in 1969. Isfield station was bought by private owners in 1983 and restoration work began. The station is not named after romantic fields of lavender nearby but after A.E. Lavender and Sons, local coal merchants who had operated from the station yard. It is now owned by the Lavender Line Preservation Society, a registered charity.
Their oldest train is Cockerill Type IV 0-4-0VBT Shunting Engine built in 1920. If you ride one of the 1950s or 60s models, and if you’re of a certain age, it might remind you of your early commuting days (but much cleaner).
When you arrive, it has all the hallmarks of a station of yesteryear, with the original booking office, waiting room and signal box and boxes of luggage stacked on the platform. Buy your ticket (£5 one way and £8 return) which will later be clipped by the conductor and then it’s all aboard.
The line is a mile long and takes you to Worth Halt. If you choose, you can walk back or stay aboard (although sometimes the walk back is too overgrown).
Riley’s Miniature Railway
To the side of the platform at Isfield, is a 5 inch gauge ride on railway – again operated by volunteers. Perhaps hop on for a quick ride before you leave and then grab a much deserved cake in the café – locally made.
Logistics
Check timetables of both railways before travel as they have limited opening times. There is free parking next to the station and a bus stop opposite with regular services from Heathfield and Brighton.
Other things to do in the area
Your Lavender Line journey won’t take long so when you’ve finished why not explore.
Food and drink. Next to the railway is The Laughing Fish – famous for folk singing and home of the Tommy Trot Beer Race on Easter Monday. A short walk from there is the Isfield Farm Shop where you can pick up local produce.
Historic Buildings. Other buildings to look out for are the old mill and Isfield Place, a beautiful Elizabethan Manor where it is thought that King Harold spent the night before the Battle of Hastings. Sadly, you can’t see much of the house which is not open to the public. The local church is a short distance from the village and dates back to the 12th and 13th century, although it is not always open. It sits on the edge of the remains of an old Norman motte and bailey mound but sadly, again, there is no access. Look our for the WWII pillbox as you head back into the village.
Local walks. You are just to the side of the river Ouse here and the Sussex Ouse Valley Way (a 67km footpath from Lower Beeding near Horsham to Seaford). There are some great walks in the area including down the river to the Anchor.
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