On June 28 1884 Saltburn’s unique funicular Cliff Tramway opened to the public replacing the vertical hoist. Still in use today, this incorporates the same ingenious system of counterbalancing water tanks. Two cars each fitted with a 1500 litre water tank, run on parallel tracks, the carriage at the top of the 71% incline has its tank filled with water until it over balances the weight of the carriage 120ft below and gently descends while the lower car ascends. When the carriage reaches the bottom its water is re-pumped to the top and the process begins again. The entire operation is controlled by the brake man from the cabin at the top station of the tramway.

We have been here since 1947 and it is entirely manned by dedicated volunteers. We are open afternoons between 1 pm and 5 pm from Good Friday until the last weekend of September.

The Scarborough North Bay Railway is a great way to travel to Scarborough Sea Life Centre with our regular public transport service train. More than just a railway, bring your family to explore the Sky Trail, experience the thrill of the historic Water Chute, face the challenge of the Water Balls or take things more leisurely on the boating lake. Our seaside attraction is family friendly and accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. 100% dog friendly and you are welcome to travel on the train with dogs for a small fee but we do ask you keep your dog on a short lead.

The lift was designed by a Mr Lucas, a consulting engineer of Great George Street, Westminster and built by the Crossley Brothers of Manchester. The Metropolitan Railway Company of Birmingham supplied two cars designed to run on a Funicular system, in which a cable attached to both cars on the rails would move them up and down a very steep gradient, the ascending and descending vehicles counterbalancing each other. Each car was capable of carrying 20 passengers. The covered-body carriages of the cars were mounted on a triangular sub-frame that housed a water tank. The original hydraulic operating system pumped water through the central pipe by two gas engines, filling the water tank of the upper car. With the weight of this car now much increased, when the brakes were released gravity ensured that the upper car descended, whilst at the same time the lower car with the empty tank ascended. On reaching the bottom, the car’s water tank would be emptied, and the process would begin again with the car now at the top. The gas engines did not prove satisfactory and were replaced in 1879 by coke-burning steam pumps which remained until a major refurbishment in 1934-35 by Hudswell, Clarke & Company. These works included the replacement of the two 19th century cars, with new cars that have changed very little to this day, and the installation of a 90hp electric winding motor replacing the hydraulic system.

The coastal resort of Seaton is now a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst the historic town of Colyton is described as "Devon’s Most Rebellious Town" for its part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Be sure to pay us a visit!

As part of the experience, make a stop for discovery at The Engine House, our indoor visitor centre at Highley, home to our reserve collection of full-size steam locomotives. Take a fascinating journey behind the scenes, explore the interactive exhibits, let off steam at our outdoor play area and meet the locomotive that collided with a camel. If you are a railway enthusiast or simply looking for things to do with the family a trip to the Severn Valley Railway will provide fun for the whole family.

The route we now take was part of the flood dykes, an irrigation system built between 1819 and 1838 by the Duke of Portland who spent almost £40,000 on a 7.5 mile irrigation scheme to create water meadows on the dry and sandy land. Huge amounts of earth were moved to smooth the fields and move the river, with an irrigation canal being excavated along the top between Mansfield Woodhouse and where we are now. This was partially drained in the fifties to allow development but provides us with a stunning valley to run around and a level course to continue along for future extensions. The railway is a family concern and we would like this opportunity to thank all our hardworking volunteers, without whom, we wouldn’t have the fantastic little railway we have today.

Your journey starts at the upper station where there is an 'olde-world shoppe' selling sweets and confectionary items. The ride travels through the beautifully scenic woods down the glen and ends at our museum area where you can see some of the history of the tramway. Here you are just across the road from Roberts Park (Saltaire) with pleasant walks through the gardens to the River Aire and various picnic areas.

The line which is built to a gauge of 2 6, continues to use the steam engines and rolling stock that were supplied to operate the railway in its working life prior to preservation in 1969.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway takes you on a journey winding high up into the Manx Hills to the Islands Highest Summit; Snaefell Mountain 2,036 feet above sea level. Along the journey unrivalled views of Laxey Valley and the Great Laxey Wheel can be taken in from the railway. At The Bungalow the railway crosses the world famous TT and MGP course. As the railway climbs higher the mountain scenery opens up as the railway spirals around Snaefell with far reaching views of the Sulby Valley and northern plains. Upon reaching the Summit you can take time to relax inside the Snaefell Summit Hotel or take a short walk to the peak of the Summit for a view of the ‘Seven Kingdoms’, The Kingdom of Mann, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and The Kingdoms of Heaven and Neptune.

You can relax in our flower-lined forecourt, taking in the views of the surrounding mountains, before they begin their journey up through the clouds to Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon. Our station gift shop is housed in the original Booking Hall from 1896. The original beams are exposed, and Victorian shop fittings were sourced to enhance the stations heritage. The shop has a selection of authentic Welsh products including locally crafted ales and spirits, unique Snowdon Mountain Railway souvenirs, clothing and Celtic jewellery. Our fully licensed Station Buffet and Platform Grill serve a tasty variety of hot and cold snacks from burgers, hot dogs and fries to delicious sandwiches. Hot and cold drinks and a selection of cakes from the local bakery are also available throughout the day, you can even enjoy a Whippy or soft scoop ice cream from our vintage ice cream tram.

At Midsomer Norton you will find the restored station buildings, signal box, goods shed and also two museums: one in the original Victorian Stable Block and the other in our WWII Pill Box (a candidate for the smallest museum in Britain). We have two diesel locomotives, a fully restored Sentinel 0-4-0 vertical-boiler steam locomotive, plus freight and passenger rolling stock and a static buffet coach open for refreshments. Visit the station gift shop and the second-hand bookshop while you are there and enjoy the atmosphere and exhibits on this once-proud and much-loved holiday route.

The SDR is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. We run steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages. While you are with us, visit the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies: 3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day. Find us just off the A38 at Buckfastleigh, very close to the famous Buckfast Abbey, or by train to Totnes on the Great Western main line. Buckfastleigh is around 22 miles from Exeter, 21 miles from Plymouth, 19 miles from Dartmouth and 13 miles from Paignton.

Trains run from March to September and are usually hauled by a real coal burning steam engine. It's great fun for adults and children alike. The railway started in 2000 and we have carried many thousands of passengers on a journey of just under one mile. We are always working to improve the railway and over the last few years, have built a new station and ticket office, an engine shed and extended the carriage shed. We have built a tunnel and added portals in 2017. Currently under construction is a purpose built water tower with coal bunker, and the re-installation of our turntable was completed in 2021.

Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or a roe deer as you travel along. Our stations and trains are accessible and there are accessible toilets and cafe facilities at both stations.

The line is owned and operated by Southend Borough Council, and has the following technical parameters: Length: 130 feet (40 m) Height difference: 57 feet (17 m) Gradient: 43,4% Cars: 1 Capacity: 12 passengers per car Configuration: Single track, with separate counterweight track Main track gauge: 4 ft 6 in (1,372 mm) Counterweight track gauge: 21 in (533 mm) Traction: Electricity The line has an unusual configuration, as it runs on a single-track elevated structure. The counterweight track runs within this structure, immediately below the main track that carries the passenger car. The Cliff Lift is run by volunteers and the opening times are dependant on availability. A dedicated Cliff Lift Facebook page has been set up to advertise when it is open.

The Southwold Railway was a remarkable 3 foot narrow gauge railway linking the fashionable Suffolk seaside resort of Southwold with the Great Eastern main line at Halesworth 8¾ miles inland. Opened in 1879, it gently wound its way towards the sea through the beautiful valley of the River Blyth, with intermediate stations at Wenhaston, Blythburgh and Walberswick. After almost 50 years the line closed suddenly in April 1929, and we at the Southwold Railway Trust are dedicated to preserving the memory of this special little railway and re-opening as much of the old route as we can.

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.