What should I do? Looking for recommendations...

[zuccah98]

Hello all,
This summer I am studying at the University of Sussex on a study abroad through Penn State. I will be in Sussex from about the 25th of June till the 14th of August. I am looking for some possible recommendations of possible swap meets and train shows as I do not get these opportunities back in the states. Also if there are any "special" events going on at preserved railways that would also be good to hear about. Although this is a rail forum there must be some other automobile nuts on here as well? Planning on going to Goodwood FOS and am a huge 70's ford fan and curious if any had any recommendations on events?
Thanks,
Chris Lang

[weave]

Hi Chris,

Had to look up University of Sussex so presume you'll be living in or around Brighton. There's East and West Sussex as counties and although not big in US terms it matters here as our roads are crap and it can take hours to go what looks like a short distance.

Will start you off with the obvious Bluebell Railway....

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/

Will have a think. I live in the next county, Hampshire, so not that clued up but am sure others will be of better help.

I used to live in Weybridge (Surrey) just North of Sussex which has the Brooklands Museum at the old race track. They often have special car days during the Summer and I still go to work in the area so will look into that. I'm not into cars but have a friend who is so will make enquiries.

Not much help but a start.

Cheers weave 

[njee20]

Sadly that's not really exhibition season, I'm struggling to think of any large ones happening in that period, let alone anything local.

As said the Bluebell Railway is worth a look, plus the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch in Kent, which is a narrow gauge line. The Watercress Line isn't too far either, and there are some smaller ones like the Spa Valley Railway.

[Newportnobby]

Check out this site which carries lists of model railway shows by month so if you look up June, July and August you might find something.......

http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/events/exhibitions

It also lists model shops by county, so you might find somewhere to browse/spend some money

[njee20]

The obvious shops are Morris Models in Lancing and The Engine Shed in Ford, both good. The latter is right next to the station, so very easily accessible by train.

[Papyrus]

Hello Chris, from another Chris!

Welcome to Sussex!

Sussex University is a really nice campus on the outskirts of Brighton - before I retired it was one of my favourite places to work. Brighton's bus service is really good and there are frequent buses into the city. Brighton is a great place in the summer, but stay away from the overpriced tourist areas, especially The Lanes - North Laine, a separate area, is where all the locals go.

I can recommend the Bluebell Railway. http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/events/ It's not far away, but paradoxically it's not easy to get to from Brighton by public transport. The Toy and Rail Collectors Fair (28th July) is usually worth a visit.

I hope you have a great time over here.

Cheers,

Chris

[d-a-n]

Hi Chris, I grew up in the seaside resort of Bognor Regis, West Sussex and have a lot of friends who attended the University of Sussex!

The Festival of Speed is huge, but a right pain to drive into because the roads in the area are so tiny! You might want to plan ahead a little with that one but it is well worth going, if a little expensive/hectic. If you wanted to save some cash, see the free to enter Goodwood circuit/aerodrome Sunday Breakfast Club https://www.goodwood.com/sports/motorsport/breakfast-club/ - if the weather's good you get an incredible turnout, it's easier to get around and see the cars, meet the owners and most importantly, it's free!
The model shops mentioned above are good to visit - you could do both these shops plus a visit to historic Arundel in an afternoon. There are a couple of different types of EMU (cl313 and cl377)  to see rolling regularly through Ford railway station next to The Engine Shed/Gaugemaster (they are the same place BTW!)
If you can get your hands on a car, a trip out West on the A27 to Beaulieu (Bu-lee, as in Buick) across the border in Hampshire could be fun . The place has a car museum, plus a summer car event worth seeing https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/

[Railwaygun]

The obvious shops are Morris Models in Lancing and The Engine Shed in Ford, both good. The latter is right next to the station, so very easily accessible by train.

also Gaugemaster , by Ford Railway station ( near Arundel - a fine castle & cathedral). One of the UKs biggest model shops.

http://www.gaugemaster.com/howto.html

travel to London by rail is (fairly easy - avoid rush hour!)

travel within M25 ( London Orbital) is eased if you have an Oyster travel card / Contactless credit card. - they both give you cheapest fares, and no need to buy physical tickets.
you can get a 30% off under 25s railcard on the web, or at any railway station to help travel.

https://www.thetrainline.com/information/railcards?ds_kids=p33497192600&cm=0p2a&msclkid=219c8c295f9e1e44bbffd73d6887edc4&gclid=CKn9jK6TuNsCFUKShQodIQIDtw&gclsrc=ds&dclid=CPu8vK6TuNsCFZJx4Aod464BFQ#studentrailcard

Brooklands has a great racing car / air museum, + Mercedes museum. worth a visit

https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com

SWMBO was at Sussex and enjoyed it greatly, especially living in Hove.

Try English's fish restaurant in the Lanes. Brighton - an Edwardian gem.

Best wishes

NickR

[zuccah98]

Thank you all for your recommendations thus far,
The Blue Bell railway seems to be a recurring theme and definitely a place I will plan to visit, cant believe I forgot about it. I will have a train pass however do not think I will have access to a car, other than a taxi or UBER. So here is to hoping that will be adequate. I look forward to going to a few shops as the last time I was in the UK I was only able to get to one. Also plan on going back to the Steam Museum in Swindon and National Railway Museum in York. I will have a look into Brooklands and did plan on going to the Good Wood Breakfast club as well as Beaulieu.

Regards,
Chris

[njee20]

The obvious shops are Morris Models in Lancing and The Engine Shed in Ford, both good. The latter is right next to the station, so very easily accessible by train.

also Gaugemaster , by Ford Railway station ( near Arundel - a fine castle & cathedral). One of the UKs biggest model shops.

http://www.gaugemaster.com/howto.html

Gaugemaster is the Engine Shed - technically the shop is called the Engine Shed, Gaugemaster is the name of the controller business.