Steam & Vine Tour
Join us on a captivating 1950s vintage bus journey from Brighton to the famous Bluebell Steam Railway. Enjoy guided railway history, a scenic locomotive ride, and a visit to Kingscote Estate & Vineyard for lunch, a tour, and wine tasting. A delightful day filled with history, landscapes, and wine awaits.
Experience the best of both worlds with our Steam and Vine Tour!
Join us on an exciting adventure starting from Brighton Station aboard our charming 1950s vintage green bus. We’ll take you on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of Sussex, all the way to the famous Bluebell Steam Railway. This historic treasure has been featured in various film and TV productions, including the beloved Downton Abbey series.
On arrival at Sheffield Park Station, our friendly and knowledgeable guide will be there to accompany you and share stories about the railway’s rich history. Following this station exploration, you’ll take a scenic 90-minute ride on board the steam train through the stunning Sussex countryside.
You’ll disembark the steam train at Horsted Keynes station to hop back onto our vintage bus for a short ride to Kingscote Estate & Vineyard. Here, you’ll indulge in a delicious homemade lunch perfectly paired with English still wine. Then, prepare for an immersive vineyard and winery tour, where you’ll discover the fascinating journey from grape to glass. We conclude the vineyard tour with a guided tasting of acclaimed still and sparkling wines on the sun terrace. Finally, we’ll board the vintage bus for the last leg of our journey back to Brighton, wrapping up what promises to be a truly enchanting day.
The Steam & Vine Tour runs on selected Fridays from 9am until approximately 3:30pm between May – October. Dates and prices for 2024 will be announced soon.
What’s Included?
- Convenient Pick-Up: Your adventure begins at Brighton train station, an easily accessible central meeting point.
- No Designated Driver Required: Leave the driving to us, allowing you to drink the wines with absolute peace of mind.
- Expert Tour Guide: Our dedicated Great British Wine Tours guide will be your companion throughout the day, ensuring a rich and informative experience.
- Vintage Bus Journey: Step back in time aboard a charming 1950s Green Country Bus – a perfect backdrop for capturing memorable photos.
- Scenic Countryside Drive: Enjoy a picturesque drive through the enchanting Sussex countryside to Sheffield Park Station and return from Kingscote Estate to Brighton station.
- Bluebell Railway Tour & Journey – Learn about this historic railway and the steam locomotive before enjoying the 90 minute journey on board the train in one of the vintage carriages, travelling from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead and back to Horsted Keynes.
- Delicious Lunch: Indulge in a homemade seasonal lunch at Kingscote Estate featuring the very best of seasonal Sussex produce and a glass of still English wine. Our menu accommodates dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options.
- Expert Guided Vineyard Tour: A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the vineyard and winery, offering insightful information along the way.
- Tutored Wine Tasting: Delight your palate with a tutored wine tasting at Kingscote, deepening your appreciation of these exceptional English wines.
- Cellar Door Purchases: Take home the wines and cheese you’ve enjoyed at exclusive cellar door and dairy prices. The vintage bus offers ample storage space for your purchases.
FAQs
Which vineyards do you visit? We usually visit Kingscote Vineyard on this Steam & Vine Tour although this is subject to change and you will be informed if so.
Can I buy this tour as a gift? You can purchase a Gift Card for the lucky recipient to put towards this Steam & Vine Tour.
Is there a lot of walking involved? The activity level is low. There is a short guided walk to the vines and winery and you can choose to walk further among the vines if you wish.
Tailor-Made Wine Tours
The Steam & Vine Tour is also available to book as a private tour for corporate and group clients. You can choose a similar itinerary to the above tour or choose to spend more time on the steam train enjoying a tutored tasting of English wines alongside lunch or afternoon tea.