We are the railway with... "A DESTINATION AT EVERY STATION!" Explore Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks or Royal Tunbridge Wells throughout your visit and make a day of it, with plenty of local attractions easily accessible by train you will find something for all the family to enjoy. The Spa Valley line runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the High Weald which covers 560sq miles and extends across Kent, Sussex & Surrey. The area is characterised by a medieval landscape of vast rolling hills, extensive woodland, sandstone outcrops such as High Rocks itself or Harrison's Rocks near Eridge, scattered farms and ancient roadways. A major part, often viewed as the jewel in the crown of the High Weald, is the Ashdown Forest. It is the largest area of open access land in the South East. Popularly known in children’s story books as the home of Winnie the Pooh, the Spa Valley Railway’s Groombridge Station takes you close to the edge of the famous forest. You can travel on board a steam or heritage diesel train hopping on and off as you please to experience the wonderful attractions that can be found close to our stations. We also offer a range of on train dining experiences, our Dining in the Weald trains give you the opportunity to experience the bygone era of dining on a train. Dine in style on board our beautifully restored 1960s carriages as you take take a ride through the glorious High Weald countryside. With a range of products to choose from, including Gin tasting, Afternoon Tea and 5-course evening dining there is something for everyone’s taste.

Early in 2002 a group of St Albans residents decided that the signal box at the end of their road had been left to decay for 25 years too many. It could surely be put to a better use than a pigeon nesting box (they got in through the cracks in the boards). So we looked at possibilities and talked to a few people and the end result was a determination to save the Grade 2 listed signal box, as the only other alternative was to let it disintegrate. We also discovered that it has a rare 1906 Midland Railway 'tumbler' interlocking lever frame. In order to accomplish this goal, we formed a Building Preservation Trust. As a registered charity, we have been awarded grants which have enabled us to lease the signal box from Network Rail and restore it. The building has been structurally restored, painted and rewired and is now a valued community resource and heritage attraction. It has been recognised with awards from several bodies. This lever frame is restored to working condition and a simulated signalling system replicates the procedures used in the box's working life. The 'locking' room on the ground floor has been turned into a museum and new toilet facilities installed. Much work has already gone into the surrounding land turning it into a 'signalman's garden'.

An idyllic narrow-gauge steam railway and museum provides the backdrop for weddings, parties, conferences, days out and special events. We are home to one of largest collections of preserved narrow gauge locomotives from across world and manufacturers. Statfold Barn Railway has a number of railways of a variety of gauges. Ranging from the 12 ¼ inch gauge miniature railway to the 3 foot gauge tramway, however the main running lines are of 2 foot gauge. From time to time, Statfold’s own locomotives are joined by visiting locomotives from other Heritage Railways or private collections. Statfold Barn Railway and the wider Statfold Country Park are run by Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust. The Trust was established in August 2017 to secure future of collection of this unique collection of railway stock beyond it’s then current owners Graham and Carol Lee lifetime. The Trust’s aim is to preserve best of past for our future. We do this by making Railway and Museum accessible to current and future generations through the maintenance and selective operation of historic locomotives and rolling stock and through sharing the worldwide stories that the collection can tell with the widest possible audience. The Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust Ltd relies on donations, legacies and revenue from fundraising events to continue to remain open. We run a range of events and operating days throughout year to raise funds for our internationally important collection including Statfold Steam in Miniature, Magical Santa Express and our spectacular end of season gala celebrating all things Road, Rail and Ale! Our Spectacle of Steam events for rail enthusiasts showcase our wonderful collection where you can see our Railways at full steam. We also have a selection of events for those who love all things road related from Statbus to Cars in Strawberry Park. We are perfect day out for all members of family with something for everyone! Little ones can let off some steam in our Railway themed soft play at Toby's Barn. Feel the breeze through your hair as you dance with swirling lights around you while you enjoy throw-back family fun skating in our Retro Roller Disco! Grab a bite to eat or something drink in Peelers Bar, Diane’s Dinner or Christophers! Stretch your legs with our woodland walk in the Mease Valley woods. Make a weekend of your visit by using our camping and camping facilities in our wider country park. To find out more about Statfold Barn Railway and Statfold Country Park, please visit www.statfold.com or look at our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Situated right opposite the Swindon Designer Outlet, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway, often referred to by historians and railway fans as ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’. The pioneering vision and engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world.

It is built on the trackbed of the Killer’s Branch of the old Cromford and High Peak Railway, now the High Peak Trail. Motive power is provided by ex-industrial diesel, petrol, and battery-electric locomotives, and passengers are carried in old manriders once used to convey miners below ground. When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique 25-minute round-trip train ride up our main line to Middleton, passing through dramatic limestone cuttings, together with a shorter trip along our branch line into Steeplehouse Quarry. On most days operating days volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the local railways and show visitors the fossils to be found in the area.

Travel back in time to when coal was king at the Stephenson Steam Railway. Take a trip on our two-mile industrial railway, passing the factories and businesses it once served. Ride in style in our 1950s British Railways carriages and listen as the locomotives work hard, climbing the steep gradients away from the Tyne towards the old coalfields of Northumberland. In the station yard at Middle Engine Lane, explore a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on Tyneside’s railways. Inside the museum, discover a fascinating collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, each with a unique story to tell. Step inside the cab of Clio and try your hand at driving a steam engine on our interactive simulator. Learn about George and Robert Stephenson and their groundbreaking influence on steam locomotive development through engaging animations and historic artefacts. On selected days, enjoy light refreshments in the Waggonway Tea Room. In the museum, you can see steam, diesel, and electric locomotives that once worked in collieries, steelworks, and power stations across Tyneside and beyond. Killingworth Billy, built by George Stephenson in 1816, is the third-oldest surviving steam locomotive in the world. The Tyneside Electric Parcel Van, built in 1904 and beautifully restored at the museum in the 1980s, is the only surviving vehicle from the Tyneside Suburban Electric Railway. In the yard, a variety of historic railway vehicles are on display, showing how trains were used for all kinds of essential railway work. On steam running days, be sure to visit the water tower, where you can watch the fireman filling the locomotive’s tanks while the driver oils the moving parts of the engine—just as it was done in days gone by.

Situated in the woods of the Stradbally Hall estate, the railway stemmed from an earlier idea which saw an original Guinness Brewery steam locomotive steamed while mounted on blocks for the August 1968 National Steam Rally. A short section of 1ft 10½in track was laid for the 1968 event and the engine pulled several passenger carriages. In 1969, the line was relaid to 3ft gauge following the arrival of our steam locomotive, the pride of the fleet, 1949-built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT No 2/LM44 Róisín. Róisín spent her working life on the bog railways of counties Laois and Offaly for Bord na Móna alongside her sister steam engines, Nos 1 and 3. Róisín has now called Stradbally her home for over 50 years and she’s been lovingly cared for by our small but dedicated Irish Steam Preservation Society volunteers since the day she arrived.

Brought back to life in 1978 by a dedicated group of volunteers, this ten-mile restored section of the original Highland Railway Line allows you to step back in time to an era when steam whistles blew, carriage doors slammed shut, and the familiar click-clack rhythm of the rails echoed as the train rolled along the track.

The railways (there are three track systems at the Summerfields’ site) are a popular visitor destination for children and parents alike. Please check the Events Calendar on the website to learn when public running days are scheduled.

Summerlee operates the only heritage electric tramway, offering rides on both modern and Edwardian open-topped trams. And don't forget the mine tour! Summerlee has re-constructed a traditional 'Miners Row' which shows off the domestic conditions of the mining family from the 1840's to the 1980's. Just by the cottages is the Summerlee Coal Company pithead site, complete with recreated addit mine that shows off the cramped and damp conditions in which the miners worked.. Summerlee also has a separate exhibition gallery showing a programme of temporary exhibitions, tearoom and gift shop. Admission to Summerlee is FREE.

Located in the Isle of Purbeck, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victorian seaside town of Swanage. The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations, with picnic tables at most of the stations, so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic. Our station shop at Swanage is well stocked with souvenirs, railway books and DVDs, a large selection of items for model railways, as well as clothing, railway prints and gifts for all ages. If you are looking for something special, you can book on one of our dining trains or attend one of our special events, such as a footplate experience on a steam locomotive or a railway photography day. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, looking for something to do with the family or planning a visit to the beach, the Swanage Railway will provide interest and enjoyment for all. There is convenient parking at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, and a five-minute walk from Swanage station in the Victoria Avenue car park.

The Swanley New Barn Railway is a 7 1/4-inch gauge line running for about 800 metres around Swanley Park in Kent. Passengers can enjoy a scenic loop journey, boarding at New Barn or Swanley Parkway stations. Trains can carry pushchairs and buggies, making it a family-friendly attraction. The railway is fully signalled and features a variety of locomotives, including steam and diesel. It is normally open to the public for rides from Easter to September, with special events held at other times of the year. The railway is built, maintained and operated by enthusiastic local volunteers who take pride in providing visitors with an enjoyable experience.

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway is Wiltshire's only standard-gauge heritage railway. Built, run and managed entirely by volunteers, it was one of the first preserved railways to reconstruct a standard gauge line from scratch, without any inherited infrastructure. The railway offers a relaxing and affordable day out for all ages. Blunsdon Station serves as the main hub, with facilities including the Whistle Stop Cafe, gift shop, picnic area and free parking. At Hayes Knoll, visitors can look into the engine shed and see restoration projects in progress. Motive power is provided by steam or diesel locomotives, depending on availability. The resident steam engine is GWR 0-6-2 No. 6695. The diesel fleet includes BR Class 03 and 08 shunters, a Class 73 electro-diesel, and several industrial locomotives. Throughout the year, the railway hosts a programme of themed events, mid-week Diesel Multiple Unit specials, and special experiences for families and enthusiasts alike. With your support, the railway continues to grow towards its goal of reaching Cricklade, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly visitor attraction.

Our group has preserved Swindon Panel, one of the original Western Region "turn push" type panels, the standard panel design of the Great Western since the 1960s, before all the remaining examples close forever in the next few years. The panel has been reconstructed and refurbished in its 1980s form and displayed at Didcot Railway Centre, where it is realistically demonstrated with a simulator back-end for the educational benefit of visitors to the Centre. You can visit us and 'have a go'!

The Talyllyn Railway is the world's first preserved railway, known affectionately as 'The Railway with a Heart of Gold'. It was over 150 years ago, in 1865, that the line opened, and in 1951, the Preservation Society was born to take over the Railway after the death of the owner, Sir Haydn Jones. The heritage steam engines transport passengers from Tywyn, the coastal town on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, to Nant Gwernol, buried deep in the mountains above Abergynolwyn. The journey itself crosses more than seven miles of spectacular scenery within sight of one of Britain’s highest mountains, Cadair Idris. The journey takes 55 minutes up the line from Tywyn through the ancient woodlands and meadows of the Fathew Valley. En route keep your eyes peeled for Red Kites, Cormorants, Barn Owl, Redstart, Peregrine Falcons, Wheatear, Linnet and Little Owl. The cosy covered and open carriages provide the best of comfort and views as you travel up the line. On arrival at Abergynolwyn, Quarryman’s Caban serves lovely homemade treats, drinks and snacks and there are plenty of trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Snowdonia National Park. The film ‘Railway with a Heart of Gold‘ is viewable on YouTube. Filmmaker Carson (Kit) Davidson gave the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society the right to use this film to raise funds, and if you would like to purchase your own copy the DVD is for sale in our Gift Shop. Although the release date is 1965, it was actually filmed in the early 1950s and is a charming and sentimental account of the Talyllyn Railway in its early days of preservation. The Talyllyn Railway is also one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, and is also proud to be the twin to the Puffing Billy Railway in Australia

In 1998 a group of local railway enthusiasts began to explore the viability of preserving as much as possible of the former Tanat Valley Light Railway, which originally operated from Llynclys Junction in England to Llangynog in Wales. They quickly realised the historic importance of the former ‘valley’ line, not only for its multiple connections with other railways in the area (it had connections with both the Cambrian Railway Company and the Shropshire and Montgomery line – The Potts), but also for its position in the evolution of railway transport of the time. The Tanat Valley line was the first cross-border light railway meandering up the fantastic Tanat valley providing links to Llanymynech and Llanfyllin which led the way in opening up the more remote Welsh valleys for both tourism and trade. The TVLR Company is a registered charity which aims to preserve as much as possible of the former Tanat Valley Light Railway system, its associated railway networks and the industrial heritage of the area. In 2004 the TVLR Co acquired a section of disused track bed, which is being restored over its 2 mile length, and leases 25 acres of adjoining land being turned into a multi-themed Country Park for all the family. Our Nant Mawr Visitor Centre is at the terminus of the Potts Line, where visitors can see the Tanat Valley Railway Line, the Nant Mawr Lime Kilns, the Green Stage and the Monorail.

Join us for an unforgettable journey on a vintage steam train with unique Victorian carriages and lovingly restored locomotives. Enjoy a six mile round trip through beautiful rolling countryside and a spectacular wooded valley.

The objectives of the railway are: For the public benefit to preserve and maintain the Tarka Valley Railway line through the Torridge Valley. To advance education about the history of transportation in the Torridge Valley area and railways in particular. These objectives will be achieved by establishing and maintaining an operating heritage railway alongside the Tarka Trail based upon Torrington Station. The railway will re-instate and re-open a section of the original railway which closed in 1984. The group gained planning approval in March 2013 for the first phase of its’ plan to extend the existing track by adding approximately 160 metres of running line and 110 metres of sidings on the original alignment of the railway in Torrington Station. This would take the line as far as the first occupation bridge over the trail after the station building. A lease was granted to the Railway from Devon County Council in April 2018 when the re-instatement work commenced. Since then, a great deal of activity has taken place.

As well as our main 2ft (610mm) gauge railway, we have plenty on offer for families during the main season, including a miniature railway, an excellent cafe, indoor & outdoor play areas, crazy golf and quoits.

Telford Steam Railway is a volunteer-run heritage line with big ambitions. Based in Telford, Shropshire, the railway offers scenic train rides and is working towards its long-term goal of returning steam trains to the historic Ironbridge Gorge.