Where the magic of steam brings the past to life
Fun for all the family!
Dogs on leads welcome
Situated in the South Downs National Park, Hollycombe is home to Britain's largest collection of working steam
Hollycombe is one of Britain’s largest collections of steam offering visitors a nostalgic look at how the Victorians and Edwardians used steam as an instrument of work and play, and featuring a number of popular fairground sideshows of the period.
With steam-driven rides such as the Golden Gallopers, Steam Swingboats and Steam Chair-o-Planes, a trip to Hollycombe offers visitors both nostalgia and a frisson of excitement!
After enjoying the rides visitors can sit back and relax in the Bioscope – a pre-cursor to the modern cinema, typical of the travelling shows which first brought film to the public – or reflect on themselves with a walk through an original Hall of Mirrors.
The fun doesn’t end there as we invite you to sit back and enjoy a ride on a steam-train on one of our railways. The Narrow-Gauge Railway takes in breath-taking views over the South Downs, or ride our Garden Railway that is nestled between the Fairground and the Woodland Gardens.
Mega Model Show
28/06/2025 - 29/06/2025
Marvel at the wonder of fairground models, miniature steam and model railway layouts
See Hollycombe in all its full-scale glory with a backdrop of miniature
working models and exhibitions for you to get up-close to.
Model traction engines and Showman’s engines merrily chuffing around the site.
Model fairground displays with everything from Edwardian Gallopers
to modern Waltzers.
Visiting exhibitors on-hand to talk to you about their models and the mechanics behind them.
Traditional model railway layouts.
& much more to be confirmed
FAQs
Q: Is there visitor camping?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot offer visitor camping at this time but we are looking at ways to do so in the future.
Q: How do we register to exhibit?
A: Please use the exhibitor form below.
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Absolutely, well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome.
Q: Can we get in before 11am to look around the show?
A: The gates will only open at 11am and there is nowhere to wait, you will end up in a queue in your car so we recommend planning journey times carefully.
Q: What time do you close?
A: We close at 5pm on both days.
Q: If I buy entry only can I still ride the train?
A: Entry only doesn't include the train but you can buy tokens in the shop for £2.50.
