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.
Fairground Extravaganza
23/08/2025 - 25/08/2025
August Bank Holiday Fairground Weekend
Roll up! Roll up!
The biggest fairground event of the year. For one weekend only Hollycombe will welcome visiting rides and attractions from around the country.
Step back in time and experience an amazing weekend of spectacular sights and smells.
Join us for a celebration of Edwardian Fairgrounds.
Marvel at the historic steam engines generating electricity to power the rides, hear the glorious fairground organs playing tunes new and old.
Ride on family favourites like the Gallopers and enjoy our visiting attractions.
Spend time in our model shed enjoying the amazing model funfair.
Visit Showman's wagons to see how the fair moved from place to place.
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 email Anthony events@hollycombe.co.uk
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Absolutely, well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome.
Q: Can we get in beforehand to look around the show?
A: The gates will only open at the advertised times and there is nowhere to wait meaning 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 for the day sessions and 10pm for the Saturday evening session.
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.
