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"+)
  • Museum
  • Miniature Railway (<15")
  • Heritage Centre (all one site)
  • Heritage Tramway
  • Other
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Porthmadog, Gwynedd,

The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway with almost 200 years of history, taking you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Our historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round tight bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it. The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs for 25 miles from Caernarfon, past the foot of Snowdon and the picture postcard village of Beddgelert, then through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog. Passengers ride in some of the most comfortable carriages on any heritage railway in the UK, including first class Pullman luxury and freshly-cooked food delivered to your seat.

Location
Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01766 516 000
Fife Heritage Railway

Fife Heritage Railway

Leven, Fife,

Established in 1992, the Kingdom of Fife Railway Preservation Society is a registered charity which is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Our aim is to preserve Fife’s railway heritage. We own a 21 acre former railway marshaling yard and have constructed half a mile of track plus substantial sidings. As a heritage railway, we are open to visitors on selected days and provide trips along the line pulled by one of our restored locomotives.

Location
Kirkland Sidings, Leven, Fife, KY8 4RB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Fintown Railway

Fintown Railway

Fintown, Co. Donegal,

Set amidst spectacular highland scenery overlooking Lough Finn, the railway (3 m/5km) is a restored section of the former County Donegal Railway. The railway nestled deep in the heart of spectacular mountainous scenery steeped in tradition, myth and folklore, and running along the crystal clear waters of Loch Finn is a million miles from the constant rush of every day life. You are invited to relive those bygone days when Donegal had 200 miles of narrow gauge railway operated by the County Donegal and Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Companies This unique journey is a three mile return trip right along the shores of Loch Finn. The reopening on the 3rd June 1995 of this first section of the Fintown - Glenties railway restoration project commemorated the centenary of the original opening in 1895.

Location
The Station, Fintown, Co. Donegal, F94 FR90, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
07495 462 80
Foxfield Railway

Foxfield Railway

Staffordshire,

Set in the Staffordshire countryside near Stoke-on-Trent, Foxfield Railway is an award-winning heritage railway run entirely by volunteers. Trains run on selected dates between spring and autumn, but the site remains open outside these times with plenty for visitors to enjoy. The railway offers a welcoming and accessible experience, with level parking, ramps to the station and platform, accessible toilets, and baby changing facilities. Dogs on leads are welcome. Foxfield's attractions include a Museum, Gift Shop, Buffet and Bar, and a Miniature Railway. Gluten free and vegan food options are available, and the site is ideal for a relaxed visit whether or not you are taking a train ride. For something special, enjoy Afternoon Tea on board one of the heritage trains or take the controls yourself on a Steam Driver Experience. Gift certificates and memberships are also available, and regular events run throughout the season. Foxfield Railway was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2022 and continues to develop with the support of members, visitors, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Location
Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, ST11 9BG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01782 396 210
Foyle Valley Railway Museum

Foyle Valley Railway Museum

Londonderry,

The exhibition consists of a recreated station platform and visitors can find out about the various railway companies which once operated out of the city. The steam locomotive exhibited in front of the museum is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge locomotive built for the County Donegal Railways Joint Committee in 1907 by Nasmyth, Wilson &Co., originally numbered No.16 and named "Donegal". She was superheated in 1926 and then renamed and renumbered as No.4 "Meenglas" in 1937. The locomotive was withdrawn from service on 31 December 1959, when the CDJRC ceased to exist as a railway company.

Location
1 Foyle Rd, Londonderry, BT48 6SQ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
028 7136 2424
Frimley Lodge Park Railway

Frimley Lodge Park Railway

Camberley,

Train rides for the public are available on the first Sunday of each month from March to November. Special events are also scheduled during the year.

Location
Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green, Camberley, GU16 6HT, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Garw Valley Railway

Garw Valley Railway

Pontycymer, Bridgend,

The Garw Valley, located in Bridgend County, is in the centre of the South Wales coalfields. The opening of the Garw railway line in the 1870s made the valley’s huge coal reserves accessible and facilitated the development of the Valley. Originally a passenger and freight line, it was closed to passenger traffic in 1953 but continued to be used by coal trains until the mid-1990s. The Garw Valley Railway are working to rebuild the line from Pontycymer to Brynmenyn, conserving the industrial heritage of the South Wales Valleys.

Location
Pontycymer Locomotive Works, Old Station Yard, Pontycymer, Bridgend, CF32 8AZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Giants Causeway & Bushmills Railway

Giants Causeway & Bushmills Railway

Bushmills, Co Antrim,

The railway has been built to the Irish narrow gauge of three feet (0.915m) and runs for two miles along the trackbed of the former Giant’s Causeway Tram line.

Location
Giant's Causeway Station, Runkerry Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim, BT57 8SZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
028 20732844
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,

Enjoy a Heritage steam & diesel Railway in the spectacular scenic Cotswolds. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire offering a round trip of 28 miles. It uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, which used to run via Stratford-upon-Avon. It now operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds. The line commands wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages, with outstanding outlooks across to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

Location
Churchward House, Winchcombe Railway Station, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01242 621 405
Golden Valley Light Railway

Golden Valley Light Railway

Ripley, Derbyshire,

We normally operate on selected mid-week dates; all weekends and Bank Holidays throughout the season from April to late October. The running line is almost a mile in length and operates as one of a number of attractions at the Midland Railway - Butterley, Nr Ripley, Derbyshire. Steam and diesel hauled trains run through the Country Park and terminate at Newlands Inn Station, which overlooks the disused Cromford Canal.

Location
Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01773 747 674
Great Central Railway

Great Central Railway

Loughborough,

Trains run every weekend of the year, on Bank Holidays, and on selected weekdays throughout the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services offer five-course meals while travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. Childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Locomotive Experience, where you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel. We also run many special events, including Steam Galas, Peppa Pig appearances, Bonfire Night, the 1940s Wartime Weekend, and Santa Specials.

Location
Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01509 632 323
Great Central Railway (Nottingham)

Great Central Railway (Nottingham)

Nottingham,

Once part of the Great Central Main Line between Sheffield and London, today the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) preserves nearly nine miles of railway from Ruddington Fields towards Loughborough. Steam and diesel services run on selected days, offering visitors the sights, sounds and atmosphere of classic train travel. The line includes Rushcliffe Halt and a branch into the extensive heritage depot at Ruddington, where locomotives, carriages and wagons are restored and maintained. The railway is entirely volunteer-run, with all income supporting the preservation of railway and transport heritage for future generations. Whether travelling on a passenger train, exploring the site or joining as a volunteer, there is plenty to discover.

Location
Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6JS, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
0115 940 5705
Great Cockcrow Railway

Great Cockcrow Railway

Chertsey, Surrey,

Arriving at the railway, you will be able to buy your tickets at the Ticket Office. The Booking Clerk will be able to explain the routes to you and to advise about ticket options, queue lengths, waiting times and help you with any queries you may have. You have a choice of ticket options and routes, the Red route or the Green route. A double ticket can save you money so why not try both?

Location
Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01932 565 474
Great Laxey Mine Railway

Great Laxey Mine Railway

Laxey, Isle of Man,

The railway's terminus is located at the Valley Gardens which was once the site of the Great Laxey Mine's Washing Floors. Passengers travel in a tiny carriage, hauled by a replica of one of the original steam engines, through the Island's only railway tunnel and along the line which once carried wagons loaded with the metal ores. At the Mines Yard terminus of the railway, a series of information boards explain the surviving mining features. The Laxey Wheel, the Lady Isabella, is just a short walk away from the terminus. Built in 1854 to pump floodwater from the mine, it is the largest working waterwheel in the world and is the Island's most visited tourist attraction. In 2006, the former Snaefell Mine waterwheel was restored to working order on the Valley Gardens. No other railway can boast of a waterwheel at each end!

Location
Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust Information Centre, Mines Road, Laxey, Isle of Man, IM4 7NH, IM
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01624 862 007
Great Orme Tramway

Great Orme Tramway

Llandudno,

The journey begins at Victoria Station, a short distance from Llandudno’s seaside and pier. Climb aboard one of our beautifully restored tramcars and start your ascent through the winding roads of the Great Orme.

Location
Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno, LL30 2NB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Tramway
Phone
01492 577 877
Great Whipsnade Railway

Great Whipsnade Railway

Dunstable, Bedfordshire,

Take a ride on one of our two impressive steam engines, Excelsior and Superior, as they weave their way through the territories of some of the world's most inspiring animals. Elephants, rhinos, camels and deer are just some of the mammals you can expect to see on your journey on The Great Whipsnade Railway. We will take you on a safari adventure you will never forget. Asked why people love the trains so much, driver and engineer Kevin Edwins said: “It’s the sheer magic of a steam-hauled railway. People love to hear the whistle and see the smoke - very few zoos have them.â€?

Location
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Groudle Glen Railway

Groudle Glen Railway

Onchan, Isle of Man,

This unique line was built in 1896 by Richard Maltby Broadbent as part of the new Groudle Glen pleasure grounds. It ran as a tourist attraction until the early 1960’s when it fell into disrepair, and during the 1970’s the line was scrapped and the rolling stock sold. The line was saved from total extinction by a band of enthusiastic volunteers in 1982, reopening to passengers in 1986.

Location
Groudle Glen, King Edward Rd, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 2JY, IM
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01624 670 453
Gwili Steam Railway

Gwili Steam Railway

Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire,

Beyond the locomotives, history and scenery, the railway's appeal lies in the friendliness and enthusiasm of the volunteers who maintain the railway and operate the services. They're justly proud of the part they play in recreating the golden age of steam and their love of the railway is infectious - they'll be happy to regale you with information and stories about Gwili and its historic locomotives.

Location
Bronwydd Arms Station, Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA33 6HT, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01267 238 213
Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway

Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway

Hanworth, Middlesex,

Experience the magic of steam travel on one of the few narrow-gauge railways within London’s M25. Our 1903-built locomotive Darent hauls beautifully restored Devonshire coaches, lovingly brought back to life by our dedicated volunteers. Right next door, explore more of Britain’s industrial past at Kempton Steam Museum, home to the world’s largest working triple-expansion steam engine. On select weekends, you can see this giant in action—so check both websites for dates and plan a full weekend of steam-powered heritage!

Location
Snakey Lane, Hanworth, Middlesex, TW13 6XH, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
07868 550 282
Hayling Light Railway

Hayling Light Railway

Hayling Island, Hampshire,

The Hayling Light Railway is a 2ft narrow gauge line on the south coast of Hayling Island. Trains run between Eastoke Corner and Beachlands, offering a two-mile round trip with views of the Solent, Isle of Wight, and Hayling's award-winning beach. Our enclosed carriages provide comfort in all weathers, and the line is open every weekend and Wednesday throughout the year, with daily services during school holidays (weather permitting). The railway is operated by the Hayling Light Railway Trust, a registered charity, and run by dedicated volunteers who preserve and share this unique seaside attraction.

Location
Eastoke Station, Seafront, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 9HL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
07902 446 340