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 2 mile industrial railway, passing the factories and businesses that it once served. Ride in style in our 1950's British Railways carriages and listen as the locomotives work hard climbing the steep gradients away from the Tyne towards the old coal fields of Northumberland. In the station yard at Middle Engine Lane you can see a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on the railways of Tyneside. Inside the museum, see a range of steam, diesel and electric locomotives that each have a fascinating story to tell. Visit the cab of Clio and try your hand at driving a steam engine on our simulator. Learn about George and Robert Stephenson and their influence on the development of the steam locomotive through animations and artefacts from the time. On selected days, you can enjoy light refreshments in the Waggonway Tea Room. In the museum: See Steam, Diesel and Electric locomotives from collieries, steelworks and power stations in Tyneside and beyond. Killingworth Billy - Built by George Stephenson in 1816, it is the third oldest surviving steam locomotive in the world. Tyneside Electric Parcel Van - built in 1904 and beautifully restored at the museum in the 1980s, it is the only surviving vehicle from the Tyneside Suburban Electric Railway. In the yard: See a variety of railway vehicles which were used for all manner of jobs in days gone by. On days when steam trains are running, be sure to visit the water tower to see the fireman filling the tanks with water whilst the driver oils around all of the moving parts of the engine.

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 enables you to travel back in time to an era when steam whistles blew , carriage doors slammed shut and there was a familiar click-clack, rhythm of the rails, as the train travels 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 Victoria 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 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 railway is 800m long, forming a loop around the park. Passengers can board at New Barn or Swanley Parkway stations and enjoy a scenic train journey. The trains are equipped to carry pushchairs and buggies. The railway is open for passenger carriage from Easter to September.

Motive power is provided by our resident Steam and Diesel locomotives. The S&CR was one of the first to undertake the complete reconstruction of a standard-gauge railway with no legacy of track or buildings. We celebrated our 40th Anniversary in 2018.

Our group has preserved Swindon Panel, one of the original Western Region “turn push†type panels, the staple 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 1980’s 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’!