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
North Dorset Railway

North Dorset Railway

Blandford Forum, Dorset,

The North Dorset Railway is a heritage standard gauge railway based at Shillingstone Station off the main A357 road, in the heart of rural Dorset. The station is on what was the Somerset and Dorset Railway, which opened in 1862. It eventually became part of British Rail Southern Region and was closed with the ‘Beeching’ cuts in 1966. The track and all of the infrastructure, fortunately excluding the station building and platforms, were removed and the site abandoned. Around 1997, restoration work was started by a group of dedicated volunteers and the North Dorset Railway Trust was formed as a charitable trust to restore this part of the railway as it was in the 1960s and to develop it as a ‘living museum’. Its aim is to bring the station back to life and the first section of track was re-laid in the station in 2008. Significant work has already been completed by the growing army of volunteers and it is now intended to extend the track, initially northwards towards Sturminster Newton, and to run trains on the length of track then available. We warmly welcome visitors to see the progress we have made and enjoy the facilities we offer. We will strive to help make your visit both informative and memorable and look forward to seeing you.

Location
Shillingstone Station, Station Road, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0SA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01258 860 696
North Ings Farm Railway

North Ings Farm Railway

Lincoln, Lincolnshire,

We currently have a steam tram and eight industrial diesel locomotives, together with a further two on loan from the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn, Wales. The passenger train carriages were recently acquired from the former Abbey Light Railway in Leeds, which closed in 2013. The original carriages are in store. The wagon fleet has been collected over the years from many sources. Some have been converted to new uses, such as our original coaches, but we have retained at least one example of each in its original form. The signal box at Pear Tree Junction was recovered from Holmes Yard at Lincoln, where it was latterly in use as a paraffin store. The lever frame is from the former Skellingthorpe box near Lincoln.

Location
Fen Road, Dorrington, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 3QB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01526 833100
North Norfolk Railway

North Norfolk Railway

Sheringham, Norfolk,

Operated almost entirely by Volunteers from all walks of life, the line is East Anglia’s premier heritage railway. Steam trains operate daily from April to October.

Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01263 820 800
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Pickering, North Yorkshire,

The North Yorkshire Moor Railway is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences with thrills and family fun at its heart. Climb on-board a steam or heritage diesel train and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire’s amazing scenery.

Location
12 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01751 472 508
Northampton & Lamport Railway

Northampton & Lamport Railway

Chapel Brampton, NORTHAMPTON,

Based at Pitsford & Brampton Station, near the village of Chapel Brampton. We offer both steam and diesel hauled heritage train rides. Throughout the year we hold several different events to suit both enthusiasts and families. For more information visit our website at www.Nlr.org.uk

Location
Pitsford & Brampton Station, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, NORTHAMPTON, NN6 8BA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01604 820 327
Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway

Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway

Northampton, Northamptonshire,

The Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust is based within the grounds of the Hunsbury Hill Country Park which is located at Hunsbury Hill, Southwest of Northampton. The Trust has a small museum and café, workshop and of course its gardens. It features a 1.5 mile long Heritage Railway line that runs through the park of which a small section has been approved for public use. The line is mainly dedicated to freight working, featuring many sharp curves and steep gradients which were typical of the Industrial Railway. Rides are available in a variety of vehicles including a converted brake van.

Location
Hunsbury Hill Road, Camp Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 9UW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01604 702 031
Nottingham Heritage Railway

Nottingham Heritage Railway

Nottingham,

Heritage Steam & Diesel services re-create the experience of train travel from when it was more than just a way to travel from one place to another. Entirely staffed by volunteers, all income is used to preserve railway & transport heritage for future generations. The GCRN is a great experience for all the family. Come and enjoy a day with us!

Location
Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6NX, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
0115 940 5705
Old Kiln Light Railway

Old Kiln Light Railway

Farnham, Surrey,

Hop aboard the charming narrow gauge railway in the rural Surrey countryside. Situated in the Rural Life Living Museum, a peaceful, Open Air, Village museum, bordering RSPB Heathland; the Old kiln railway takes you on short but characterful journey, behind one of the many preserved locomotives from all walks of life. From the forests of Portugal, to the Welsh Slate Quarries of Penrhyn, our fine collection of preserved locomotives and stock provides an abundance of railway history to discover and enjoy.

Location
Rural Life Living Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Peak Rail

Peak Rail

Matlock, Derbyshire,

Whether it’s simply a nostalgic journey back to a bygone age or a discovery of the sights and sounds for very first time of a steam or diesel locomotive Peak Rail welcomes you to experience the thrill of our preserved railway whilst travelling through the delightful Derbyshire countryside. As well as our normal train journeys, there is something for everyone to enjoy, luxury dining is available on our Palatine Restaurant Car which offers Sunday Lunches, Christmas Lunches, Afternoon or Cream Teas and operates on various days during the year. A whole host of various special events take place throughout the year perfect for all the family or enthusiast.

Location
Matlock Station, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3NA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01629 580 381
Perrygrove Railway

Perrygrove Railway

Coleford, Gloucestershire,

Armed with a key, clues and a day of fun ahead, explore the whole of Perrygrove to unlock your box of treasure. A trip takes just over 30 minutes but most passengers get off to go to the picnic and play area at Foxy Hollow, or to go treasure hunting or den building in the woods. There is no charge for extra rides – your ticket lasts all day and you can ride the train as many times as you like. There are four stations on our railway, each with paths leading to lovely walks through beautiful woodland. Our Indoor Village is great fun for children and just about big enough for most grown ups too! The Treetop Adventure is perfect for some outdoor fun, with a slide, bouncy bridge and ladders to climb. We have recently installed a new tunnel system at Foxy Hollow play area, which is proving to be a massive hit!

Location
Perrygrove Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8QB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Phone
01594 834 991
Plym Valley Railway

Plym Valley Railway

Plymouth, Devon,

The Plym Valley Railway was founded in 1980 with an aim of restoring part of the ex-Great Western branch line from Plymouth to Tavistock that was closed in 1962. The first milestone, Marsh Mills to World’s End, was complete in September 2001. The second milestone, Marsh Mills to Lee Moor Crossing was opened in May 2008 which allowed passengers to ride 3/4 mile of track along the Plym Valley.

Location
Coypool Road, Marsh Mills, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4NW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01752 345 078
Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway

Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway

Pontypool, Gwent,

Blaenavon's Heritage Railway is set in the heart of a World Heritage Site on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. There is ample free car and coach parking at our main station, Furnace Sidings, located close to the Garn Lakes. From here our trains head north to the Whistle Inn public house and south to Blaenavon High Level Station, the latter a short walk from the town centre. In addition, we also operate a short branch to the Big Pit mining museum. Whether you're looking for a family day out or you are a devoted railway enthusiast, we have something for you!

Location
13A Broad St, Blaenavon, Pontypool, Gwent, NP4 9ND, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Whitehead, Co. Antrim,

Our fascinating five gallery museum allows you to rub shoulders with the giants of steam. You can step on the footplate of a 140 year old engine, get on board a 1950s carriage from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s collection and see our restoration workshops, where these historic vehicles are brought back to life. You can explore the museum at your leisure, aided along the way by our wonderful guides who will be on hand to help with any questions. They have a rich knowledge of Irish railway heritage - some have been part of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland for over 50 years!

Location
Whitehead Railway Museum, Castleview Road, Whitehead, Co. Antrim, BT38 9NA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
028 9358 6200
Railworld Wildlife Haven

Railworld Wildlife Haven

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire,

Volunteers with the help of many companies, groups and individuals have transformed the derelict coal yard into an inner-city green space, a landscaped haven with ponds and waterfalls, creating increased biodiversity and habitat for our wildlife... plus restored and repurposed Victorian aqueducts and bridges in true 'Circular Economy' style! Over 30 years - Volunteers have also created the ‘Globe Hall Earth Centre’ with a solar powered ‘World’ – Plus over 2,000 sqft of intriguing, exciting model railways!

Location
Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9NR, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Other
Phone
01733 344 240
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass, Cumbria,

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has been running since 1875, originally as a 3ft gauge line and, since 1915, as a 15in gauge railway. Trains today travel through seven miles of splendid Lakeland scenery from the coast at Ravenglass uphill and inland to Eskdale, home to pubs, riverside walks and mountain climbs. The imposing sight of Scafell and Harter Fell greets the trains on arrival at Dalegarth. Trains are typically steam-hauled, with a limited diesel operation on the high season yellow timetable. The locomotive fleet includes River Irt, the oldest working 15in gauge steam engine in the world, and River Mite, the first new-build steam locomotive in the preservation era.

Location
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Phone
01229 717 171
Rhyl Miniature Railway

Rhyl Miniature Railway

Rhyl,

Our steam trains were built in Rhyl during the 1920s, and so have been hauling passengers around Marine Lake for the last eighty years! Even our first train from 1911 recently returned to us after over 90 years away! Upon returning to ‘Central Station’, find out more about our story in our museum, where there are hands on exhibits to amuse the younger ones. Our ticket office sells tea and coffee, confectionery and a good range of children’s gifts. The station, museum and toilets are open on every day that trains are operating. We have good facilities for disabled visitors. The railway is located at Marine Lake, only a short walk from the new iconic pedestrian bridge Pont y Ddraig.

Location
Central Station, Marine Lake, Wellington Road, Rhyl, LL18 1AQ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15”)
Phone
01352 759109
Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

Preston, Lancashire,

Whatever the weather, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from Ribble Steam’s team of committed volunteers. Whether you are a keen steam enthusiast, or just simply looking for a fun and relaxed day out, Ribble Steam offers a memorable experience of Lancashire’s world famous Industrial heritage. Visit the museum discover the history of Preston docks and the story of the first electric trains. There is much to explore in the “hands on†museum, complete with a fabulous indoor miniature railway for young hearts. Watch industrial engines and locomotives lovingly being restored, behind the scenes. Remember to check out the RSR shop to find that special visit memento, present, specialist publication or popular railway character memorabilia. Look out for art activities, special events, such as Steam or Diesel Galas, and exhibitions, Friendly Engines, Family Fun on our Teddy Bears Specials, Classic Car Day on Father's Day, Model Tramways weekend and our Fabulous Santa Specials.

Location
Chain Caul Road, Riversway Docklands, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01772 728 800
Rocks By Rail

Rocks By Rail

Cottesmore, Rutland,

Rocks by Rail is an outdoor adventure, cast in an ironstone quarry. Covering 19 acres of reclaimed quarry, railway tracks and nature trails, Rocks By Rail is a journey back in time. It’s an unmissable opportunity to experience an awesome industrial landscape. Explore fascinating nature trails. Take a train trip. Drive a classic loco. Tour the workshop and loco yard. View the ironstone exhibition and learn about its importance throughout history. Then sit back with a cuppa in a 1960s style café, or browse the Museum shop. Rocks By Rail is a big value day out. Whether you’re a family seeking informative fun, a rail and digger enthusiast, or a teacher looking for ways to bring lessons to life – you’ll find the living ironstone museum so involving you’ll wonder where the hours went!

Location
Ashwell Road, Cottesmore, Rutland, LE15 7FF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

New Romney, Kent,

Known as "Kent’s Mainline in Miniature", our world famous one-third full size steam & diesel locomotives have powered their way along the 13½ miles of track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, terminating in Dungeness; a National Nature Reserve. With 4 stations in between, all within walking distance of a beach, our railway provides you with an opportunity to explore this unique corner of Kent. Coast & country walks, with all manner of wildlife & flora to be seen, cycle rides, medieval churches and iconic lighthouses are all on our doorstep. With excellent catering facilities available at some stations, our ever-popular Model Railway Exhibition, play parks, good station shops, free car parking and facilities to assist our disabled visitors, RH&DR is the perfect any-weather, all-generations great day out.

Location
New Romney Station, Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Phone
07592 760 607
Romsey Signal Box Working Museum

Romsey Signal Box Working Museum

Romsey, Hampshire,

Romsey Signal Box is a building from 1873 and a working museum which gives an insight into the life of a railway signalman. As well as the main attraction, the site has visitor centres containing a miniature signalbox where working demonstrations are run most open days, along with restored artefacts, photographs and information about the history of the restoration. There are also picnic and garden areas. There are modest charges to enter the site, the funds from which are used to continue with our restoration projects. The site is accessible by wheelchair, although the working floor of the signalbox can only be accessed by climbing the authentic steps. However, a CCTV link has been established linking the box to the pavilion for wheelchair users and visitors who are not confident using stairs.

Location
Romsey Signal Box, Brick Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8LG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
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