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
Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Kilmeadan, Co Waterford,

Waterford Suir Valley Railway brings the magic of rails golden age to life in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. A heritage narrow gauge railway follows the 10km of the abandoned Waterford – Dungarvan railway line, from the station at Kilmeadan, Co Waterford to Bilberry in Waterford City running beside the Waterford Greenway. Kilmeadan Station, closed to passengers in 1967, has been beautifully restored with the original coping stones on the platform and the original Kilmeaden Station sign from 1878. A Mark 2 Railway Carriage serves as the ticket office. The rolling stock includes a Simplex diesel locomotive that was built to operate in the peat industry and later used when digging out the channel tunnel. The carriages which have both closed in and partially opened seats were specially built for the Waterford Suir Valley Railway with seating capacity for up to 80 passengers. When you buy your tickets you are assigned to a private compartment for your family. Each one is named after a station on the original Waterford, Dungarvan & Lismore Railway. On boarding the train, the conductor will ask your name and escort you to your compartment. When everyone is safely on board, he blows the whistle to set off on an exciting journey beside Waterford Greenway. Travelling at 15km per hour, experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a partially opened carriage as you take in the panoramic views of the river and rolling farmland of Waterford and across the river to County Kilkenny. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and beside Waterford Greenway. You get a glimpse in to the famous Mount Congreve Gardens. This is an area rich in history and only accessible by train or Waterford Greenway.

Location
Kilmeadan Station, Kilmeadan, Co Waterford, X91 DH93, IE
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
0 51 384058
Weardale Railway

Weardale Railway

Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

Weardale Railway operates between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope a distance of 16 miles, the remaining 3 miles are currently non-operational. There are intermediate stations at Frosterley, Kingfisher, Wolsingham and Witton le Wear. The seasonal passenger services are operated by a mixture of Heritage DMU's and a Pacer which provides excellent views of the outstanding Dales scenery and the multiple river crossings. There are plans to reintroduce steam hauled services in the future using a locomotive owned by the Weardale Railway Trust and which is currently under repair. Platform 1 cafe is open Wednesday through to Sunday 1000 to 1600. The Trust Shop and Platform 2 craft market are open on running days.

Location
Stanhope Station, Station Road, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 2YS, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
07729 765 504
Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk,

Climb aboard, sit back and enjoy a half-hour trip through beautiful countryside whilst you take in the evocative sights, sounds and smells of steam travel. Your unforgettable trip back in time clanks over and under bridges, chuffs past a hill-fort and through a real ghost platform.

Location
Stiffkey Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1QB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01328 711 630
Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Porthmadog, Gwynedd,

The train departs from Porthmadog (WHHR) Station, just across the road from Porthmadog’s main line (Cambrian Coast) railway station, and gets back in about an hour. Before and after the trip you can also visit our shop, which is well stocked with gifts, toys, railway models and books, and the Russell Café, which serves home cooked food, coffees and drinks. A car park is available free of charge to visitors, although it can get full at busy times.

Location
The Station, Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9DY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01766 513 402
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Llanfair Caereinion, Powys,

Explore the rolling landscape of our heritage railway, in easy access from the West Midlands, and embrace the smells, sights, sounds and tastes of our fabulous visitor attraction. With a range of events and special experiences throughout the year.

Location
The Station, Pool Road, Llanfair Caereinion, Powys, SY21 0SF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01938 810 441
Wensleydale Railway

Wensleydale Railway

Northallerton, North Yorkshire,

Join us on a train journey back in time. Join the train in Bedale for a journey to Scruton where you will meet some of the local characters from the early 1900s. On the return stop off at Leeming Bar to visit the superb station buildings recently restored (with the aid of the Heritage Lottery Fund) to how it was in the 1920's. Meet some of the station staff and, if the Station Master isn't looking, sneak a look into his parlour. Our highly popular Polar Express services begin running in November. For details and booking please go to https://yorkshiredalesthepolarexpressride.com

Location
Wensleydale Railway plc, Leeming Bar Station, 1 Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 9AR, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01677 425 805
West Clare Railway

West Clare Railway

KILRUSH, Co. Clare,

The importance, magnitude and impact of the birth of the West Clare Railway on the local transport system of County Clare cannot be measured. The story has been well documented over the years, in book and song. However, it is extraordinary that it was not until the mid 1990’s that a local committee attempted to revive this treasured historical railway. Jackie Whelan became involved when a committee for the Restoration of the West Clare Railway was created in the mid 1990’s. He initially carried out all the preparatory works for the tracks of this railway line, including all excavation works, track laying & fencing on a voluntary basis for this committee. One objective of the committee was to include the “Slieve Callan†steam engine as part of the proposed West Clare Railway restoration project. At that time this steam engine lay dormant and on display at Ennis Railway Station. This project presented an excellent opportunity to preserve and restore this unique locomotive. A proposal was made to C.I.E. to remove the engine from its plinth in Ennis. For any proposal to be considered it required proving a commitment to the West Clare Railway restoration, and this was obvious by the substantial preparatory work carried out in Moyasta. An agreement for the removal of the “Slieve Callan†steam engine from Ennis to Moyasta was granted to the West Clare Railway company, amid much consternation in Ennis at the time. Unsurprisingly, the agreement had conditions, including that the engine be substantially improved or rebuilt within 3 years. This would require enormous funding. At this stage the committee involvement ceased. Jackie then became directly responsible for carrying forward and persevering with raising funds to continually update and improve this unique venture to bring to where it is today. In 2009 the “Slieve Callan†returned, rebuilt and running smoothly, to Moyasta Junction. It now provides visitors and enthusiasts alike with a look into, and experience of, the fascinating railway history of Ireland, and is a fitting tribute to our heritage and to the hard work and efforts of all involved in bringing a steam locomotive back to Moyasta.

Location
RAILWAY HOUSE, MOYASTA, KILRUSH, Co. Clare, V15 WE26, IE
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
0877 919 289
West Cliff Railway

West Cliff Railway

Bournemouth, Dorset,

The West Cliff Railway was opened in 1908 by Bournemouth Corporation, some four months after the opening of the nearby East Cliff Railway. Like the East Cliff Railway, it was electrically operated from the start, with winding gear situated at the upper station driven by a 25 horsepower (19 kW) winding motor. The line was controlled by a driver at the upper station, assisted by an attendant at the lower station. Wooden-bodied cars were used.[1] The winding motor was replaced in the 1960s by a 28 horsepower (21 kW) three-phase motor. The cars were also replaced in the 1960s by aluminium-bodied cars intended to be interchangeable across all three of Bournemouth's surviving cliff railways.

Location
Bournemouth Seafront, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Funicular / Cliff Railway
Phone
01202 123800
West Hill Cliff Railway

West Hill Cliff Railway

Hastings, East Sussex,

The lift's charming lower station is in traffic-free George Street which is full of independent cafés, art shops and bookshops. The West Hill itself offers some of the town's most remarkable views, stretching round to Beachy Head in the west and out across the English Channel. You'll also find Hastings Castle.

Location
West Hill, George Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Funicular / Cliff Railway
West Lancashire Light Railway

West Lancashire Light Railway

Near Preston, Lancashire,

The West Lancashire Light Railway was started in 1967 when six schoolboy friends became determined to preserve the rapidly disappearing narrow gauge railway equipment in industry, both locally and afar. Since those early days, the collection has grown, now serving as a working museum, displaying and operating historic locomotives and industrial railway equipment from the UK and overseas. The railway is now home to six narrow gauge steam locomotives, all over one hundred years old, together with a remarkable collection of petrol, diesel and electric locomotives that replaced steam following the First World War. The operating line runs for about 400m through woodland next to the clay-pit of the former brickworks. Free entrance and parking. Tickets, and souvenirs are available from the ticket office/shop. Tickets are valid all day except on Halloween and Santa trains. Picnic tables are provided. Our popular Tea Room serves locally produced delicious cakes and refreshments. All operated by our volunteers.

Location
Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Near Preston, Lancashire, PR4 6SP, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01772 815 881
West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway

Minehead, Somerset,

The historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, and the buildings of our ten unique stations linked by a twenty mile scenic journey will repay hours of exploration. The surrounding countryside is as varied as it is beautiful. The gently rolling Quantock hills and distant Exmoor, unspoilt villages and farms nestling in leafy lanes, the cliffs and coast of the Bristol Channel with views of distant South-Wales, confident Church Towers, Dunster's imposing Castle and Minehead's seaside charm are all waiting to be discovered. There are toilets on each train. Disabled persons accessible toilets are available at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Watchet and Minehead stations.

Location
Minehead Station, Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01643 704 996
Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum

Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum

Bridgwater, Somerset,

Westonzoyland is a small village on the Somerset Levels, a few miles from Bridgwater. It is the home of Somerset's earliest steam-powered pumping station (built 1831), once a hard-working guardian of the flatlands, now a museum displaying the largest collection of stationary steam engines and pumps in the South of England. The two foot narrow gauge railway is not original to the station but was constructed partly to help moving heavy machinery around the site and partly to demonstrate a typical installation used for maintenance by river authorities, and also in peat works. The railway has since developed and now offers rides on our bogie coach for our visitors included within the museum entry. The railway features three locomotives and a range of varying rolling stock.

Location
Hoopers Lane, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 0LS, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
01278 691 595
Whitrope Heritage Centre and Border Union Railway

Whitrope Heritage Centre and Border Union Railway

Hawick, Roxburghshire,

Containing a vast selection of old railway relics from the Waverley Route and other Borders’ railways and many old photographs & a display of how the railways were built, together with a train journey on the Border Union Railway, the heritage centre is the ideal way to spend a leisurely day. Adjoining the exhibition coach is a buffet coach where you can unwind with a cup of tea in the comfort of our 1960s carriage.

Location
Whitrope Siding, Whitrope, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD9 9TY, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Whitwell & Reepham Railway

Whitwell & Reepham Railway

Reepham, Norfolk,

Re-opened in 2009, nearly 50 years after it was closed to passengers, our fantastic team relayed track and sidings, acquired rolling stock and brought the old station and signal box back to life. The Railway is now a wonderful place for both locals and tourists to visit. Why not hire a bike and take a ride along The Marriott’s Way, before settling in the café for a cuppa and a slice of cake? Or explore the museum and station, then enjoy a pint in our sunny garden? And at the weekends, no visit would be complete without a ride up and down the track on one of our treasured trains. We are proud to host a fabulous array of events throughout the year, including our ever-popular Steam Rallies. Our newly refurbished, spacious Sidings Function Room is available to hire – the perfect setting for your own celebration.

Location
Whitwell Road, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4GA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01603 871694
Wirral Transport Museum & Heritage Tramway

Wirral Transport Museum & Heritage Tramway

Birkenhead,

Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of yesteryear at the Wirral Transport Museum, where the volunteers of the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society restore and preserve transport of the past for the delight and benefit of the present and the future. Take a ride back in time on one of our electric heritage trams and let the memories of a bygone age come flooding back. As you wander through our fascinating collection of trams, buses, cars, motorcycles and cycles, see the delight on your children's faces as they gaze in wonder on the miniature world of our model railway, while you explore the vast array of transport and other fascinating memorabilia. There's so much to see – so much to enjoy and now, thanks to the support of Wirral Borough Council, so much more. For, following the completion of a substantial refurbishment programme in the Spring of 2018, we can now offer our visitors much improved facilities such as a new separate foyer and entrance, a tea room, sales kiosk (formed from two former Victorian Mersey Ferry booths), a suite of toilets, including for those with mobility or other physical issues, a lift to the second level, leading to a new Viewing Gallery and new or improved displays. There really is something for everyone and we pride ourselves in the warmth of our welcome and the friendliness of our volunteers.

Location
1 Taylor Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1BG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
0151 647 2128
Wythall Miniature Railway

Wythall Miniature Railway

Birmingham,

The track consists of 3.5 in (89 mm), 5 in (127 mm) and 7.25 in (184 mm) gauges. The majority of passenger hauling is done by 7.25 inch gauge locomotives. However, smaller locomotives do often run successfully. The club owns several locomotives : * 7.25 inch gauge 'Sandwell Lady'. A narrow gauge Hunslet type locomotive built by the members of the society. * 7.25inch gauge Black 5, number 5241, built by a local engineer and donated to the society. * 7.25-inch gauge "Nigel", a Hercules class locomotive * 7.25 inch gauge "Nefyn", a narrow gauge Reemus class locomotive. * 7.25 inch gauge petrol hydraulic locomotive. The track runs round the gardens of the transport museum and includes locomotive sheds, a station, a tunnel and a viaduct. The steepest climb on the line stretches from the viaduct to the tunnel with a 1 in 110 climb. The trip consists of two loops passing the station twice via a loop line.

Location
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6JA, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Yeovil Railway Centre

Yeovil Railway Centre

Stoford, Somerset,

The centre holds regular events including Train Days where steam train rides are operated, using a brake van, and where the turntable is demonstrated. Often there are additional attractions on site such as a miniature railway, shed tours, model railway and art gallery. Other events include the Train & Tractor Day and Santa Specials.

Location
Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction Station, Stoford, Somerset, BA22 9UU, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Heritage Centre (all one site)
Phone
01935 410 420
Yorkshire Wolds Railway

Yorkshire Wolds Railway

Fimber, East Yorkshire,

A railway, no matter its size is constantly evolving and the YWR is no different. We work very hard all year-round to try to bring something for all ages to see and enjoy – be this a 1/4 mile train ride, or a step back through time in our visitor centre. The YWR will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday and Bank holiday from Easter until the end of October from 10-4. Trains subject to availability. In addition, the visitor centre only will be open every Wednesday from 10-4.

Location
Fimber Halt, Beverley Road, Fimber, East Yorkshire, YO25 3HG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01377 338 053