North Platforms of Horsted Keynes Station, UK — Live Webcam

Horsted Keynes railway station in West Sussex is one of the most atmospheric sites on Britain's heritage railway network. The camera overlooking the north platforms of Horsted Keynes station reveals the track layout, passenger platforms, and station buildings in the distinctive Southern Railway style. It is the largest surviving heritage railway station in the UK with five platforms, and the north platform group plays a key role in the operational activities of the Bluebell Railway.

Historical Evolution of the Railway Junction

The station was closed by British Railways on 28 October 1963 under the Beeching Axe programme, but was subsequently preserved and restored by enthusiasts. In 1914, the physical location of the junction was moved from the north end of the station to the south end so that it could be controlled from the South Signal Box. The North Signal Box was downgraded to a Shunting Frame but retained its importance for shunting operations. The station was restored to its Southern Railway period of the mid-1930s and has since been a key location for train operations.

North Platform Infrastructure

North platforms 1 and 2 are a critical element of the station's track layout. In January 2025, restoration work on the north platforms was nearing completion: platform edge slabs, drainage, and asphalt surfacing were being restored. The track was slightly realigned to accommodate the new platform 1, which required relocating the pedestrian crossing. In the long term, there are plans to reconstruct the "North Box" as part of a scheme to re-signal the station with extended platforms at the north end and an improved track layout.

Significance Within the Bluebell Railway Network

Horsted Keynes serves as a crossing point for trains when operating two services, and numerous steam enthusiast events are held here. The station did not suffer the drastic reduction of signalling equipment that affected Sheffield Park, thanks to its status as a junction. The station has five platforms, making it the largest surviving heritage railway station in the United Kingdom. This allows multiple trains to be serviced simultaneously and cross-over shunting to be performed.

Steam Operations and Events

The Bluebell Railway is one of the most famous heritage railways in the world, specialising in steam locomotive haulage. Trains hauled by steam locomotives from various eras regularly stop at the north platforms of Horsted Keynes station. The station has been restored to its Southern Railway period of the mid-1930s and is a key location for train operations. Themed events are held here, including steam galas and historical re-enactments.

Transport Access and Walking Routes

The station is situated in the picturesque River Ouse valley in West Sussex. There is a walking route from Horsted Keynes village to the station (2¼ km): head north along Church Lane and turn left onto the footpath running west along the valley. This is a convenient route for visitors arriving at the station on foot. The station complex is surrounded by greenery typical of the British countryside.

What You Can See on the Camera

The camera broadcasts a live view of the north platforms at the railway station. The stream shows the railway tracks, passenger platforms with the characteristic architecture of British railway stations, and station buildings in the historic Southern Railway style. In the frame — a steam locomotive on the tracks, greenery along the lines and platforms, signs, fencing, and vegetation. A station with the distinctive architecture of British railway stations, a historic railway connection with steam operations. The live webcam allows you to watch the Bluebell Railway heritage line in action and observe steam locomotives moving along the north platforms.