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
Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum

Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum

Darlington, County Durham,

Imagine stepping back in time to Victorian Darlington, the town that became known as the Birthplace of the Railways. Venture into our original 1840’s railway station where time has stood still for over one hundred and fifty years. Discover our Booking Office with its original Victorian interior. Explore our platform that still has its original footbridge, waiting room, newspaper kiosk and Victorian toilets. Follow the history of Darlington and the growth of the Railways through our permanent exhibitions and interactives.

Location
Station Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6ST, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01325 405060
Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh,

Headhunters Railway Museum was established in 1997 by former railway employees and enthusiasts and is a registered charity. Since then it has grown to include one of the largest displays of small Irish railway artefacts covering the three railway lines which once operated in County Fermanagh – The Great Northern Railway (Ireland), Sligo, Leitrim & Northern Counties Railway and Clogher Valley Railway. Headhunters is now famous as the world’s only barber shop & railway museum and its volunteers were awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its work in the community. In 2017 and 2018 the museum was awarded runner-up in the UK Heritage Railway Association Awards outstanding railway attraction category. It continues to add to its collection and the museum is indebted to former railway employees, and enthusiasts which have donated artefacts for future generations to enjoy. Volunteers support the work of the museum and a range of community events are regularly organised including illustrated talks, exhibitions, educational visits and commemorations.

Location
5 Darling Street, Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh, BT74 7DP, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
028 6632 7488
Heath Park Miniature Railway and Tramway

Heath Park Miniature Railway and Tramway

Cardiff,

Every month we have opened for Mums, Dads & Children of all ages (all the way up to very mature), for them to enjoy and relax for an inexpensive day out riding the trains and trams in an enclosed safe environment. Refreshments being available from our (Hygine Rating 5) BBQ, Pullman Buffet and Ice Cream cabin. A wide range of of toys and souvenirs are available from our Station Gift Shop where cold drinks and confectionary are also available, giving our younger visitors an opportunity to experience 'shopping' for sweets costing pence. We invite visits from schools and various children's charities to attend private running days. Including Noah's Ark and latterly the Chernobyl children, among others. Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are all regular visitors and always for all of these groups free of charge. We maintain a lecture room with video audio facilities, and an extensive library which specialise in Heritage, Scientific and Engineering subjects. At least 12 times a year we hold talks on a broad range of heritage, environment, engineering and other related matters free to anyone wanting to attend. We support colleges and universities in a number of research projects. They give up to the minute presentations on some of the lecture nights. Our volunteers' range in skills and age and provide untold help for the younger, up and coming generations of engineers and scientists.

Location
King George V Drive East, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4AW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
029 2075 5731
Heatherslaw Light Railway

Heatherslaw Light Railway

Cornhill On Tweed, Northumberland,

Travel on our 15 inch gauge railway, pulled by our steam locomotives "Bunty" and "Lady Augusta" or our diesel engine "Binky" between Heatherslaw Station and Etal Castle on a return journey of 4 miles. Our rolling stock offers a choice of fully enclosed or partly glazed coaches to keep you dry, even on the wettest days. There are two wheelchair compartments provided for disabled passengers and the Guard is always on hand to help with boarding.

Location
Ford Forge, Heatherslaw, Cornhill On Tweed, Northumberland, TD12 4TJ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01890 820 244
Heaton Park Tramway

Heaton Park Tramway

The tramway runs on Sunday afternoons from March to mid-November and on Saturday afternoons from May to mid-September.

Location
Heaton Park, Manchester, M25 2SW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
0161 740 1919
Helston Railway

Helston Railway

Helston, Cornwall,

The train journey takes around 25 minutes along our restored railway line with extensive views across the countryside towards the Lizard and South Coast. Why not spend some time in our little gift shop with its extensive range of railway themed gifts and souvenirs, or browse our extensive collection of pre-loved railway books and models, or for the younger children our collection of pre-loved Thomas Toys. Or visit our buffet in the restored railway carriage, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks and light lunches including our locally sourced acclaimed bacon rolls. We also stock gluten free options. We also have a games room and video presentation for visitors to enjoy.

Location
Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0RY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
07990 755 222
High Legh Miniature Railway

High Legh Miniature Railway

Knutsford, Cheshire,

Fun for the whole family. This miniature railway was first built in 2009. Constructed, maintained and run by a team of dedicated volunteers, every inch of track has a story behind it. Take in the beautiful landscaped scenes around the High Legh Garden Centre, and why not stop off at the children’s play and picnic area! Whether you’re young or old, this is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

Location
High Legh Garden Centre, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0QW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Hollycombe Steam In The Country

Hollycombe Steam In The Country

Liphook, Hampshire,

The Hollycombe Steam Collection, in Liphook Hampshire (on the Sussex Border), is the largest traditional Heritage Fairground in Britain, and includes a fully working steam fairground, narrow gauge and miniature steam railways. The collection is run by volunteers who keep the Edwardian Fairground working as it did a century years ago - entertaining children and adults alike.

Location
Iron Hill, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7LP, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
01428 724 900
Instow Signal Box

Instow Signal Box

Instow, Devon,

Open on occasional Sunday afternoons during the high season. The interior of the box contains the original lever frame and fittings, which have been reconnected to one of the reinstalled signals. The large wheel that was turned to operate the level crossing gates also remains. The decor of the box is just as it was when the line closed to traffic.

Location
Marine Parade, Instow, Devon, EX39 4HX, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum

Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum

Wellingborough, Northamptonshire,

Situated in Irchester Country Park, Northamptonshire, Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum is home to a collection of exhibits and industrial artefacts. These include steam and diesel locomotives, a lifesize diorama of a quarry, and many other interesting displays.

Location
Irchester Country Park, Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN29 7DL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01604 675 368
Isle of Man Railway

Isle of Man Railway

Douglas, Isle of Man,

The Isle of Man Steam Railway takes you on a journey of nostalgia as it gently rocks through the countryside in the south of the Isle of Man. Along the journey there are beautiful farmland and coastal views surrounding the railway. The line offers fantastic links to some of our most historic towns and villages. At the Port Erin Railway Museum you can learn more about the history of the Islands steam railways and the important contribution they have made over the last 140 years. The line still uses its original steam locomotives and coaches!

Location
Banks Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5PT, IM
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
07624 480 461
Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Havenstreet, Isle of Wight,

Our beautifully preserved, award-winning railway provides the perfect backdrop for your special day out. Marvel at the majestic steam engines, beautifully restored, comfortable period carriages, and charming rural stations. Our friendly staff, dressed in traditional Southern Railway uniforms, add to the charm and transport you to a bygone era. A trip to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway guarantees family fun and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Location
The Railway Station, Station Rd, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight, PO33 4DS, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01983 882 204
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Keighley, West Yorkshire,

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is a preserved standard gauge line which joins the national railway network at Keighley and runs 5-miles up the valleys of the River Worth and Bridgehouse Beck to Oxenhope. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society was formed upon the closure of the line by British Railways in 1962 with the aim of returning a daily passenger service to the Worth Valley area. The Society reopened the branch line from Keighley to Oxenhope in June 1968, just weeks before steam finally ended on British Railways in August of the same year. Despite the original aim of the Society to reinstate a daily service on the branch, it soon became clear that a full-time commuter service would not be possible, certainly in the first instance, and probably ever, although this has not stopped the subject of commuter trains being discussed at some length in the last 50 years or so.

Location
The Railway Station, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 8NJ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01535 645 214
Keith & Dufftown Railway

Keith & Dufftown Railway

Dufftown, Moray,

To travel on the KDR, you get to experience the true spirit of this unique part of Scotland. There are the rolling hills, forests, the deep glens, fields of ripening barley, the leaping deer but it is the living stills which provide that aroma pervading the atmosphere all along the track. Whichever way you travel there are more distilleries. Keith can boast of Strathmill, Glenkeith and Strathisla distilleries. Why not take a tour, have a dram, it's what it's all about!

Location
Dufftown Station, Station Road, Dufftown, Moray, AB55 4BA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01340 821 181
Kent & East Sussex Railway

Kent & East Sussex Railway

Tenterden, Kent,

The K&ESR was the very first 'light railway' to be constructed: light railways are equipped with full-size trains, but have steep gradients and are restricted to operate at low speeds. We have a unique collection of trains, some of which are approaching 150 years old – but still going strong! The journey time between Tenterden and Bodiam is around 50 minutes each way taking you through the wonderful Kent & East Sussex countryside.

Location
Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01580 765 155
Kidderminster Railway Museum

Kidderminster Railway Museum

Kidderminster, Worcestershire,

From pen nibs to clocks, from signs to signalling equipment, from photographs to timetables and rolling stock - there is a vast amount to see when you visit us. The items in the museum come from all over the country, and are essentially related to the British Isles. The collections are housed in a warehouse built by the Great Western Railway in 1878 for the storage of grain on the ground floor for the nearby flour mills, and wool on the upper floor for the local carpet industries. It had rail access on the one side and road access on the other. It was converted into a parcels warehouse in the 1960s and became disused and subsequently derelict in the early 1980s.

Location
Station Approach, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QX, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01562 825316
Kingsbridge & District Light Railway

Kingsbridge & District Light Railway

Kingsbridge, Devon,

The Kingsbridge & District Light Railway Co. (KDLR) is a solar powered miniature railway that takes passengers on a journey alongside the water's edge in Kingsbridge. Welcoming adults and children alike, it is run entirely by volunteers and donations, so you might find your conductor for the day is a local vicar, a bobby off their beat or even a town counsellor!

Location
The Embankment, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1HN, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
07885 227 000
Kirkby Stephen East Heritage Centre

Kirkby Stephen East Heritage Centre

Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria,

Imagine a place where time had stopped and you could enjoy a steam railway experience from the past? Well, you’re thinking about Kirkby Stephen East! Savour the atmosphere of a country station as it would have been in the 1950s. You’re sure to learn lots on your visit and have an enjoyable time. We are home to a number of historic Victorian and other vintage locomotives, carriages and wagons which are well worth a look. You can explore our station, which was built in 1861 and served the community here for 100 years, visit the glamorous 1930s buffet car (when trains are running) and wander around our small museum.

Location
The East Station, South Road, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4LA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
0176 83 71700
Kirklees Light Railway

Kirklees Light Railway

Clayton West, West Yorkshire,

Travel in beautiful hand-painted wooden carriages behind one of Yorkshire's Great Little Steam Trains at the 15-inch narrow gauge Kirklees Light Railway. The 25-minute journey (each way) transports visitors three and-a-half miles through the foothills of the south Pennines from Clayton West to Shelley; taking in glorious countryside, the ancient Blacker Wood, deep cuttings and the Shelley Woodhouse Tunnel - the longest tunnel on any 15-inch railway in Britain. Whilst enjoying the views, look out for Emley Moor Mast and spot as many farm animals as you can in the surrounding fields! There are currently six magnificent steam locomotives and two diesel engines to take you on your journey – which ones will you meet on your visit? The journey one way takes approximately 25 minutes and a return trip can be completed in 65 minutes. If you're not in a hurry, take advantage of our standard day tickets which allow unlimited travel on the day you visit (subject to availability and not applicable at special events). Recommended by roughguides.com as one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire.

Location
Whistlestop Valley, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01484 865 727
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Nr Ulverston, Cumbria,

Jump aboard our train at Haverthwaite Station. Enjoy views from your carriage up to Lakeside; the southern tip of Lake Windermere. Then if you fancy, continue your journey aboard a Windermere Steamer to Bowness or Ambleside. The Station welcomes dogs and friendly owners!

Location
Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
015395 31594