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
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Skipton, North Yorkshire,

Breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway, while your eyes and ears thrill to the puffing and hissing of the steam engine. Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and enjoy a unique view of some of Yorkshire’s finest countryside … or hop off at Holywell Halt and just watch the trains go by! first-classFor something a little extra special, try riding in our First Class saloons, or combine your trip with a Cream Tea, Afternoon Tea, Ploughman’s Lunch or Cooked Breakfast served on as you steam through the Yorkshire Dales. During the summer & autumn we also offer Evening Eats on our Dales Dining steam train: Wine & Cheese Tasting, Fish & Chip Specials and our famous Curry Express!

Location
Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01756 710 614
Epping Ongar Railway

Epping Ongar Railway

Ongar, Essex,

Child fares are just £1 on our standard timetable days!! We are both the longest heritage railway in Essex and the closest to London, easily accessible via the tube network. We're also the only heritage line that runs on a former part of the tube network! Our vintage buses start from the front door of Epping and Shenfield stations, whisking you back in time to our period stations, with heritage steam and diesel hauled trains. All three heritage transport experiences are included in one great value ticket - and it's valid ALL day long! With enthusiast and family events throughout the year, there's something for everyone. Whilst at Ongar, why not visit the "Penny Salon Gallery" situated on the station. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and is open whenever the Railway is operating. Admission to the Gallery is free. We look forward to welcoming you on board "London's Local Line"

Location
Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01277 365 200
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Southampton, Hampshire,

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021, Exbury Steam Railway was built in 2001 and is the inspiration of the late Leopold de Rothschild. Our narrow-gauge steam railway departs from replica Victorian station Exbury Central and travels on an extended 1.5 mile track through the gardens. The train meanders through the Summer Lane Garden (only accessible by train) before skirting past the Rock Garden, travelling through the tunnel and then stopping off at Exbury North to refuel. The return journey includes a circle of Dragonfly Pond, where passengers can watch out for wildlife, before heading back to Exbury Central.

Location
The Estate Office, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
023 8089 1203
Fairbourne Railway

Fairbourne Railway

Fairbourne, Gwynedd,

The railway started as a two foot gauge horse-drawn tramway which was then converted to a 15 inch gauge railway in 1916. The line in 1986 was completely re built to a 12.25 inch gauge. At Barmouth Ferry station passengers are able to catch the Ferry to Barmouth and return on a later train.

Location
Beach Rd, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2EX, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01341 250 362
Fancott Miniature Railway

Fancott Miniature Railway

Luton, Bedfordshire,

The ¾ mile track is laid in an oval with a triangular junction giving access to the station and with a separate steaming bay inside the oval. The FMR is part of Britain's Great Little Railways and is the last Pub railway in Britain.

Location
Luton Road, Toddington, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU5 6HT, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Ferry Meadows Miniature Railway

Ferry Meadows Miniature Railway

Peterborough,

The railway was purchased from the original owners in November 2007 with locomotive Charles and the six coaches, at that time Henry was sold to a private railway near Kendal in the Lake District after giving about 22 years service. In November 2012 we took delivery of a brand new steam locomotive, a half size Darjeeling B Class built by Laurence Hall of Peterborough. About the same time we bought another locomotive, a Rio Grande style, and four coaches from Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire. The next item to be built was our very successful Wheelchair coach, built at the railway and put to work in June 2014 it has allowed many people to ride the train with friends and family while remaining in their wheelchairs. We now have a pair of trams added to our list of locomotives and rolling stock, they were put into service in July 2020, and you can now bring prams and small children’s bicycles on with you, we have a truck dedicated for that purpose.

Location
Ferry Meadows Country Park, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Porthmadog, Gwynedd,

The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway with almost 200 years of history, taking you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Our historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round tight bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it. The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs for 25 miles from Caernarfon, past the foot of Snowdon and the picture postcard village of Beddgelert, then through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog. Passengers ride in some of the most comfortable carriages on any heritage railway in the UK, including first class Pullman luxury and freshly-cooked food delivered to your seat.

Location
Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01766 516 000
Fife Heritage Railway

Fife Heritage Railway

Leven, Fife,

Established in 1992, the Kingdom of Fife Railway Preservation Society is a registered charity which is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Our aim is to preserve Fife’s railway heritage. We own a 21 acre former railway marshaling yard and have constructed half a mile of track plus substantial sidings. As a heritage railway, we are open to visitors on selected days and provide trips along the line pulled by one of our restored locomotives.

Location
Kirkland Sidings, Leven, Fife, KY8 4RB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Fintown Railway

Fintown Railway

Fintown, Co. Donegal,

Set amidst spectacular highland scenery overlooking Lough Finn, the railway (3 m/5km) is a restored section of the former County Donegal Railway. The railway nestled deep in the heart of spectacular mountainous scenery steeped in tradition, myth and folklore, and running along the crystal clear waters of Loch Finn is a million miles from the constant rush of every day life. You are invited to relive those bygone days when Donegal had 200 miles of narrow gauge railway operated by the County Donegal and Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Companies This unique journey is a three mile return trip right along the shores of Loch Finn. The reopening on the 3rd June 1995 of this first section of the Fintown - Glenties railway restoration project commemorated the centenary of the original opening in 1895.

Location
The Station, Fintown, Co. Donegal, F94 FR90, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
07495 462 80
Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway

Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway

Bournemouth, Dorset,

Opened in 1935 by Bournemouth Corporation, Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway is the most recent of the town's three lines. Traction was originally provided by a 21 horsepower (16 kW) electric motor, although this was replaced in the 1960s. The passenger cabs were replaced with newer versions in April 2012. Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway is credited as the shortest funicular in the world by the 2015 Guinness Book of Records.

Location
Southbourne Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2EJ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Funicular / Cliff Railway
Phone
01202 123800
Foxfield Railway

Foxfield Railway

Staffordshire,

The Foxfield Railway is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from May 23rd until the end of October 2021. There’s lots to do at Foxfield even if the trains are fully booked or not running. Parking is free at Foxfield and all on one level. With direct access to the station & platform, it’s as easy as can be. There are disabled parkeing bays next to the station. Foxfield Railway has a range of facilites to suit all our visitors. Our car park is level and there are ramps into the station and onto the platform for those on wheels. There are accessible toilets and baby changing facilites within the station too. Don’t forget, we also have our Refreshments buffet, Gift Shop & Miniature Railway to complete your experience.

Location
Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, ST11 9BG, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01782 396 210
Foyle Valley Railway Museum

Foyle Valley Railway Museum

Londonderry,

The exhibition consists of a recreated station platform and visitors can find out about the various railway companies which once operated out of the city. The steam locomotive exhibited in front of the museum is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge locomotive built for the County Donegal Railways Joint Committee in 1907 by Nasmyth, Wilson &Co., originally numbered No.16 and named "Donegal". She was superheated in 1926 and then renamed and renumbered as No.4 "Meenglas" in 1937. The locomotive was withdrawn from service on 31 December 1959, when the CDJRC ceased to exist as a railway company.

Location
1 Foyle Rd, Londonderry, BT48 6SQ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Museum
Phone
028 7136 2424
Frimley Lodge Park Railway

Frimley Lodge Park Railway

Camberley,

Train rides for the public are available on the first Sunday of each month from March to November. Special events are also scheduled during the year.

Location
Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green, Camberley, GU16 6HT, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Gartell Light Railway

Gartell Light Railway

Templecombe, Somerset,

Owners of the Gartell Light Railway John and Christine Gartell and also their family and friends who operate the railway on open days, all look forward to welcoming you to the narrow gauge Gartell Light Railway (GLR). The GLR opened its doors to the public in 1991 and from its humble beginnings has steadily expanded its operations to become a popular Somerset tourist attraction. Step back in time to a more leisurely age and ride through the beautiful Blackmore Vale countryside along the route of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway - sadly closed to 'main line' trains in 1966. Our delightful trains are operated in exactly the same way as their full-size counterparts, with every train movement safely governed by an interesting array of semaphore and colour-light signals controlled by the signalmen in two signal boxes. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that the Gartell Light Railway is a working museum of traditional railway practice with its steam engines, signal boxes and 'old fashioned' signals!

Location
Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0NB, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01963 370752
Garw Valley Railway

Garw Valley Railway

Pontycymer, Bridgend,

The Garw Valley, located in Bridgend County, is in the centre of the South Wales coalfields. The opening of the Garw railway line in the 1870s made the valley’s huge coal reserves accessible and facilitated the development of the Valley. Originally a passenger and freight line, it was closed to passenger traffic in 1953 but continued to be used by coal trains until the mid-1990s. The Garw Valley Railway are working to rebuild the line from Pontycymer to Brynmenyn, conserving the industrial heritage of the South Wales Valleys.

Location
Pontycymer Locomotive Works, Old Station Yard, Pontycymer, Bridgend, CF32 8AZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Giants Causeway & Bushmills Railway

Giants Causeway & Bushmills Railway

Bushmills, Co Antrim,

The railway has been built to the Irish narrow gauge of three feet (0.915m) and runs for two miles along the trackbed of the former Giant’s Causeway Tram line.

Location
Giant's Causeway Station, Runkerry Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim, BT57 8SZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
028 20732844
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,

Enjoy a Heritage steam & diesel Railway in the spectacular scenic Cotswolds. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire offering a round trip of 28 miles. It uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, which used to run via Stratford-upon-Avon. It now operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds. The line commands wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages, with outstanding outlooks across to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

Location
Churchward House, Winchcombe Railway Station, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01242 621 405
Golden Valley Light Railway

Golden Valley Light Railway

Ripley, Derbyshire,

We normally operate on selected mid-week dates; all weekends and Bank Holidays throughout the season from April to late October. The running line is almost a mile in length and operates as one of a number of attractions at the Midland Railway - Butterley, Nr Ripley, Derbyshire. Steam and diesel hauled trains run through the Country Park and terminate at Newlands Inn Station, which overlooks the disused Cromford Canal.

Location
Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Narrow Gauge Railway (15"+)
Phone
01773 747 674
Great Central Railway

Great Central Railway

Loughborough,

Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days through the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide five course meals whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. Childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Locomotive Experience when you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel. We also run many special events, including Steam Galas, Peppa Pig, Bonfire Night, 1940s Wartime Weekend and Santa Specials.

Location
Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Standard Gauge Railway
Phone
01509 632 323
Great Cockcrow Railway

Great Cockcrow Railway

Chertsey, Surrey,

Arriving at the railway, you will be able to buy your tickets at the Ticket Office. The Booking Clerk will be able to explain the routes to you and to advise about ticket options, queue lengths, waiting times and help you with any queries you may have. You have a choice of ticket options and routes, the Red route or the Green route. A double ticket can save you money so why not try both?

Location
Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, GB
Distance
Railway Type
Miniature Railway (<15")
Phone
01932 565 474