The line is owned and operated by Southend Borough Council, and has the following technical parameters: Length: 130 feet (40 m) Height difference: 57 feet (17 m) Gradient: 43,4% Cars: 1 Capacity: 12 passengers per car Configuration: Single track, with separate counterweight track Main track gauge: 4 ft 6 in (1,372 mm) Counterweight track gauge: 21 in (533 mm) Traction: Electricity The line has an unusual configuration, as it runs on a single-track elevated structure. The counterweight track runs within this structure, immediately below the main track that carries the passenger car. The Cliff Lift is run by volunteers and the opening times are dependant on availability. A dedicated Cliff Lift Facebook page has been set up to advertise when it is open.

The Southwold Railway was a remarkable 3 foot narrow gauge railway linking the fashionable Suffolk seaside resort of Southwold with the Great Eastern main line at Halesworth 8¾ miles inland. Opened in 1879, it gently wound its way towards the sea through the beautiful valley of the River Blyth, with intermediate stations at Wenhaston, Blythburgh and Walberswick. After almost 50 years the line closed suddenly in April 1929, and we at the Southwold Railway Trust are dedicated to preserving the memory of this special little railway and re-opening as much of the old route as we can.

We are the railway with... "A DESTINATION AT EVERY STATION!" Explore Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks or Royal Tunbridge Wells throughout your visit and make a day of it, with plenty of local attractions easily accessible by train you will find something for all the family to enjoy. The Spa Valley line runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the High Weald which covers 560sq miles and extends across Kent, Sussex & Surrey. The area is characterised by a medieval landscape of vast rolling hills, extensive woodland, sandstone outcrops such as High Rocks itself or Harrison's Rocks near Eridge, scattered farms and ancient roadways. A major part, often viewed as the jewel in the crown of the High Weald, is the Ashdown Forest. It is the largest area of open access land in the South East. Popularly known in children’s story books as the home of Winnie the Pooh, the Spa Valley Railway’s Groombridge Station takes you close to the edge of the famous forest. You can travel on board a steam or heritage diesel train hopping on and off as you please to experience the wonderful attractions that can be found close to our stations. We also offer a range of on train dining experiences, our Dining in the Weald trains give you the opportunity to experience the bygone era of dining on a train. Dine in style on board our beautifully restored 1960s carriages as you take take a ride through the glorious High Weald countryside. With a range of products to choose from, including Gin tasting, Afternoon Tea and 5-course evening dining there is something for everyone’s taste.

Early in 2002 a group of St Albans residents decided that the signal box at the end of their road had been left to decay for 25 years too many. It could surely be put to a better use than a pigeon nesting box (they got in through the cracks in the boards). So we looked at possibilities and talked to a few people and the end result was a determination to save the Grade 2 listed signal box, as the only other alternative was to let it disintegrate. We also discovered that it has a rare 1906 Midland Railway 'tumbler' interlocking lever frame. In order to accomplish this goal, we formed a Building Preservation Trust. As a registered charity, we have been awarded grants which have enabled us to lease the signal box from Network Rail and restore it. The building has been structurally restored, painted and rewired and is now a valued community resource and heritage attraction. It has been recognised with awards from several bodies. This lever frame is restored to working condition and a simulated signalling system replicates the procedures used in the box's working life. The 'locking' room on the ground floor has been turned into a museum and new toilet facilities installed. Much work has already gone into the surrounding land turning it into a 'signalman's garden'.

An idyllic narrow-gauge steam railway and museum provide the backdrop for weddings, parties, conferences and special events. Not forgetting the rail enthusiasts for whom we continue our restoration work, open our sheds for and share the love of narrow-gauge stock.

Situated right opposite the Swindon Designer Outlet, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway, often referred to by historians and railway fans as ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’. The pioneering vision and engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world.

It is built on the trackbed of the Killer’s Branch of the old Cromford and High Peak Railway, now the High Peak Trail. Motive power is provided by ex-industrial diesel, petrol, and battery-electric locomotives, and passengers are carried in old manriders once used to convey miners below ground. When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique 25-minute round-trip train ride up our main line to Middleton, passing through dramatic limestone cuttings, together with a shorter trip along our branch line into Steeplehouse Quarry. On most days operating days volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the local railways and show visitors the fossils to be found in the area.

Travel back in time to when coal was king at the Stephenson Steam Railway. Take a trip on our 2 mile industrial railway, passing the factories and businesses that it once served. Ride in style in our 1950's British Railways carriages and listen as the locomotives work hard climbing the steep gradients away from the Tyne towards the old coal fields of Northumberland. In the station yard at Middle Engine Lane you can see a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on the railways of Tyneside. Inside the museum, see a range of steam, diesel and electric locomotives that each have a fascinating story to tell. Visit the cab of Clio and try your hand at driving a steam engine on our simulator. Learn about George and Robert Stephenson and their influence on the development of the steam locomotive through animations and artefacts from the time. On selected days, you can enjoy light refreshments in the Waggonway Tea Room. In the museum: See Steam, Diesel and Electric locomotives from collieries, steelworks and power stations in Tyneside and beyond. Killingworth Billy - Built by George Stephenson in 1816, it is the third oldest surviving steam locomotive in the world. Tyneside Electric Parcel Van - built in 1904 and beautifully restored at the museum in the 1980s, it is the only surviving vehicle from the Tyneside Suburban Electric Railway. In the yard: See a variety of railway vehicles which were used for all manner of jobs in days gone by. On days when steam trains are running, be sure to visit the water tower to see the fireman filling the tanks with water whilst the driver oils around all of the moving parts of the engine.

Situated in the woods of the Stradbally Hall estate, the railway stemmed from an earlier idea which saw an original Guinness Brewery steam locomotive steamed while mounted on blocks for the August 1968 National Steam Rally. A short section of 1ft 10½in track was laid for the 1968 event and the engine pulled several passenger carriages. In 1969, the line was relaid to 3ft gauge following the arrival of our steam locomotive, the pride of the fleet, 1949-built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT No 2/LM44 Róisín. Róisín spent her working life on the bog railways of counties Laois and Offaly for Bord na Móna alongside her sister steam engines, Nos 1 and 3. Róisín has now called Stradbally her home for over 50 years and she’s been lovingly cared for by our small but dedicated Irish Steam Preservation Society volunteers since the day she arrived.

Brought back to life in 1978 by a dedicated group of volunteers, this ten mile restored section of the original Highland Railway Line enables you to travel back in time to an era when steam whistles blew , carriage doors slammed shut and there was a familiar click-clack, rhythm of the rails, as the train travels along the track.

The railways (there are three track systems at the Summerfields’ site) are a popular visitor destination for children and parents alike. Please check the Events Calendar on the website to learn when public running days are scheduled.

Summerlee operates the only heritage electric tramway, offering rides on both modern and Edwardian open-topped trams. And don't forget the mine tour! Summerlee has re-constructed a traditional 'Miners Row' which shows off the domestic conditions of the mining family from the 1840's to the 1980's. Just by the cottages is the Summerlee Coal Company pithead site, complete with recreated addit mine that shows off the cramped and damp conditions in which the miners worked.. Summerlee also has a separate exhibition gallery showing a programme of temporary exhibitions, tearoom and gift shop. Admission to Summerlee is FREE.

Located in the Isle of Purbeck, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage. The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations with picnic tables at most of the stations so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic. Our station shop at Swanage is well stocked with souvenirs, railway books and DVDs, a large selection of items for model railways as well as clothing, railway prints and gifts for all ages. If you are looking for something special, you can book on one of our dining trains or attend one of our special events such as a footplate experience on a steam locomotive or railway photography day. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, looking for something to do with the family or planning a visit to the beach, the Swanage Railway will provide interest and enjoyment for all. There is convenient parking at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, and a five minute walk from Swanage station in the Victoria Avenue car park.

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.

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.

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’!

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

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.

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.

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.