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
Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Whitehead, Co. Antrim,

Our fascinating five gallery museum allows you to rub shoulders with the giants of steam. You can step on the footplate of a 140 year old engine, get on board a 1950s carriage from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s collection and see our restoration workshops, where these historic vehicles are brought back to life. You can explore the museum at your leisure, aided along the way by our wonderful guides who will be on hand to help with any questions. They have a rich knowledge of Irish railway heritage - some have been part of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland for over 50 years!

Location
Whitehead Railway Museum, Castleview Road, Whitehead, Co. Antrim, BT38 9NA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
028 9358 6200
Railworld Wildlife Haven

Railworld Wildlife Haven

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire,

Volunteers with the help of many companies, groups and individuals have transformed the derelict coal yard into an inner-city green space, a landscaped haven with ponds and waterfalls, creating increased biodiversity and habitat for our wildlife... plus restored and repurposed Victorian aqueducts and bridges in true 'Circular Economy' style! Over 30 years - Volunteers have also created the ‘Globe Hall Earth Centre’ with a solar powered ‘World’ – Plus over 2,000 sqft of intriguing, exciting model railways!

Location
Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9NR, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Other
Phone
01733 344 240
Rainsbrook Valley Railway

Rainsbrook Valley Railway

Rugby, Warwickshire,

Public running dates for Rainsbrook Valley Railway in 2023 are: 5th April,16th April, 21st May, 31st May, 18th June, 16th July, 20th August, 30th August, 17th September, 15th October and 1st November. There will be 2 sessions on Sundays 11-1 then 2-4.

Location
Rainsbrook Valley Railway, Onley Lane, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 5QD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass, Cumbria,

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has been running since 1875, originally as a 3ft gauge line and, since 1915, as a 15in gauge railway. Trains today travel through seven miles of splendid Lakeland scenery from the coast at Ravenglass uphill and inland to Eskdale, home to pubs, riverside walks and mountain climbs. The imposing sight of Scafell and Harter Fell greets the trains on arrival at Dalegarth. Trains are typically steam-hauled, with a limited diesel operation at certain times of year. The locomotive fleet includes River Irt, the oldest working 15in gauge steam engine in the world, and River Mite, the first new-build steam locomotive in the preservation era.

Location
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01229 717 171
Rhyl Miniature Railway

Rhyl Miniature Railway

Rhyl,

Our steam trains were built in Rhyl during the 1920s, and so have been hauling passengers around Marine Lake for the last eighty years! Even our first train from 1911 recently returned to us after over 90 years away! Upon returning to ‘Central Station’, find out more about our story in our museum, where there are hands on exhibits to amuse the younger ones. Our ticket office sells tea and coffee, confectionery and a good range of children’s gifts. The station, museum and toilets are open on every day that trains are operating. We have good facilities for disabled visitors. The railway is located at Marine Lake, only a short walk from the new iconic pedestrian bridge Pont y Ddraig.

Location
Central Station, Marine Lake, Wellington Road, Rhyl, LL18 1AQ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01352 759109
Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

Preston, Lancashire,

Whatever the weather, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from Ribble Steam’s team of committed volunteers. Whether you are a keen steam enthusiast, or just simply looking for a fun and relaxed day out, Ribble Steam offers a memorable experience of Lancashire’s world famous Industrial heritage. Visit the museum discover the history of Preston docks and the story of the first electric trains. There is much to explore in the 'hands on' museum, complete with a fabulous indoor miniature railway for young hearts. Watch industrial engines and locomotives lovingly being restored, behind the scenes. Remember to check out the RSR shop to find that special visit memento, present, specialist publication or popular railway character memorabilia. Look out for art activities, special events, such as Steam or Diesel Galas, and exhibitions, Friendly Engines, Family Fun on our Teddy Bears Specials, Classic Car Day on Father's Day, Model Tramways weekend and our Fabulous Santa Specials.

Location
Chain Caul Road, Riversway Docklands, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01772 728 800
Rocks By Rail

Rocks By Rail

Cottesmore, Rutland,

Rocks by Rail is an outdoor adventure, cast in an ironstone quarry. Covering 19 acres of reclaimed quarry, railway tracks and nature trails, Rocks By Rail is a journey back in time. It’s an unmissable opportunity to experience an awesome industrial landscape. Explore fascinating nature trails. Take a train trip. Drive a classic loco. Tour the workshop and loco yard. View the ironstone exhibition and learn about its importance throughout history. Then sit back with a cuppa in a 1960s style café, or browse the Museum shop. Rocks By Rail is a big value day out. Whether you’re a family seeking informative fun, a rail and digger enthusiast, or a teacher looking for ways to bring lessons to life – you’ll find the living ironstone museum so involving you’ll wonder where the hours went!

Location
Ashwell Road, Cottesmore, Rutland, LE15 7FF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

New Romney, Kent,

Known as "Kent’s Mainline in Miniature", our world famous one-third full size steam & diesel locomotives have powered their way along the 13½ miles of track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, terminating in Dungeness; a National Nature Reserve. With 4 stations in between, all within walking distance of a beach, our railway provides you with an opportunity to explore this unique corner of Kent. Coast & country walks, with all manner of wildlife & flora to be seen, cycle rides, medieval churches and iconic lighthouses are all on our doorstep. With excellent catering facilities available at some stations, our ever-popular Model Railway Exhibition, play parks, good station shops, free car parking and facilities to assist our disabled visitors, RH&DR is the perfect any-weather, all-generations great day out.

Location
New Romney Station, Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
07592 760 607
Romsey Signal Box Working Museum

Romsey Signal Box Working Museum

Romsey, Hampshire,

Romsey Signal Box is a building from 1873 and a working museum which gives an insight into the life of a railway signalman. As well as the main attraction, the site has visitor centres containing a miniature signalbox where working demonstrations are run most open days, along with restored artefacts, photographs and information about the history of the restoration. There are also picnic and garden areas. There are modest charges to enter the site, the funds from which are used to continue with our restoration projects. The site is accessible by wheelchair, although the working floor of the signalbox can only be accessed by climbing the authentic steps. However, a CCTV link has been established linking the box to the pavilion for wheelchair users and visitors who are not confident using stairs.

Location
Romsey Signal Box, Brick Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8LG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Royal Deeside Railway

Royal Deeside Railway

Kincardineshire,

The original Deeside Railway opened on 8th September 1853 and reached Ballater some 13 years later. It amalgamated with the Great North of Scotland Railway in 1876. The line was regularly patronised by the Royal Family and other visitors to Balmoral Castle until it closed in 1966 as a result of the notorious Beeching Report. Thirty years later, the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society was formed and the work of restoring part of the line commenced in 2003. We now have about a mile of track in passenger service and are gradually extending the line along the original trackbed until we reach Banchory, which will give us a running line of just over 2 miles.

Location
Milton of Crathes, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB31 5QH, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01330 844 416
Royal Gunpowder Mills

Royal Gunpowder Mills

Waltham Abbey, Essex,

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a narrow gauge railway was used to transport materials around the site. Over the past decade a dedicated team of volunteers have constructed a 2 foot 6 inch gauge railway, reflecting this history. The Gunpowder Railway completed its first full running season at the end of October of 2022, transporting over 1500 passengers!

Location
Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
01992 707370
Royal Victoria Railway

Royal Victoria Railway

Southampton, Hampshire,

The 10 1/4 Railway was started in 1995 and now covers approximately 1 mile of track with unrivalled views of Southampton water. A new station building and a 3/4 mile extension are under construction. Home to a large variety of steam and diesel locomotives. Open every weekend and all school holidays.

Location
Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 5GA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
023 8045 6246
Ruislip Lido Railway

Ruislip Lido Railway

Ruislip,

Woody Bay station is beside the beach & children’s splash pad, and it is the oldest terminus on the line. The other station is Willow Lawn station, located next to the car park and nearby the ‘Waters Edge’ pub & carvery. At Willow Lawn station, passengers can observe the locomotive being turned on the turntable, before the train heads back to Woody Bay. All our trains are wheelchair, pushchair and buggy friendly. The service is normally operated by one of our large diesel locomotives. On weekends and Bank Holidays, our steam locomotive 'Mad Bess', which is a half scale version of the Ffestiniog Railway locomotive 'Blanche', may pull the train.

Location
Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01895 622 595
Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway

Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway

Rushden, Northamptonshire,

Rushden Transport Museum is in East Northamptonshire close to the county borders with Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Location
Rushden Transport Museum, Rushden Station, Station Approach, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0AW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
0300 302 3150