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
Caledonian Railway

Caledonian Railway

Brechin, Angus,

Originally built in 1848, Caledonian Railway is today a classic preserved railway and one of the most successful attractions in Angus. Enjoy the collection of classic locomotives and coaches, and shop for souvenirs at Brechin Station. The station at Bridge of Dun was a former stopping place for Royal trains and is set in remote countryside next to Montrose Basin, one of the country's finest bird sanctuaries. Visitors can take interesting walks from the station to the bird sanctuary along both banks of the picturesque River South Esk. Special events are held during the season.

Location
The Station, Park Road, Brechin, Angus, DD9 7AF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01356 622992
Cambrian Heritage Railways

Cambrian Heritage Railways

Oswestry, Shropshire,

Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) are based in Oswestry, Shropshire. Operating from Easter to Autumn with Santa Specials in November and December. Trains run at weekends and on selected weekdays. Visit our website www.cambrianrailways.com for details of running dates, ticket prices and other information about how to spend the day with us. Day Rover tickets are available which allows travellers to travel all day on one ticket. We also offer DATEX’s (Driver a Train Experience), Group Travel and welcome Coach Parties. Traction operated includes Steam, Diesel (Class 73 and Industrial Locos). Parking only available at our Oswestry site. We look forward to welcoming you onboard. At Weston Wharf Station the Stonehouse Brewery is next door and Weston Pools Village complex is around the corner. Please book directly with them if you wish to eat there. Our site at Llynclys South is presently closed. There will be occasions such as Heritage Open Days and other events when the site is open. Please see our website for details

Location
Old Station Building, Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1RE, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01691 728 131
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre

Carnforth Station Heritage Centre

Carnforth, Lancashire,

As you stand on Platform 1 with its vintage suitcases and railway posters, you can almost imagine the era when steam trains frequently passed through. Step into the Heritage Centre and soak up the atmosphere of bygone times, a Victorian railway station in which is displayed a wealth of railway memorabilia. The station was lovingly restored in 2003 after lying derelict for many years. It is now ‘staffed’ by volunteers who care passionately about the Heritage Centre and will welcome you warmly.

Location
The Heritage Centre, Carnforth Station, Warton Road, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9TR, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01524 735 165
Cavan & Leitrim Railway

Cavan & Leitrim Railway

Drumod, Co. Leitrim,

The privately-owned Cavan & Leitrim Railway is based in the former Dromod Station, in Co. Leitrim. There is a transport museum, with narrow-gauge trains of several gauges, buses, planes, fire engines and artillery guns from World War I and World War II. It was originally intended to rebuild the line to Mohill but this is now most unlikely to happen. With the help of volunteers, trains are run on a short section of line. The Avonside 0-6-0T steam locomotive "Nancy" was rebuilt at Alan Keef in Wales where it first steamed on 23 March 2019 after twenty years of restoration work.[7] The locomotive was shipped to Dromod, where it now resides. The line's first steam locomotive since preservation is 'Dromad' a Kerr Stuart Brazil class 0-4-2T.

Location
Station Road, Drumod, Co. Leitrim, N41 R504, IE
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
+353 719 638599
Central Tramway Scarborough

Central Tramway Scarborough

Scarborough,

Scarborough was the historic birth place of cliff railways in this country. Three passenger carrying funicular railways were built along this unique stretch of Yorkshire coastline before anywhere else in the UK. Built in 1881, just 14 years after the completion of the Grand Hotel (in 1867), the Central Tramway cliff railway has a rich history closely linked to the town. We are proud to maintain and celebrate this history with regular talks, tours, school visits and open days. One of the oldest cliff railways still running in the UK, the Central Tramway has the distinction of being the oldest cliff tramway company in the country as the original corporation still operates the business today.

Location
Upper Station, Marine Parade, Scarborough, YO11 2ER, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Funicular / Cliff Railway
Phone
01723 501 754
Chasewater Railway

Chasewater Railway

Brownhills, Staffordshire,

The Railway operates passenger trains from its headquarters at Brownhills West to Chasetown, with intermediate stations at Norton Lakeside and Chasewater Heaths. A round trip of nearly 4 miles takes about 45 minutes. Day Rover tickets offer unlimited travel on all trains operating on the day of issue.

Location
Chasewater Country Park, Brownhills West Station, Pool Lane, Brownhills, Staffordshire, WS8 7NL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01543 452 623
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

Chatham, Kent,

At its peak, it was estimated there was approximately 17 miles of standard gauge railway within the Dockyard. Today we have just under 1 mile of track remaining. The section (laid tramway style) starts just outside the Historic Dockyard (adjacent to No.7 Slip) and runs through the middle of our site to the far end of Anchor Wharf. Our Railway is operated by our dedicated Railway Volunteers, who work tirelessly to restore our locomotives, wagons and cranes, and help keep a valuable piece of the Dockyard’s history alive. On our Railway Days, our volunteers operate ‘demonstration’ freight trains for about 1/3 mile. See steam locomotive ‘Ajax’ and diesel locomotive’s ‘Rochester Castle’ and ‘Overlord’ haul a number of carefully restored historic freight wagons. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, you just have a casual interest or you want to re-live childhood memories. our Railway Days provide the perfect photo opportunity to get up close to our historic railway and chat to our knowledgeable volunteers. Today’s railway is purely a demonstration railway and unfortunately we are unable to carry passengers.

Location
Chatham Historic Dockyard, Main Gate Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TE, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01634 823 800
Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway

Chinnor, Oxfordshire,

Services generally operate on Sundays, Bank Holidays and Thursdays during school holidays from Mothering Sunday until Hallowe'en. Enjoy our friendly hospitality with a Summer Lunch or Sparkling Afternoon Tea on board our Steam train services, or just come along for the ride. Santa Specials in December together with Mince Pie & Hogmanay Specials conclude the season.

Location
Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
07979 055 366
Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

Wallingford, Oxfordshire,

Our line runs through the beautiful countryside of South Oxfordshire and links the historic riverside town of Wallingford with GWR trains at Cholsey. Travel on our 1950s coaches, hauled by one of our Heritage diesels locomotives or by a visiting steam engine.

Location
5 Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9GQ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01491 835 067
Churnet Valley Railway

Churnet Valley Railway

Stoke on Trent,

Located near the market town of Leek, this West Midlands attraction is within easy reach of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Manchester and Birmingham for those looking for a journey into the past through beautiful scenery.

Location
Kingsley Froghall Station, Froghall, Stoke on Trent, ST10 2HA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01538 750 755
Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway

Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway

King's Road, Cleethorpes,

The Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway is one of Britain’s oldest seaside miniature railways, and has been delighting young and old for over 70 years. Not only does the two mile return journey offer a relaxing way to enjoy beautiful views along the picturesque Humberside Coast, but our line also doubles as a transport link connecting Cleethorpes Promenade with our main station Lakeside (near Cleethorpes Premier Inn). Sit back with a refreshing pint at our award-winning pub The Signal Box Inn, visit Sidings Snack Shack and grab a memento from one of our gift shops.

Location
North East Lincolnshire, Lakeside Station, King's Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 0AG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01472 604 657
Coate Water Miniature Railway

Coate Water Miniature Railway

Swindon, Wiltshire,

We open every Sunday, weather and volunteers permitting, as well as most bank holidays. The railway is also open where advertised on Saturdays (but may be open if sufficient volunteers are available). Opening times are from around 11:00 through to 16:00, or dusk during the winter. At the discretion of the duty officer longer unadvertised running hours may be possible.

Location
North Wilts Model Engineering Society, Coate Water Country Park, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 6AA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Colne Valley Railway

Colne Valley Railway

Castle Hedingham, Essex,

Visitors are able to enjoy: - a train ride on our demonstration railway, - 7.25" Ride on miniature railway - large and interactive model railway, - updated museum and interpretation centre, - post office sorting coach, In addition, our entrance and reception building now features a coffee shop. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our site!

Location
Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01787 461 174
Conwy Valley Railway Museum

Conwy Valley Railway Museum

Betws-y-Coed, Conwy,

Our trains run most days, in the summer season and weekends there will usually be a steam engine pulling the train. At other times a diesel engine will be in service for winter season and week days. Our shop located on site has a vast collection of model railway stock for beginners and enthusiasts of the hobby as well as souvenirs and gifts for all ages. our museum tour has a vast collection of railway memorabilia and interactive railway models that are controlled by the press of a button. Dogs are allowed into our museum and on our trains.

Location
Old Goods Yard, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0AL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01690 710568
Corris Railway

Corris Railway

Machynlleth, Mid Wales,

See sheep grazing on the riverside slopes by woodland old and new, with buzzards wheeling overhead. Look into our workshops during the short guided tour of the Railway's head quarters at Maespoeth, and after visit our shop and free museum at Corris. There see original slate-carrying waggons, and the 'chicken' living inside a rescued original Corris Railway carriage. Children can play with 'small world' toys, use a children's playground and try a family quiz. Lucky children might even get to blow the whistle and wave the green flag. Our volunteer drivers, firemen, guards and shop staff are all fully trained enthusiasts for railways and passengers and are always keen to share their 'inside' knowledge.

Location
Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, Mid Wales, SY20 9SH, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01654 761 303
County Donegal Railway Heritage Centre

County Donegal Railway Heritage Centre

Donegal Town, Co. Donegal,

Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is considered one of the county’s hidden gems and is located just 300 metres from Donegal Town Centre. Donegal had the largest narrow-gauge railway network in the British Isles, and uniquely, amongst steam engines and railcars, operated one of the first railway vehicles with an internal combustion engine in the world. This fascinating museum celebrating Donegal’s railway heritage is based in one of the few remaining original station houses, which opened in 1889. The museum which has just been upgraded comprises railway rolling stock, interesting artefacts, displays, a video presentation, model railways, a reference library, a shop and much more, including that famous Donegal welcome!

Location
The Old Station House, Tyrconnell Street, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, F94 EE00, IE
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
07497 226 55
Crewe Heritage Centre

Crewe Heritage Centre

Crewe, Cheshire,

The Centre was officially opened by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to mark the 150th anniversary of the first train to arrive at Crewe Railway Station in 1987. Originally forming part of the Crewe Heritage Festival which was an eight week long event with activities and celebrations taking place all over the town of Crewe, members of the public were also invited to visit the historic Locomotive Works and see first hand how railway locomotives were constructed and maintained by British Rail. Following a really successful festival, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council decided to open the Heritage Centre again in 1988, the popularity of the Heritage Centre grew, attracting visitors from all over the United Kingdom and even the world. In 1989 the council handed the running of the museum over to the newly formed Crewe Heritage Trust who continue to operate the museum to this day.

Location
Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
01270 212130
Crowborough Miniature Railway

Crowborough Miniature Railway

Crowborough, East Sussex,

The Crowborough Locomotive Society was formed in 1989 to build, maintain and operate a miniature railway in the grounds of the leisure centre in Crowborough, East Sussex. It is our aim to provide a unique and fun attraction to the surrounding area which can be enjoyed by all ages whilst encouraging the interest of engineering and hobbies in general.

Location
Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 2TN, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
07592 073 181
Crowle Peatland Railway

Crowle Peatland Railway

Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire,

The Crowle Peatland Railway is part of the Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase Landscape Partnership and has been funded thanks to money raised by National Lottery Players, awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The maintenance shed was made possible with a grant from the SSE Keadby Wind Farm Fund and support from North Lincolnshire Council. AFTERNOON TEA – 1st Wednesday of the month – 11:30 – 15:00 OPEN DAYS – 2nd Weekend of the month – 10:00 to 16:00 SUNDAY BRUNCH – 3rd Sunday of the month – 10:00 to 12:00

Location
The Old Peatworks, Dole Rd, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 4BL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
07739 921 835