Railways

Over 150 heritage railways in the UK for a great family Railday out!

  • All
  • Funicular / Cliff Railway
  • Standard Gauge Railway
  • Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
  • Heritage Centre (all one site)
  • Miniature Railway (<15")
  • Heritage Tramway
  • Museum
  • Other
Swanley New Barn Railway

Swanley New Barn Railway

Swanley, Kent,

The railway is 800m long, forming a loop around the park. Passengers can board at New Barn or Swanley Parkway stations and enjoy a scenic train journey. The trains are equipped to carry pushchairs and buggies. The railway is open for passenger carriage from Easter to September.

Location
Swanley Park, New Barn Road, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7PW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire,

Motive power is provided by our resident Steam and Diesel locomotives. The S&CR was one of the first to undertake the complete reconstruction of a standard-gauge railway with no legacy of track or buildings. We celebrated our 40th Anniversary in 2018.

Location
Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4AS, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01793 771 615
Swindon Panel

Swindon Panel

Didcot, Oxfordshire,

Our group has preserved Swindon Panel, one of the original Western Region “turn push†type panels, the staple panel design of the Great Western since the 1960s, before all the remaining examples close forever in the next few years. The panel has been reconstructed and refurbished in its 1980’s form and displayed at Didcot Railway Centre, where it is realistically demonstrated with a simulator back-end for the educational benefit of visitors to the Centre. You can visit us and ‘have a go’!

Location
Swindon Panel Society, c/o Didcot Railway Centre, Station Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NJ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Talyllyn Railway

Talyllyn Railway

Tywyn, Gwynedd,

The Talyllyn Railway is the first preserved railway in the World, known affectionately as ‘The Railway with a Heart of Gold’. It was over 150 years ago, in 1865, that the line opened and in 1951 the Preservation Society was born to take over the Railway after the death of the owner Sir Haydn Jones. The heritage steam engines transport passengers from Tywyn, the coastal town on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, to Nant Gwernol buried deep in the mountains above Abergynolwyn. The journey itself crosses more than seven miles of spectacular scenery within sight of one of Britain’s highest mountains, Cadair Idris. The journey takes 55 minutes up the line from Tywyn through the ancient woodlands and meadows of the Fathew Valley. En route keep your eyes peeled for Red Kites, Cormorants, Barn Owl, Redstart, Peregrine Falcons, Wheatear, Linnet and Little Owl. The cosy covered and open carriages provide the best of comfort and views as you travel up the line. On arrival at Abergynolwyn, Quarryman’s Caban serves lovely homemade treats, drinks and snacks and there are plenty of trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Snowdonia National Park. The film ‘Railway with a Heart of Gold‘ is viewable on YouTube. Filmmaker Carson (Kit) Davidson gave the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society the right to use this film to raise funds, and if you would like to purchase your own copy the DVD is for sale in our Gift Shop. Although the release date is 1965, it was actually filmed in the early 1950s and is a charming and sentimental account of the Talyllyn Railway in its early days of preservation. The Talyllyn Railway is also one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, and is also proud to be the twin to the Puffing Billy Railway in Australia

Location
Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9EY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01654 710 472
Tanat Valley Heritage Railway

Tanat Valley Heritage Railway

Oswestry,

In 1998 a group of local railway enthusiasts began to explore the viability of preserving as much as possible of the former Tanat Valley Light Railway, which originally operated from Llynclys Junction in England to Llangynog in Wales. They quickly realised the historic importance of the former ‘valley’ line, not only for its multiple connections with other railways in the area (it had connections with both the Cambrian Railway Company and the Shropshire and Montgomery line – The Potts), but also for its position in the evolution of railway transport of the time. The Tanat Valley line was the first cross-border light railway meandering up the fantastic Tanat valley providing links to Llanymynech and Llanfyllin which led the way in opening up the more remote Welsh valleys for both tourism and trade. The TVLR Company is a registered charity which aims to preserve as much as possible of the former Tanat Valley Light Railway system, its associated railway networks and the industrial heritage of the area. In 2004 the TVLR Co acquired a section of disused track bed, which is being restored over its 2 mile length, and leases 25 acres of adjoining land being turned into a multi-themed Country Park for all the family. Our Nant Mawr Visitor Centre is at the terminus of the Potts Line, where visitors can see the Tanat Valley Railway Line, the Nant Mawr Lime Kilns, the Green Stage and the Monorail.

Location
Nant Mawr Visitor Centre, off Blodwell Bank, Nantmawr, Oswestry, SY10 9HW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01691 780042
Tanfield Railway

Tanfield Railway

Gateshead, Tyne and Wear,

Join us for an unforgettable journey on a vintage steam train with unique Victorian carriages and lovingly restored locomotives. Enjoy a six mile round trip through beautiful rolling countryside and a spectacular wooded valley.

Location
Marley Hill Engine Shed, Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE16 5ET, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Tarka Valley Railway

Tarka Valley Railway

North Devon,

The objectives of the railway are: For the public benefit to preserve and maintain the Tarka Valley Railway line through the Torridge Valley. To advance education about the history of transportation in the Torridge Valley area and railways in particular. These objectives will be achieved by establishing and maintaining an operating heritage railway alongside the Tarka Trail based upon Torrington Station. The railway will re-instate and re-open a section of the original railway which closed in 1984. The group gained planning approval in March 2013 for the first phase of its’ plan to extend the existing track by adding approximately 160 metres of running line and 110 metres of sidings on the original alignment of the railway in Torrington Station. This would take the line as far as the first occupation bridge over the trail after the station building. A lease was granted to the Railway from Devon County Council in April 2018 when the re-instatement work commenced. Since then, a great deal of activity has taken place.

Location
Torrington Station, Station Hill, Great Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8JD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Teifi Valley Railway

Teifi Valley Railway

Ceredigion,

As well as our main 2ft (610mm) gauge railway, we have plenty on offer for families during the main season, including a miniature railway, an excellent cafe, indoor & outdoor play areas, crazy golf and quoits.

Location
Station Yard, Henllan, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 5TD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01559 371077
Telford Steam Railway

Telford Steam Railway

Horsehay, Telford, Shropshire,

TSR is a small heritage railway in Telford, with the aim of returning steam trains to the Ironbridge Gorge.

Location
The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, Shropshire, TF4 2NF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01952 503 880
Thames Ditton Miniature Railway

Thames Ditton Miniature Railway

Thames Ditton, Surrey,

Admission to the site is free, single, day and family tickets may be purchased for those who wish to ride the trains. The majority of the model locomotives seen at the railway are privately owned, being built and operated by its members, however the society does own a number of locomotives banqueted over the years. The society also owns the majority of its passenger rolling stock needed to operate its two railways. We pride ourselves on our facilities that we have built up over the years, and the service and facilities that we provide for our visitors and members alike. We hope you will be able to visit us during the year and enjoy the atmosphere of the railway and its trains.

Location
Willowbank, Claygate Lane, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0LE, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Threlkeld, Cumbria,

Here at Threlkeld Quarry we have our own narrow gauge railway. The line is currently half a mile in length and has some steep gradients including a section of 1/20 and is worked by our three passenger locomotives. There is a selection of internal combustion and battery electric locomotives on display in the Top Shed.

Location
Threlkeld Quarry, Threlkeld, Cumbria, CA12 4TT, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
0176 87 79747
Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway

Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway

Toddington, Gloucestershire,

The Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway is a volunteer operated two foot gauge line that runs for around 1/2 of a mile, worked with steam and diesel locomotives from Britain, Belgium, Poland and South Africa. Most of our rolling stock is kept under cover in our large shed that you are welcome to visit when we are running trains. You can also visit our ex Midland Railway signal box, "California Crossing", this came from Gloucester serving the Birmingham to Bristol main line and our 16mm scale garden railway.

Location
Toddington Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucestershire, GL54 5DT, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Trago Mills Steam Railway

Trago Mills Steam Railway

Newton Abbot, Devon,

Bickington Steam Railway offers a 25 minute round trip, operating throughout the year at Trago Mills Leisure Park. We endeavour to offer a steam-hauled service at weekends, however in some cases this may not be possible (such as adverse weather conditions). We have a locomotive fleet of 5 engines: - BSR 2-6-0 'Alice' - SR&RL 2-6-2 No.24 - L&MVLR No. 1 'E.R.Calthrop' - SMR No. 750 'Blanche of Lancaster' - BR Bo-Bo No. D5910 The locomotives work hard over some of the steepest gradients in the country for a line of this size.

Location
Trago Mills Leisure Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6JD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01626 821 111
Vale of Berkeley Railway

Vale of Berkeley Railway

Sharpness, Gloucestershire,

Whilst the Engine Shed is open most days for volunteer activities, visitors are welcome to visit the shed on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. We are located on the west side of Sharpness Docks (see maps below). At the end of the B4066 turn right onto Bridge Road, ignoring the private only signs. Drive along this road, over the Swing Bridge and we’re located at the end of Docks Road.

Location
The Old Engine House, The Docks, Sharpness, Gloucestershire, GL13 9UD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Vale of Rheidol Railway

Vale of Rheidol Railway

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion,

Since opening in 1902, millions have enjoyed the scenic trip through the ancient woodlands to Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous waterfalls, nestled in the magnificent Cambrian Mountains.

Location
Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1PG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01970 625 819
Valley Railway Adventure

Valley Railway Adventure

Evesham, Worcestershire,

The railway, situated at The Valley operates during weekends and school holidays. Owned and operated by Adrian & Sandra Corke with help from a group of enthusiastic volunteers, the Evesham Vale Light Railway passes through cuttings, countryside and a tunnel with steam trains departing from Twyford station every thirty minutes.

Location
Valley Railway Adventure, Evesham Country Park, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4DS, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01386 422 282
Vintage Trains

Vintage Trains

We have enhanced our old steam train experience with a high-quality dining experience, varied menus, authentic Pullman coaches and 75mph of record-breaking speed up hills and racing by castles. Imagine being whisked away by the smell of freshly-cooked bacon and eggs on your great British breakfast or sipping a glass of Champagne over a four course dinner, all on a steam-hauled, old fashioned express train!

Location
670 Warwick Road, Tyseley, BH11 2HL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Other
Phone
0121 708 4960
Volk's Electric Railway

Volk's Electric Railway

Brighton, East Sussex,

Situated in the seaside town of Brighton, the Railway was constructed by inventor and son of a clockmaker, Magnus Volk, and first opened to the public in 1883. The route runs for one mile along Brighton seafront, with three stations where passengers can alight. Trains run frequently from March to October and for special events throughout the rest of the year.

Location
Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1FY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01273 292 718
Watercress Line

Watercress Line

ALRESFORD,

In years gone by, the Watercress Line took people on holiday, carried people to war, transported evacuees and moved all the essential goods of the area. Today at the railway you can enjoy the perfect day out for all the family, with plenty of activities included in the ticket price: play in our brand-new playground and experience the thrill of a trip on a steam train through the spectacular Hampshire countryside.

Location
Alresford Station, Station Road, ALRESFORD, SO24 9JG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01962 733 810
Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Kilmeadan, Co Waterford,

Waterford Suir Valley Railway brings the magic of rails golden age to life in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. A heritage narrow gauge railway follows the 10km of the abandoned Waterford – Dungarvan railway line, from the station at Kilmeadan, Co Waterford to Bilberry in Waterford City running beside the Waterford Greenway. Kilmeadan Station, closed to passengers in 1967, has been beautifully restored with the original coping stones on the platform and the original Kilmeaden Station sign from 1878. A Mark 2 Railway Carriage serves as the ticket office. The rolling stock includes a Simplex diesel locomotive that was built to operate in the peat industry and later used when digging out the channel tunnel. The carriages which have both closed in and partially opened seats were specially built for the Waterford Suir Valley Railway with seating capacity for up to 80 passengers. When you buy your tickets you are assigned to a private compartment for your family. Each one is named after a station on the original Waterford, Dungarvan & Lismore Railway. On boarding the train, the conductor will ask your name and escort you to your compartment. When everyone is safely on board, he blows the whistle to set off on an exciting journey beside Waterford Greenway. Travelling at 15km per hour, experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a partially opened carriage as you take in the panoramic views of the river and rolling farmland of Waterford and across the river to County Kilkenny. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and beside Waterford Greenway. You get a glimpse in to the famous Mount Congreve Gardens. This is an area rich in history and only accessible by train or Waterford Greenway.

Location
Kilmeadan Station, Kilmeadan, Co Waterford, X91 DH93, IE
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
0 51 384058