Attractions

Home to the largest traditional fairground in Britain, steam railways, farm and Listed woodland gardens, Hollycombe has something for all ages to enjoy.

Golden Gallopers

The classic fairground ride, our set of Gallopers is adorned with 24 galloping horses, 4 cockerels and 2 chariots.

Who can ride? Adults and children. Babies on laps in the carriages which are also suited to riders not wishing to climb up onto a horse or cockerel.

Quarry Railway

A loop that runs approximately 1 and 1/4 miles with some breath-taking views over the South Downs. Visitors board and alight from the same station opposite the main museum building. Resident steam locomotive "Jerry M" as well as a Barclay diesel locomotive operate on this railway. 2024 will also see the return of "Caledonia" steaming on the Quarry Railway.

Who can ride? Adults and children, babes in arms, dogs on leads. Pushchairs and prams can be left at the Station. 1 wheelchair accessible carriage.

Steam Chair-o-Planes

Flying at the fair with our steam-powered Chair-o-planes with fantastic views over the miniature railway.

Who can ride? Adults and children over 1.1m (3ft 8").

Steam Swings

Pull the rope to swing yourself high on our steam-powered swing boats. When the brake bar engages with the steam-driven pulley the traction created helps to drag your boat higher, the ultimate swing boats experience. 

Who can ride? Adults and children over 1.3m (4ft 3")

Bioscope

Sit back and relax in the Bioscope as you enjoy a film from our selection of some of the earliest programmes in existence.

Who can enjoy this attraction? Silent movies running for approximately 15 minutes, suitable for all ages. Accompanied by piano.

Garden Railway

7 and 1/4" railway nestled between the fairground and the gardens. The railway has 2 Tinkerbell steam locomotives, "Bob" and "Lady Vera". Enjoy a ride on the railway and chat to our friendly volunteers about the magic of steam in miniature form. 

Who can ride? Adults and children, small children must be accompanied. Babies in arms. No dogs allowed to ride the train.

Haunted Cottage

The world's oldest haunted house is ever popular – but look out! What's that hiding in the dark...? You only need to look at the delight on the face's of visitors coming out of the exit to know that this Haunted Cottage is a lot of fun. 

Who can enjoy this attraction? Adults and children, undulating floors make this attraction unsuitable for visitors that require a walking aid.

Steam Farm

Ever heard of a clover huller? Or a potato riddler? Head on down to our steam farm to learn about the applications of steam in agriculture.

Watch as the vertical boiler and horizontal stationary steam engine work together to drive the line shaft. Follow your eyes along the series of belts and pulleys to see how kinetic energy powers the machinery. 

Who can enjoy this attraction? Visitors of all ages can learn something new at our steam farm. Brave young visitors can pull the chain to hear the mighty whistle. With picnic benches and toilets this is a good location for a spot of lunch.

Woodland Gardens

Hollycombe's Listed woodland gardens provide a quiet retreat away from the buzz of the fairground where visitors can explore the many rare plants and trees.

Beam Engine

Running large estates required varied machinery including waterwheels and steam sawmills.

Dobbie

This hand-turn ride featuring horses and cockerels is perfect for young children.

Who can ride? Children only, between approx. 3 years old and 7 years old. Children must remain seated.

Children’s Chair-o-Planes

Chair-o-planes for children, a fairground classic. 

Who can ride? Children only, children must remain seated.

Toy Set

The children's roundabout with a variety of toy vehicles including a steam roller, tractor, double-decker buses and toy animals. 

Who can ride? Children only, children must remain seated.

Hall of Mirrors

A fairground classic that amuses visitors of all ages. Mirrors that will distort your body and face in silly ways.

Who can enjoy this attraction? Suitable for all ages.

Children’s Play Area

New for 2024! Conveniently located by our cafe so grown-ups can relax and enjoy a cuppa while the children let off some steam. 

Who can enjoy this attraction? Children between 3 years and 10 years on the tower, under 3's in the lower play area

Candy Floss

Traditional spun sugar candy floss and sweet treats available from the stall in the middle of our Fairground. The stall is run by a local family who have been with offering and side stalls at Hollycombe for many years.

Who can enjoy this attraction? Offering something for everyone, this stall is popular with all visitors. Card and cash payments are accepted.

Road Steam

Hollycombe is home to both visiting engines and engines that form part of Hollycombe's collection. 

Trailer Rides

Trailer rides across site are typically behind a steam traction engine or steam roller. When the weather is good (and the ground dry enough) the traction engine takes visitors to the Steam Farm, during bad weather the trailer ride runs alongside our Quarry Railway and loops back through the car park. Visitors can still access the Steam Farm on foot whatever the weather.

Who can enjoy this attraction? Adults, children, babes in arms and dogs on leads.

Visiting Engines

Hollycombe is lucky to have visiting engines throughout the year, full-size and miniature. Some engines are in steam for you to enjoy the spectacle whilst others are static so you can get up close to see them. Our volunteers are always on-hand to answer any questions you have about the many engines you see across site. 

Who can enjoy this attraction? All ages

Hook-a-Duck

Traditional family fun on the hook-a-duck. Win a prize every time. Cash or card payments accepted.

Who can enjoy this attraction? Suitable for all ages, younger children can be assisted by family members.

Holland’s Cake Walk

A fairground favourite! A walk through ride with walkways that move right beneath your feet.

Who can ride? Adults and children, not suitable for anyone with limited mobility