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
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”+)
Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway

Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway

Chester,

Your journey trundles over the long bridge, playground to the left, duck pond to the right meandering through trees and shrubs and into the back straight, Onward over the level crossing, into a short bend then slowly entering Grosvenor Park station. The park is well known for wildlife especially the abundance of grey squirrels seen dancing playfully in and out of the trees. They regularly race the trains darting fearlessly back and forth across the track.

Location
Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15”)
Phone
07961 099 572
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,

Enjoy the unique experience of steam travel on one of the few narrow-gauge railways within London’s M25, featuring our 1903 built locomotive ‘Darent’ pulling our Devonshire coaches passionately restored by our volunteers. If you want to know more about our rich industrial steam heritage, then Kempton Steam Museum is right next door, housing the world’s largest triple expansion steam engine. On rare weekends you can see this mighty engine ‘in steam’ so check both websites for dates to book a visit for both the railway and the museum and make it a weekend of steam!

Location
Snakey Lane, Hanworth, Middlesex, TW13 6XH, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Phone
01932 765 328
Hayling Seaside Railway

Hayling Seaside Railway

Hayling Island, Hampshire,

The Hayling Island branch was a railway in Hampshire, England, that connected Havant with Hayling Island. It was sometimes known as the Hayling Billy, which is now the name of a footpath along the old track which is a Local Nature Reserve. The train runs every weekend and Wednesday, throughout the year, plus daily during all school holidays, weather permitting.

Location
Beachlands Railway Station, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0AG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Phone
07775 696 912
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

In normal times, the tramway operates on Sunday afternoons between March and mid-November and on Saturday afternoons between May and 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
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
Hythe Pier Railway

Hythe Pier Railway

Southampton, Hampshire,

Arriving at Hythe Pier, board the World's Oldest Pier Train (official Guinness World Record) and after the short ride of 640 metres (2,100 feet) you will have travelled along one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles.

Location
Prospect Place, Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 6AU, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15”+)
Phone
023 8084 0722
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 creates the perfect backdrop to your special day out. Marvel at the majestic steam engines, beautifully restored comfortable period carriages and charming rural stations. Our friendly staff are dressed in traditional Southern Railway uniforms, adding to the charm and feeling of being in a different era of time. A trip to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is guaranteed family-fun and will leave you with memories that will 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
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