Present-Day Lavender Line
The Lavender Line operates a 1-mile track with heritage diesel and steam locomotives. Visitors can enjoy rides on vintage trains, explore the restored Isfield Station, and visit the signal box and museum exhibits. The railway hosts various events, including themed train rides and seasonal activities such as Santa Specials.
Preservation and Reopening
In 1983, a section of the line around Isfield Station was purchased by enthusiasts with the aim of preserving the railway’s history. The station and a short stretch of track were lovingly restored, and the railway was named the Lavender Line after the wild lavender that grew along the disused track. The first trains began operating on the preserved line soon after, offering short rides for visitors.
History of the Lavender Line
The line originally opened in 1858 as part of the Lewes to Uckfield branch, constructed by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR). It primarily served local agricultural communities, transporting goods such as hops and timber while providing passenger services to nearby towns. The line saw a decline in passenger numbers after World War II due to increased road competition. Under the Beeching Report of the 1960s, much of the Lewes to Uckfield line was deemed uneconomical, leading to its closure in 1969.