2020
THE OFFICIAL GUIDE FOR GROUPS 2 Heritage Railway Association Foreword
Heritage railways are amongst the most popular destinations for group trips. Whether it’s the ease of access, the abundance, the distinct variety or the nostalgia, itineraries that include a heritage railway or two are sure to be a winner with travellers.
In addition to scenic journeys and brilliant locomotives, many of the railways and attractions offer activities for children, mouth-watering catering and fun theme days throughout the year.
The brilliant thing about a train journey is that it can not only make up a part of your itinerary, it can also get you from one destination to another, killing two birds with one stone.
Groups are always welcomed aboard the UK’s myriad heritage railways and they do their utmost to accommodate specific requirements of each group. Disabled access is common, as is an incentive for coach drivers and tour organisers.
So if you want to discover Britain by winding through moors, mountains, forests, open countryside and coastlines, where there are no roads and where the vistas are both stunning and unique to the rail passenger, consider adding a heritage railway to your next trip. You won’t be disappointed!
Steve Oates Chief Executive, Heritage Railway Association
Heritage Railway Association 3 Contents
6-7 8-9 Editorial: Shearings Editorial: Airedale Tours
10-11 12 Editorial: Sue Shapland Photographing Railways
15-98 99 UK Heritage Railway Listings Index of Advertisers
4 Heritage Railway Association Railways by Region
16 - 19 Find a Heritage Railway 56 - 67 South West 20 - 25 East of England 68 - 79 Yorkshire & North East 26 - 35 Midlands 80 - 89 Wales 36 - 43 North West 90 - 95 Scotland 44 - 55 South East 96 - 98 Ireland
Published by Blueprint Travel Media Ltd, Suite 1, Sabrina House, Sabrina Court, Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7BF T: 01743 231135 | E: [email protected] | W: www.blueprintmedia.org.uk
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THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2020 is distributed free of charge to a controlled circulation including members of the Association of Group Travel Organisers, the Coach Tourism Association and UKinbound.
Blueprint Travel Media Ltd. The opinions expressed by all editorial contributors within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this guide is accurate at the time of going to press. The publisher cannot accept any liability for inaccuracies, omissions or amendments that arise after compilation. No part of this guide may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form whatsoever. Any infringement of the copyright will be vigorously pursued.
Heritage Railway Association 5 East of England
Shearings Rail Journeys
For group travel on some of the most iconic and Scotsman along the East Lancashire Railway. Our unique train journeys across the UK and Europe Fort William & Jacobite Steam Railway tour includes with so much included in the price, Shearings are travelling the West Highland Line from coastal the ideal choice. With famous train journeys across Mallaig to Fort William alongside Loch Eil and Arisaig, England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man and passing over world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. the European mountain railways of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites. Tours include travel, Our Railway Journeys of the Isle of Man Tour uncovers accommodation, with half board basis on many the island’s famously rich rail history on three of tours and of course your chosen rail journeys with its most celebrated trains. The Snaefell Mountain transfers included where necessary. Railway will take you from the seaside village of Laxley to the island’s highest point. You’ll also travel Discover some of Britain’s most loved routes such as on the Manx Electric Railway, in operation for over the West Highland Line, or riding aboard the Flying 125 years, and the Isle of Man Steam Railway that
6 Heritage Railway Association East of England
still uses its original rolling stock and locomotives stunning rivers. Also included is the chance to enjoy dating back to 1870. wine tastings at local vineyards with transfers included, making your visit as straightforward as possible. If your group is looking to head further afield, we have options in Europe, enjoying superb, classic and This is a small selection of the railway holidays we unique heritage mountain railways in the Alps and offer. Other UK tours feature the West Somerset the Pyrenees. Railway, the Settle-Carlisle Railway or the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, or in Europe discover the Ardennes, The Little Trains of the Pyrenees tour includes two of the Swiss Alps and much more. the range’s most perfect trains, while getting to know the culture of French and Spanish Catalonia. You’ll See our website shearings.com for more info or give board the Yellow and Red Trains which wind through our dedicated group’s team a call on 01942 823447 Pyrenees landscapes, crossing colossal gorges and to plan your tour.
Heritage Railway Association 7 Welsh Highland Wonderland!
Rob Carroll, Commercial Director of Airedale Tours A 35 year old business offering bespoke holidays and experiences for groups by air, coach or rail.
After over a decade designing and organising rail an ice cream on the beach, then 15 minutes later a holidays I joined Airedale Tours in 2018. We have warming hot chocolate at the top of the mountain?! been providing bespoke holidays for groups by Why superlative? It’s Britain’s only funicular tramway coach, air or rail since 1985 and last year I received, that drives on public roads. for me, the dream job. Could I design a coast to coast tour of Wales ticking off as many heritage How do you beat that? How about the Snowdon railways as possible? Well, Wales is so packed with Mountain Railway, Britain’s only rack railway to the steam superlatives and huge heritage hits that I highest peak in Wales. We basked in clear weather even donned my Tour Manager cap, fuelled my almost to the top, where a few hardy souls from the firebox and off I steamed! group made it through the mist to the summit. Back in the valley bottom we were smitten with the little 8 days, 13 heritage rail experiences, but nobody felt Llanberis Lake Railway, whose driver was so engaging unlucky! We began at the charming Welshpool & about the history of the line and the secrets inside Llanfair with one of their original locos, the Countess, his cab. On the return journey we took a detour via pulling beautifully restored Hungarian waggons with Llanfairpwllgwyn…. how does it go again? open balconies. A morning shower made everything glisten slightly, the volunteers were so welcoming and How do you beat that? We trundled along the coast, we got a bit giddy, stealing the guard’s hat and flag. where we boarded the Welsh Highland Railway beneath the keeps of Caernarfon Castle. Superlatives? What a start! Next up Llangollen, steaming amidst The WHR is the best, most scenic steam excursion on superb scenery behind the railway’s pride and joy, this island. In my opinion. But I’ve done quite a few, Foxcote Manor. A ponderous pause at the Pontcysyllte so please trust me; it’s magical. A pause for liquid Aqueduct, a cheeky stop at Chirk, then the Airedale lunch in sunny Porthmadog, then all aboard for our coach sped to the coast and lovely Llandudno, home next superlatives, the Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau to our first superlative, the Great Orme Tramway. with the world’s oldest railway company and looping Why is Llandudno special? Where else can you enjoy around the mountain on Britain’s only railway spiral.
8 Heritage Railway Association The Conwy Valley Line took us back to Llandudno this place. In fact I have. Please visit The Rail Holiday through slate hills to the blue sea. How many is that maker on Facebook or visit www.monorail.blog to so far? 8 railways, 7 of them heritage, in just five days, read the TVR’s extraordinary tale. including a day at leisure with no trains! (Many of the group snuck off on trains on their free day too!). Onwards to the Gwili, which for me will always be “Jeremy’s Line”. Who is Jeremy? He is a volunteer, a How do you beat that? Maybe with a private charter charming, retired gentleman but also Gwili’s Sales of the world’s first heritage railway, the Tal y Llyn, and Marketing force. He’s also sometimes the guy mother of them all. If you have never been, why not?! in the pinny serving your tea, bara brith and Welsh The Tal y Llyn is wonderful. We toured the sheds at cakes. And the guy who made sure we had steam on a Pendre, then rode the line, stopping for a superb scheduled diesel day. Thank you Jeremy, the lifeblood picnic lunch at Abergynolwyn. The drama continued of this scene, Heritage Railway Britannia. as the train backed along the line for us, we lined up along the bridge, then they steamed through empty Our finale was the Brecon Mountain Railway, riding up so that the photographers in the group could get their the incline through a stunner of a landscape behind a prized shots of the loco in full force. German loco that once hauled a travelling circus. Our climax was at the Pontypool & Blaenavon for a private The next experience was one of those incredible charter, our own train performing just for us, photo unexpected hidden gems. I had never ridden the Vale opportunities galore and the amazing volunteers of Rheidol. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful line. showing us their latest restoration projects. Truly The views! Our journey began at Devil’s Bridge, but I a magical end to a magical tour amidst a UNESCO can assure you we were in heaven! World Heritage site.
Onwards to South Wales for the final two days of So, that’s just one part of our island’s heritage summed our coast to coast extravaganza. The Heart of Wales up in 900 words. If your group fancies a small part of line took us from Swansea to Llandeilo, where our this tour, or maybe the whole experience, please give trusty Airedale coach was waiting to take us to Teifi me and Airedale a call. Who knows, I might even dust Valley Railway. I could write a whole chapter about off my Tour Manager’s cap again for you.
Heritage Railway Association 9 Exmoor Extroverts Holiday: Heritage Trains of Switzerland 2019
Sue Shapland, GLT Awards Group Travel Organiser of the Year 2019
This holiday was a long time in the planning, on the return journey and spent quite some time taking over two years from the initial enquiry. My exploring the interesting and varied collection of group, the Exmoor Extroverts, have previously ancient engines and carriages that are displayed enjoyed three Heritage Railways holidays and before returning to Lausanne. after the last one in West Yorkshire I promised to take them abroad. I knew there were a number of The next morning we travelled by train to Realp – heritage railways in Switzerland as I’d been on a most unusually there was a problem with closing FAM trip there when we had used the trains to get one of the doors on the train and we actually arrived around. Ellen Walker from Travel Editions helped late so were chivied up to board the famous Furka with the planning of this tour and made all our Steam Train which had been kept waiting especially travel arrangements but it was the Swiss Tourist for us! The train climbed the steep track, via a long Centre who came up trumps and they worked out tunnel, to the route’s highest point of 2,160m where which trains we could use and when they would we had the opportunity of spending time in this be operational. Their first suggestion of going in dramatic landscape before continuing our journey July unfortunately clashed with a holiday already to Oberwald where we enjoyed lunch in a variety of planned to the Outer Hebrides, so they came up cafes. Later we made our way back to the main-line with an alternative date for a tour in September. station using a post-bus for a very exciting and rather dramatic journey, round some incredible bends! As the transport for this holiday was to be undertaken From there we caught a train to our next destination, almost exclusively by train we decided to limit the Wengen. As there is no access for cars to this truly numbers for this tour to 26, taking very many more delightful Alpine Ski resort, everything has to get could have proved difficult to keep everyone together there via the modern cogwheel train. Here we stayed for the crucial part of boarding the numerous trains for three nights in this charming car free haven. we used. We flew from Bristol (our nearest airport) We also discovered (because one of our group was to Geneva and then took a train to Lausanne, where unwell in the night) that if one needs an ambulance we stayed for two nights; our hotel being located then they send a train for you! It was proof of how very close to the underground station. The next day important it is to have holiday insurance as this was we again used the underground and the main line a very costly operation. services to access the Blonay-Chamby Railway. The museum, which opened in 1968, has the largest The Brienzer Rothornbahn was our next vintage collection of metre gauge relics in Europe. The short railway, this is a tourist rack railway built to climb track (only 3km long) is steep but adhesion-worked from the shore of Lake Brienz to the summit of the using both vintage steam and electric locomotives Brienzer Rothorn. After a thorough explanation by a and rolling stock. The track is connected at both very knowledgabile member of the team, we were ends with other railway lines; we visited the Museum taken to the engine shed and had the opportunity
10 Heritage Railway Association to get up close to look at these engines which are Bidding farewell to Wengen we enjoyed a cruise by built on a considerable tilt so look somewhat strange ferry to Thun then took the main-line train to Bern, when parked in a shed on the level. They are all steam Switzerland’s capital. Here we were treated to a city engines as the track has never been electrified. The tour on two vintage trams dating from the 1920’s – track is 800mm and uses the Abt double lamella rack sadly the high street was under major reconstruction system. We then all boarded the train and headed and closed to all traffic so our journey was partly for the summit, at 2,244m this is the fourth highest around the suburbs. However we did have plenty railway in Switzerland, with the chill wind and rarefied of free time when we were able to explore some of air some of us became a bit breathless. This rack the fascinating city centre. All to soon it was time to railway is 7.6km long and it took quite some time to move on and from here, we took the mainline train make it’s way up the mountain – there was plenty of to Lucerne where we stayed our last two nights. time to admire the stunning views overlooking the Our walking tour the next morning revealed such beautiful Lakes below us and to appreciate the many an interesting city. A magnificent paddle-steamer colourful wild flowers growing beside the track. took us to Vitznau and our last vintage cog-wheel train took us to the summit of Mount Rigi – opened The stunning Schynige Platte Railway was our next in 1871 this is Europe’s oldest mountain railway. hertiage train experience, it’s a mountain rack railway Starting on the lakeside it is located between two of in the Bernese highlands but it only runs from June the arms of Lake Lucerne. Reaching a height of 1,752 to mid October. It was opened in 1893 and electrified metres (5,748ft) above sea level, the Rigi Railways in 1914. It runs on a 800mm track from Wilderswil to are the highest standard gauge railways in Europe. the wildflower gardens of the Schynige Platte. Taking As the train wound its way upwards a surprise was in nearly an hour to wind its way along 7.25km of track store as it had snowed overnight and the mountains it climbs through forests initially which open out into looked stunning clothed in pristine white. From here Alpine pastures and rise some 1,420m (4,660ft). As we neared the gardens there were some wonderful we made our way to Basel and flew back to Bristol. views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Here we were welcomed by two gentleman playing their Alpine What a fantastic itinerary, all worked out with such Horns, what an amazing sound in that rarefied air. precision - one day we made nine different journeys. On the return journey to Wengen most of us took Apart from the minor incident of the train door not a train to Grindlewald. As the usual cable car to the shutting, every journey was timed to the minute. We summit was being rebuilt, we had a most exciting ride were very fortunate and enjoyed some wonderful in a local bus making our way to the summit of the weather which enhanced the tour. Everyone Mannlichen at 2,343m (7,687ft). From here we took returned knowing they had participated in a unique the new aerial Gondola back to Wengen, this only journey and our thanks are due to all those who takes about 5 mins to decend just over 3,500ft. planned such a special venture.
Heritage Railway Association 11 Railway Tours for Photographers Geoff Cooke, Managing Director of Geoff’s Trains Limited, explains his train photography tours
Britain’s heritage railways are well known with superb photographs appearing in the local and international enthusiast media. However, it has proven difficult for both local and foreign photographers to experience them in a well-planned, comprehensive touring package. Geoff’s Travel Club, a division of Geoff’s Trains Ltd., has teamed up with Tanago Gmbh, a German specialist rail photography tour operator, to offer photographers from around the world a unique opportunity to pack a number of photo charters on appropriate railways into tours lasting between one and two weeks.
The next tour will feature nine days of narrow gauge photographic charters in Wales. Some iconic narrow- gauge railways are included in a true photographer’s extravaganza. This will be followed early in 2021 with visits to some of the larger standard gauge railways in England, an opportunity to photograph big steam locomotives in scenic surroundings.
More information can be found on the Geoff’s Trains website at www.geoffs-trains.com.
12 Heritage Railway Association Rail Holidays of the World
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Blueprint Group Guide 30 10.indd 1 30/10/2018 11:30:35 Great Laxey Mine Railway Located in the village of Laxey, on the eastern coast of the Isle of Man, the restored railway runs along the surface section of the tramway which once carried lead and zinc ores from deep inside the Great Laxey Mine. The railway's terminus is located at the Valley Gardens which was once the site of the Great Laxey Mine's Washing Floors. Passengers travel in a tiny carriage, hauled by a replica of one of the original steam engines, through the Island's only railway tunnel and along the line which once carried wagons loaded with the metal ores. At the Mines Yard terminus of the railway, a series of information boards explain the surviving mining features. The Laxey Wheel, the Lady Isabella, is just a short walk away from the terminus. Built in 1854 to pump floodwater from the mine, it is the largest working waterwheel in the world and is the Island's most visited tourist attraction. In 2006, the former Snaefell Mine waterwheel was restored to working order on the Valley Gardens. No other railway can boast of a waterwheel at each end! Please take a few minutes to look at the various pages of the website (www.laxeyminerailway.im) which explain the history of the Great Laxey Mine, the mine railway, how it was restored, its rolling stock and operating days and much more. The Links tab also offers you a path to our Facebook page with current photographs of work and events being carried out by the volunteers. The Great Laxey Mine Railway is owned by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust, a registered Manx Charity, which was formed in 1997 to promote the rich industrial and natural histories of Laxey Village and Lonan Parish. The railway is operated and maintained entirely by volunteers from the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust.
Heritage Railway Association 13 Visit the Apedale Valley Light Railway
‘Twixt Sea and Pine’ Sit back, relax and let the train take the strain as the North Norfolk Railway meanders its way through stunning coastal and country landscapes. Special Events Dining Trains Galas Experience Days 01263 820800 www.nnrailway.co.uk
14 Heritage Railway Association East of England
UK Heritage Railway Listings Heritage Railway Association 15 Find a Heritage Railway
East of England The Midlands
21 Colne Valley Railway 27 Amerton Railway 21 East Anglian Railway Museum 27 Apedale Valley Light Railway 22 Epping Ongar Railway 28 Cambrian Heritage Railways 22 Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust 28 Chasewater Railway 23 Mid-Suffolk Light Railway 29 Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway 24 North Norfolk Railway PLC 30 Crich Tramway Village 24 Wells & Walsingham Light Railway 30 Ecclesbourne Valley Railway 25 Whitwell & Reepham Railway 31 Evesham Vale Light Railway 31 Foxfield Railway 32 Great Central Railway PLC North West & Isle of Man 32 Great Central Railway (Nottingham) 33 Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway 37 Douglas Bay Horse Tramway 34 Midland Railway - Butterley 37 East Lancashire Railway 34 Nene Valley Railway 38 The Great Laxey Mine Railway 35 Peak Rail 38 Groudle Glen Railway 35 Severn Valley Railway 39 Isle of Man Steam Railway 40 Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway 40 Manx Electric Railway East of England 41 Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway The Midlands 42 Ribble Steam Railway & Museum North West & Isle of Man South East 42 Snaefell Mountain Railway South West 43 South Tynedale Railway Yorkshire & North East Wales Scotland 16 Heritage Railway Association Ireland South East South West
44 Amberley Museum 56 Avon Valley Railway 44 Bluebell Railway 56 Babbacombe Cliff Railway 45 Buckinghamshire Railway Centre 57 Bideford Railway Heritage Centre 45 Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway 57 Bodmin & Wenford Railway 46 Didcot Railway Centre 58 Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company 46 East Kent Railway Trust 58 Dean Forest Railway 47 Exbury Gardens Railway 59 Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway 48 Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway 60 Helston Railway 48 Hollycombe Steam in the Country 60 Lappa Valley 49 Isle of Wight Steam Railway 61 Launceston Steam Railway 49 Kent & East Sussex Railway 62 Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 50 Lavender Line 62 Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway 50 Leighton Buzzard Railway 63 Seaton Tramway 51 Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' 64 South Devon Railway 52 Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway 64 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway 52 Rother Valley Railway 65 Swanage Railway 53 Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway 66 West Somerset Railway 54 Spa Valley Railway 66 Yeovil Railway Centre 54 Swindon & Cricklade Railway 55 Thames Steam Packet Boat Company
Heritage Railway Association 17 Yorkshire & North East
68 Aln Valley Railway 68 Beamish, The Living Museum of the North 69 Central Tramway Company, Scarborough 69 Elsecar Heritage Railway Wales 70 Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway 70 Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum 80 Aberystwyth Cliff Railway 71 Heatherslaw Light Railway 80 Bala Lake Railway 72 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway 81 Brecon Mountain Railway 72 Kirklees Light Railway 82 Ffestiniog Railway 73 Locomotion 82 Great Orme Tramway 74 Middleton Railway 83 Gwili Railway 74 National Rail Bishop Auckland Ltd 84 Llanberis Lake Railway 75 National Railway Museum 84 Llangollen Railway 76 North Yorkshire Moors Railway 85 Pontypool & Blaenavon Heritage Railway 76 Stephenson Railway Museum 86 Snowdon Mountain Railway 77 Tanfield Railway 86 Talyllyn Railway 78 Vintage Carriages Trust 87 Vale of Rheidol Railway 78 Weardale Railway 88 Welsh Highland Heritage Railway 79 Wensleydale Railway 88 Welsh Highland Railway 79 Yorkshire Wolds Railway 89 Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
18 Heritage Railway Association Scotland
90 Almond Valley Light Railway 90 Bo’Ness & Kinneil Railway 91 Glenfinnan Station Museum 91 Keith & Dufftown Railway Ireland 92 Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway 92 Royal Deeside Railway 97 Donegal Railway Heritage Centre 93 Strathspey Railway Company 97 Downpatrick & Co Down Railway LTD 94 Summerlee Edwardian Tramway 98 Headhunters Railway Museum 94 West Coast Railways - The Jacobite 98 Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
Heritage Railway Association 19 East of England
20 Heritage Railway Association East Anglian Railway Museum East of England
COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY
Castle Hedingham, CO9 3DZ
T: 01787 461 174 E: [email protected] W: www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk
Key Information Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, almost a mile long, with relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied Period of Operation:...... Mar - Dec collection of vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that Adult Ticket Price:...... £8 represent much of our railway heritage. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Range of Driving Experiences Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes Guided Tours:...... No • Range of events throughout the season On-site Museum:...... Yes • Catering Facilities and Shop Disabled Access:...... Yes • Interactive Indoor Model Railway Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... - • Signal box visits Coach Parking:...... - What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - Length of Track:...... 1 Mile • Hedingham Castle Number of Stations:...... 1 • Halstead Antiques Centre Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours • Warner Textile Archive, Braintree
EAST ANGLIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM
Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS
T: 01206 242524 E: [email protected] W: www.earm.co.uk
Key Information Adjacent to the Chappel railway viaduct and based at Chappel station on the Gainsborough branch line, the East Anglian Railway Museum is a living heritage Period of Operation:...... Jan - Dec museum. Original, restored station buildings tell the story of railways and everyday Adult Ticket Price:...... £7 lives of people in East Anglia from the 1840s through to the 21st century. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4 Group Discount Available:...... 10% Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Working signal boxes Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Historic Goods Shed and other period station buildings Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Restoration Shed open for viewing Disabled Access:...... Yes • Range of vintage carriages, coaches, steam and diesel locomotives Catering Available:...... Yes • Great vintage railway carriage café Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Colchester Zoo Length of Track:...... 0.5 Mile Number of Stations:...... 1 • Beth Chatto’s Gardens Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours • Marks Hall Estate & Arboretum
Heritage Railway Association 21 East of England
EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY
Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN
T: 01277 365200 E: [email protected] W: www.eorailway.co.uk
Key Information Epping Ongar Railway is an award winning railway in Essex running on the former Eastern end of the Underground Central Line. It operates heritage Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct trains between North Weald and Ongar and to a halt in Epping Forest. Adult Ticket Price:...... £14 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Easy to access – public transport at Epping Station and motorway at M11 No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Onboard dining experiences available – fish & chips Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes Guided Tours:...... Yes • Heritage buses as part of the experience On-site Museum:...... No What else is in the area? Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Secret Nuclear Bunker Alcohol Licence:...... No • Royal Gunpowder Mills Coach Parking:...... Yes • Epping Forest Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 9.4km Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours
MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY PRESERVATION TRUST
Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF
T: 01362 851723 E: [email protected] W: www.mnr.org.uk
Key Information Steam and diesel trains with events such as 1940s Weekend, Beer Festival, The Polar Express™ Train Ride and, for 2020, the visit of Flying Scotsman in Period of Operation:...... Mar - Dec October. Plus Cream Tea and High Tea trains, Galas and Vintage Bus and Adult Ticket Price:...... £16 Classic Car Days. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Steam or Diesel trains through the Heart of Norfolk Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Large free car park at Dereham Station Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • Tea Room and Museum at Dereham Station Disabled Access:...... Yes • Great day out for all the family Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Bonner’s Cottage Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Dereham Leisure Centre Length of Track:...... 11 Miles Number of Stations:...... 5 • Strikes Bowling Alley Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours
22 Heritage Railway Association East of England
MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY
Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Suffolk IP14 5PW
T: 01449 766874 E: [email protected] W: www.mslr.org.uk
Key Information Today’s ‘Middy’ is a genuine look at how a rural railway served it’s community up to 100 years ago. The railway offers steam train rides in genuine Great Eastern Railway 4-wheel coaches plus original buildings, passenger and Period of Operation:...... May - Sep goods vehicles and a Museum of the line’s the history. Adult Ticket Price:...... £10 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Suffolk’s only preserved standard gauge heritage railway No. Required for Discount:...... Contact Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Three resident operational steam locomotives Guided Tours:...... Yes • Rolling Stock - the oldest GER first class smoking coach/ the oldest railway On-site Museum:...... Yes horse box Disabled Access:...... Yes • Lottery Funded Restoration Shed and restoration of our own locomotive Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • MSLR Museum in the Ian Allen building featuring many images and artefacts Coach Parking:...... Listing What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Possible Length of Track:...... 0.25 Miles • Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket Number of Stations:...... 2 • Ipswich Transport Musem Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours • 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, Dickleburgh, Diss
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Heritage Railway Association 23 East of England
NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY PLC
Sheringham Station, Station approach, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8RA
T: 01263 820800 E: [email protected] W: www.nnrailway.co.uk
Key Information The Railway runs from Sheringham via Weybourne to Holt. It operates Steam and Heritage Diesel services the main season operating daily services Period of Operation:...... Feb - Nov from Easter to the end of October. March and November have weekend Adult Ticket Price:...... £14 timetabled operations. Special events take place during the year including Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £10 Galas , Beer Festival and 40’s weekend. Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... See online Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Stunning views of the North Norfolk countryside Guided Tours:...... No • Frequent trains providing the opportunity to experience both Steam and On-site Museum:...... Yes Diesel traction Disabled Access:...... Yes • All day rover ticket provides the opportunity to experience all the railway offers Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Friendly helpful volunteer staff who are here to make the most of your day Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... No Length of Track:...... 5.5 Miles • Sheringham Park accessible from Weybourne Station by foot Number of Stations:...... 3 • The seaside town of Sheringham and the attractive town of Holt Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours • Felbrigg Estate National trust House, Gardens and Estate
WELLS & WALSINGHAM LIGHT RAILWAY
Stiffkey Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1QB
T: 01328 711630 E: [email protected] W: www.wwlr.co.uk
Key Information Enjoy regular steam trains from the seaside town of Wells to the beautiful village of Walsingham. Clanking over and under bridges, past a hill-fort Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct and an abandoned platform, stop for an explore in Walsingham or visit the Adult Ticket Price:...... £9.50 shops and beach in Wells. Activities every school holiday and Christmas Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7.50 specials. Popular Enchanted Railway all Summer! Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 12 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Historic Walsingham Guided Tours:...... Yes • Seaside town of Wells On-site Museum:...... No Disabled Access:...... Yes • Longest 10 and a quarter inch railway in the world at 4 miles Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Holkham Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Coastal scenery Length of Track:...... 4 Miles • Harbour Railway in Wells Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours
24 Heritage Railway Association East of England
WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY
Whitwell Road, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4GA
T: 01603 871694 E: [email protected] W: www.whitwellstation.com
Key Information We opened to the public in February 2009, fifty years to the day after the line was closed to passengers. We are dedicated to giving our visitors a taste of Period of Operation:...... All year how the Midland and Great Northern Railway ran this line, as well as running Adult Ticket Price:...... £3 a variety of Events. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £1 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10+ • Food available all day Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Engine shed tours Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Easy Parking Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • North Norfolk Railway Coach Parking:...... Yes • Bure Valley Railway Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Mid Norfolk Railway Length of Track:...... 0.75 Mile Number of Stations:...... 1 Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours EOR2323-GeneralAd-185x130mm-001.pdf 1 17/10/2018 11:22
SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
* 3 EXPERIENCES T VALUE ONE GREA DAY OUT!
ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR FISH AND CHIP LUNCH SERVED ON BOARD
For enquiries about your group booking call us on 01277 365200 or send an email to [email protected]
www.eorailway.co.uk Epping Ongar Railway @eorailway
Heritage Railway Association 25 26 Heritage Railway Association Severn Valley Railway Midlands
AMERTON RAILWAY
Amerton Railway, Stowe-by-Chartley near Stafford, ST18 0LA
T: 01889 271337 E: [email protected] W: www.amertonrailway.co.uk
Key Information Amerton Railway runs through open countryside near Stafford and re- creates a 2 foot narrow gauge railway from the 1920s. We have locomotives, Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct coaches and wagons built in Staffordshire including Bagnall tank engine Adult Ticket Price:...... £2.50 Isabel from 1897. See our Website for Gala Events and Santa Special Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £1.80 Bookings. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 15 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Extensive narrow loco collection Guided Tours:...... Yes • Countryside Picnic Area On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • Events & Santa Specials Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Shugborough Hall Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Possible • Stafford Castle Length of Track:...... 1 Mile • Cannock Chase Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour
APEDALE VALLEY LIGHT RAILWAY
Loomer Road, Chesterton, Newcastle- under-Lyme Staffs ST5 7LB
T: 0845 094 1953 E: [email protected] W: www.avlr.org.uk
Key Information The AVLR is a narrow gauge railway using steam and diesel locomotives. Our short ride is beside the Country Park. We have a very extensive collection of Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct narrow gauge railway equipment. Adult Ticket Price:...... £3.50 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £1.50 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Short ride (doesn’t take too long) No. Required for Discount:...... Varies • Fully accessible Pre-booking Essential:...... No Guided Tours:...... No • Cost-effective On-site Museum:...... Yes What else is in the area? Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Etruria Industrial Museum Alcohol Licence:...... No • Emma Bridgewater pottery Coach Parking:...... Yes • Apedale Heritage Centre Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Possible Length of Track:...... 0.25 Miles Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 1-2 hours
Heritage Railway Association 27 Midlands
CAMBRIAN HERITAGE RAILWAYS
Station Building, Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1RE
T: 01691728131 E: [email protected] W: www.CambrianRailways.com
Key Information Our Aim; The restoration of Oswestry’s unique railway heritage into both a working passenger service and a visitor attraction of national significance. Period of Operation:...... 6 months Based at two separate sites one in the centre of Oswestry which has a steam Adult Ticket Price:...... £6 loco and the other is at Llynclys, three miles to the south. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4 Group Discount Available:...... No Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... - • We are a small friendly railway with big ambitions and small prices Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Close to the centre of town and picturesque rural areas Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • A museum based on the history of the Cambrian Railways Company and Disabled Access:...... Yes its successors Catering Available:...... Yes What else is in the area? Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes • Oswestry Iron Age Hillfort Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Length of Track:...... 1 Mile • Llanymynech Limeworks Number of Stations:...... 1 Average Length of Visit:...... Varies
CHASEWATER RAILWAY
Brownhills West Station, Chasewater Country Park, Pool Lane, Brownhills, WS8 7NL
T: 01543 452623 E: [email protected] W: www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk
Key Information Chasewater Railway operates heritage steam and diesel trains on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays March to November, most Saturdays from Easter to October and certain weekdays throughout the summer. Our volunteers Period of Operation:...... Mar - Dec give up their valuable spare time to restore, maintain and develop the Adult Ticket Price:...... £6.50 railway and associated infrastructure to help tell the story of the local area Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4.50 and it’s industrial heritage. All of the money you choose to spend here is Group Discount Available:...... Yes reinvested to support this work. No. Required for Discount:...... 30 Pre-booking Essential:...... No Reasons to Visit: Guided Tours:...... Possible • Local colliery history On-site Museum:...... Yes • Steam and diesel trains Disabled Access:...... Yes • Tea Room Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No • Chasewater Country Park Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 2 Miles • Lichfield City Number of Stations:...... 4 • Drayton Manor Average Length of Visit:...... 2.5 hours • Alton Towers
28 Heritage Railway Association Midlands
CLEETHORPES COAST LIGHT RAILWAY
Lakeside Station, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, NE Lincolnshire, DN35 0AG
T: 01472 604657 E: [email protected] W: www.cclr.co.uk
Key Information Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway is one of Britain’s oldest seaside miniature railways and has been delighting young and old for over 70 years. Enjoy a Period of Operation:...... Feb - Nov relaxing four mile return journey along the picturesque Humberside Coast Adult Ticket Price:...... £3.50 - £5 behind one of the railways steam or diesel locomotives. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £3 - £4.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • 5 star hygiene rated Platform One Café Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Home to the smallest pub on the planet ‘The Signal Box Inn’ Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... No • New for 2020 large picnic area and drive your own train for Under 10’s Disabled Access:...... Yes • Extensive selection of special events held throughout the year Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Greenwich Meridian Line Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Cleethorpes Promenade Length of Track:...... 2 Miles Number of Stations:...... 3 • Jungle Zoo Average Length of Visit:...... 1-3 hours
Groups are welcome! 5O YEARS OF STEAM
GROUP TRAVEL
TAILORED FOR YOU • Heritage steam trains • Heritage steam trains • Exciting Engine House Visitor Centre We run steam train rides through the rural • Exciting Engine House Visitor Centre • Reserved seating for groups from 12 – 120 Staffordshire Moorlands throughout the summer • Reserved seating for groups from 12 – 120 • Pre-booked catering facilities along the line season with discounts available for groups of 10 • Pre-booked catering facilities along the line • Well-stocked gift shop or more! Get in touch today! • Well-stocked gift shop
Fancy upgrading to a cream tea service on board? Cream tea services on dates throughout the year with SVR.CO.UK or 01562 757900 discounts available for tables of 4! Email: [email protected] Number One Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QR Foxfield Railway | Tel : 01782 396210 | www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk KIDDERMINSTER · BEWDLEY · BRIDGNORTH
Heritage Railway Association 29 Midlands
CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE
Cromford Road, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 5DP
T: 01773 854321 E: [email protected] W: www.tramway.co.uk
Key Information Built by a group of enthusiasts who later formed the Tramway Museum Society, Crich Tramway Village is home to the National Tramway Museum Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov and runs daily rides on their historic trams during their open season. Adult Ticket Price:...... £18 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £11 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Views of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Museums, tram depots, a woodland walk and sculpture trail, workshop Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes viewing gallery, café, pub and shop Guided Tours:...... Yes • There is an events programme, details can be found on the website On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Crich Stand (Sherwood Foresters Memorial) Coach Parking:...... Yes • Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Peak District Lead Mining Museum Length of Track:...... 1 Mile • Derby Museum Number of Stations:...... 4 Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours • Bakewell Old House Museum
ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY
Wirksworth Station, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, DE4 4FB
T: 01629 823076 E: [email protected] W: www.e-v-r.com
Key Information The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is Derbyshire’s longest heritage railway, offering unspoilt views of the countryside between Duffield and Wirksworth. Period of Operation:...... Feb - Dec Step on board one of our steam or heritage diesel trains for a trip back to Adult Ticket Price:...... £14.50 yesteryear, enjoying the nostalgia of yesteryear in the valley. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Derbyshire’s longest heritage railway (9 miles) Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Beautifully restored coaches and railcars Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Picturesque valley running through the fields and alongside the river Disabled Access:...... Yes • Range of popular on train catering options on the Derbyshire Countryman Catering Available:...... Yes • Brand new museum at Wirksworth Alcohol Licence:...... No Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Wirksworth Heritage Centre Length of Track:...... 9 Miles Number of Stations:...... 5 • Carsington Water Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours • Matlock Bath
30 Heritage Railway Association Midlands
EVESHAM VALE LIGHT RAILWAY The Valley, Evesham Country Park, Twyford, Evesham, Worcestershire Wr11 4DS
T: 01386 422282 E: [email protected] W: www.evlr.co.uk
Key Information Take the steam train around the Country Park to Evesham Vale Station overlooking some of the best scenery the Vale of Evesham has to offer, here you can break Period of Operation:...... Jan - Dec your journey for the picnic area & Playfort. Open every weekend and daily during Adult Ticket Price:...... £2.80 Worcestershire school holidays. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £2.30 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20 • Steam hauled trains throughout the year Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Great Scenery Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... No • Friendly & Helpful staff Disabled Access:...... Yes • Free Parking Catering Available:...... Nearby Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Evesham Almonry Museum & Bell tower Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... No • Broadway Tower Length of Track:...... 1.25 Miles Number of Stations:...... 2 • Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Average Length of Visit:...... 30-45 mins
FOXFIELD RAILWAY
Caverswall Road Station, Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BG
T: 01782 396210 E: [email protected] W: www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk
Key Information Built for hauling coal from Foxfield Colliery, the line has some of the steepest gradients and tightest curves in use on any passenger carrying railway in Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct the UK. Today, An army of volunteers run steam train services every Sunday Adult Ticket Price:...... £8.50 with a host of events throughout the year. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £3.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Regularly complemented on friendly staff Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Unique characteristics compared to any other railway Guided Tours:...... Possible On-site Museum:...... Yes • Footplate visits available and encouraged Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Miniature Railway Coach Parking:...... Yes • Onsite real ale bar in station building Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Easy access from the A50 Length of Track:...... 3 Miles Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 2.5 hours
Heritage Railway Association 31 Midlands
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY PLC
Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW
T: 01509 632323 E: [email protected] W: www.gcrailway.co.uk
Key Information Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days through the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide Period of Operation:...... 12 months five course meals whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. Adult Ticket Price:...... £18 Childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Locomotive Experience Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £9 when you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up Group Discount Available:...... Yes on a powerful diesel. We also run many special events, including Steam Galas, No. Required for Discount:...... 15 Peppa Pig, Bonfire Night, 1940s Wartime Weekend and Santa Specials. Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes Guided Tours:...... Possible Reasons to Visit: On-site Museum:...... Yes • UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway Disabled Access:...... Yes • Only place in the world where full size steam engines can been seen Catering Available:...... Yes passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 8 Miles • Abbey Pumping Station Number of Stations:...... 4 • National Space Centre Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours • The Bell Foundary
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (NOTTINGHAM)
Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham. NG11 6JS
T: 0115 9405705 E: [email protected] W: www.gcrn.co.uk
Key Information The Great Central Railway - Nottingham now offers almost 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and North-West Leicestershire. Entirely staffed by volunteers, all income is used Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct to preserve railway & transport heritage for future generations. Adult Ticket Price:...... £12 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Only full-size heritage railway in Nottinghamshire where Heritage Steam No. Required for Discount:...... 10+ & Diesel services re-create the experience of train travel from when it was more than just a way to travel from one place to another Pre-booking Essential:...... No Guided Tours:...... Possible • Nottingham Society of Model Engineers including Gauge 1, 3½ inch, 5-inch gauge raised tracks & 7¼ inch gauge ground level track running On-site Museum:...... Yes every weekend from Easter Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Home to Nottingham Area Bus Society and an extensive collection of heritage buses, some regularly carrying visitors around local areas Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes • Resident Model Rail Society with multiple gauge layouts on public display Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Possible Length of Track:...... 10 Miles What else is in the area? Number of Stations:...... 2 • Rushcliffe Country Park Average Length of Visit:...... 4-5 hours • Framework Knitters Museum • Manor Farm Park and Woodlands
32 Heritage Railway Association Midlands
LINCOLNSHIRE COAST LIGHT RAILWAY
Skegness Water Leisure Park, Walls Lane, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1JF
T: 01754 899400 E: [email protected] W: www.lclr.co.uk
Key Information The Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway (LCLR) is a 60 cm narrow gauge heritage railway, approximately 0.75 miles long, situated in Ingoldmells at the award winning Skegness Water Leisure Park on the beautiful Lincolnshire Coast. On Period of Operation:...... Jul - Sep our summer operating days you can ride in one of our historic railway carriages, Adult Ticket Price:...... £1 pulled by either one of our heritage diesel locomotives, or on steam days Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £1 (normally Saturdays) by our Peckett steam locomotive “Jurassic”. Group Discount Available:...... No No. Required for Discount:...... - Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Best value of any heritage railway at just £1 return Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... No • Ride restored carriages from Ashover Light Railway and War Department Light Railways Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Views across fields of rural Lincolnshire landscape and farmland, reviving Alcohol Licence:...... Yes the days when many miles of narrow gauge railways moved Lincolnshire’s Coach Parking:...... Yes farm produce to the outside world Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 0.75 Mile Number of Stations:...... 1 • Miles of clean, firm, sandy beaches & traditional seaside attractions Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour • Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Skegness PE24 4SU
SITUATED NEAR MATLOCK AND ONLY 8 MILES FROM M1 JUNCTION 28 Delight your group with a tram ride through time Crich Tramway Village is an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can ride our world renowned vintage trams through our unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views, explore fascinating exhibitions and watch as trams are restored from our workshop viewing gallery. This captivating journey into history is made complete with a stroll on our woodland walk and sculpture trail and a trip to our unique Red Lion pub, café and shops.
Escape to the Countryside WE WILL HELP YOU PLAN A GREAT DAY OUT! www.e-v-r.com Crich Tramway Village, Crich, 01629 823076 • FREE parking, admission Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP and meal for coach driver Tel: 01773 854 321 • Special group and coach tour discounts Email: [email protected] Wirksworth, DE4 4FB • Guided tours on request www.tramway.co.uk
Heritage Railway Association 33 Midlands
MIDLAND RAILWAY - BUTTERLEY
Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ
T: 01773 570140 E: [email protected] W: www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk
Key Information A great day out for groups of all ages. Heritage train rides transport you to a bygone era. Explore two railway museums, the demonstration signal Period of Operation:...... Feb - Nov box, a Victorian railwayman’s church and much more. Plus there are narrow Adult Ticket Price:...... £12 gauge, miniature and model railways, shops, buffets, children’s playground Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6 and country park. Free coach parking. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 40 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Heritage train rides into the Derbyshire Countryside Guided Tours:...... Yes • A warm welcome from our volunteers and staff On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • Two buffets offering hot drinks and delicious cakes. Plus Afternoon Tea packages Catering Available:...... Yes • Two fascinating Railway Museums filled with railway treasures and stories Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • East Midlands Designer Shopping Outlet Length of Track:...... 3 Miles • The National Tramway Museum Number of Stations:...... 3 Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours • The City of Derby
NENE VALLEY RAILWAY
Wansford Station, Stibbington. PE8 6LR
T: 01780 784444 E: [email protected] W: www.nvr.org.uk
Key Information Running through the pretty Nene Valley with views of both country and town the NVR takes passengers from the rural idyll of the Yarwell halt through to Period of Operation:...... 10 months the bustling city of Peterborough. A round trip last an hour and a half, with a Adult Ticket Price:...... £18 turn-around allowing passengers to stretch their legs before the return trip. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £9 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • 1/2 mile from A1/ A47 junction Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes Guided Tours:...... No What else is in the area? On-site Museum:...... Yes • Burghley House Disabled Access:...... Yes • Peterborough Cathedral Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Georgian Stamford Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 7.5 Miles Number of Stations:...... 5 Average Length of Visit:...... Half day
34 Heritage Railway Association Midlands
PEAK RAIL
Matlock Station, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3NA
T: 01629 580381 E: [email protected] W: www.peakrail.co.uk
Key Information Discover the magic of steam and experience a great day out for all the family. Whether it’s simple a nostalgic journey back to a bygone age or a discovery of the sights and sounds for a very first time of a steam or diesel Period of Operation:...... 11 months locomotive Peak Rail welcomes you to experience the thrill of our preserved Adult Ticket Price:...... £9.50 railway whilst travelling through the Derbyshire countryside. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 or 30 Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Luxury dining offering Sunday/Themed/Christmas lunches Guided Tours:...... No • Afternoon and cream teas and themed evening meals On-site Museum:...... Yes • Steam experience driving courses Disabled Access:...... Yes • A whole host of various special events perfect for all the family or enthusiasts Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Private or Birthday carriage hire available Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 4 Miles • Haddon Hall / Chatsworth House Number of Stations:...... 3 • Heights of Abraham Cable Cars Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour • Crich Tramway Museum
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QR
T: 01562 757900 E: [email protected] W: www.svr.co.uk
Key Information With majestic locomotives, historic stations and stunning scenery, the Severn Valley Railway is one of the UK’s most popular heritage railways. More than 250,000 people board its trains every year for exhilarating journeys along Period of Operation:...... May - Oct the 16-mile line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. Opens daily May-Oct Adult Ticket Price:...... £23 plus weekends and local holidays Feb-Dec. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £15.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 12 • Admire the beautiful scenery from your lovingly-restored heritage carriage Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Stop-off at any of the six historic stations along the line Guided Tours:...... No • Head to the fascinating Engine House Visitor Centre On-site Museum:...... Yes • Relax and refuel at period refreshment rooms and award-winning pubs or Disabled Access:...... Yes dine al fresco on the terrace at The Engine House Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Make it a visit to remember at one of many special events Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Enjoy a countryside walk in the fresh air at Severn Valley Country Park Length of Track:...... 16 Miles Number of Stations:...... 6 • See the animals at West Midland Safari Park (you can even wave to them from your train window!) Average Length of Visit:...... 70 mins • The heart of the Industrial Revolution at Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site
Heritage Railway Association 35 36 Heritage Railway Association Isle of Man Steam Railway North West
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY
Derby Castle, Strathallan Crescent, Douglas, Isle of Man
T: 01624 662525 E: [email protected] W: www.rail.im
Key Information Built in 1876 the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway runs for over 1 ½ miles along Douglas Promenade from the Sea Terminal to Derby Castle. A journey along Period of Operation:...... Apr - Nov the Promenade on the world’s oldest continually operational horse tramway Adult Ticket Price:...... Varies is a must for visitors and enthusiasts alike. Take time to absorb the majestic Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... Varies Victorian facades and Douglas Bay. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 20 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... No • This is a completely unique and almost lost form of transport Guided Tours:...... Yes • Original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... No • Friendly and attentive staff Catering Available:...... No Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • The Manx Electric Railway Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Douglas Town Centre Length of Track:...... 1.5 Miles • The Gaiety Theatre and Villa Marina Number of Stations:...... 11 Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour
EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY
T: 0333 320 2830 E: [email protected] W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk
Key Information Step on board the East Lancashire Railway’s heritage steam or diesel trains and explore a 12 mile long string of stories, from discovering the area’s role in the Industrial Revolution to reminiscing about times gone by. It’s the Period of Operation:...... Jan - Dec journey that matters, not the destination, so start your adventure today. Adult Ticket Price:...... £16.50 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £10.50 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Stunning heritage railway in unique and varied surrounds No. Required for Discount:...... 20+ Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Full suite of facilities including meeting/function rooms, disabled toilet facilities, easy access and more. Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • Wide range of options for your visit, from fully catered dining trains and buffets to museum activities, afternoon teas and more. Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Within easy reach of Manchester City Centre by bus, tram or coach. Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Fully furnished museum charting the transport history of the region. Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 12 Miles • The Peel Tower Number of Stations:...... 7 • The Met Theatre in Bury Average Length of Visit:...... 4 hours • The Fusiliers Museum in Bury
Heritage Railway Association 37 North West
THE GREAT LAXEY MINE RAILWAY
Laxey Valley Garden, Laxey
T: 01624 862007 or 01624 670386 E: [email protected] W: www.laxeyminerailway.im
Key Information Located in the village of Laxey, on the eastern coast of the Isle of Man, the restored railway runs along the surface section of the tramway which once Period of Operation:...... Easter - Sep carried lead and zinc ores from deep inside the Great Laxey Mine. Adult Ticket Price:...... £2 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... Free under 3 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... No • Ride on one of two replica steam trains used to transport the ore out of the No. Required for Discount:...... - mine, down to the washboards Pre-booking Essential:...... No • A unique 19” gauge Guided Tours:...... No • Ride through the Island’s only railway tunnel On-site Museum:...... No Disabled Access:...... Partial • Railway is surrounded by great Victorian industrial heritage Catering Available:...... In village • A waterwheel at each end of the line Alcohol Licence:...... No Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • The Laxey Wheel. The largest working water wheel in the world Length of Track:...... 0.25 Mile • The Snaefell Mountain Railway Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 30 mins • Laxey Glen
GROUDLE GLEN RAILWAY
Groudle Glen, Onchan Isle of Man
T: 01624 670453 E: [email protected] W: www.ggr.org.uk
Key Information Situated in a small picturesque glen, just north of Douglas on the Isle of Man, is the Groudle Glen Railway & the Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms. Steam trains on this Period of Operation:...... May - Sep Victorian tourist attraction run from the tree lined glen out onto the clifftops, where Adult Ticket Price:...... £4.50 you can visit our visitor centre and enjoy afternoon tea in stunning surroundings. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £2 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Stunning picturesque surroundings Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Vintage Victorian Steam Railway Guided Tours:...... Yes • Engineering and historic interest On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Limited • Refreshments on the clifftops Catering Available:...... Yes What else is in the area? Alcohol Licence:...... No Coach Parking:...... No • The Great Laxey Wheel- - Largest Waterwheel in the World Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • The Manx Electric Railway – featuring the world’s oldest electric tramcars Length of Track:...... 0.75 Mile still in regular service Number of Stations:...... 3 • The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway – The world’s oldest surviving street Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour horse tramway
38 Heritage Railway Association North West
ISLE OF MAN STEAM RAILWAY
Douglas Railway Station, Banks Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man
T: 01624 662525 E: [email protected] W: www.rail.im
Key Information Dating back to 1874 the Steam Railway line, which runs 15 ½ miles from Douglas to Port Erin, is arguably the oldest narrow gauge railway Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov in continuous operation in the British Isles. The railway still uses original Adult Ticket Price:...... Various locomotives and rolling stock. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... Various Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20+ • Beautiful countryside views Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Friendly and attentive staff Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Castle Rushen Coach Parking:...... Yes • Port Erin Railway Museum Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Port Erin Beach Length of Track:...... 15.5 Miles Number of Stations:...... 9 Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours 6431-R&ER-HeritageRailwayAssoc-185x130.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2019 17:13 Page 1 EXPLORE an award winning heritage visitor attraction in the LAKE DISTRICT
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Heritage Railway Association 39 North West
LAKESIDE AND HAVERTHWAITE RAILWAY
Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL
T: 015395 31594 E: [email protected] W: www.lakesiderailway.co.uk
Key Information Steam into the heart of the Lake District national park with the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Established in 1973, our family run business lovingly Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct restores and maintains its fleet of locomotives and traditional 1950’s Adult Ticket Price:...... £7.20 carriages; operating daily passenger trains throughout the season. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £3.60 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Ride upon a real steam train Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Explore Haverthwaite station and all it has to offer; engine shed/woodland Guided Tours:...... No playground/gift shop On-site Museum:...... Yes • Dine in the welcoming and nostalgic surroundings of our station tea room Disabled Access:...... Yes at Haverthwaite station Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Windermere Lake Cruises Length of Track:...... 3.5 Miles • Lakes Aquarium Number of Stations:...... 1 • The world of Beatrix Potter Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY
Derby Castle, Strathallan Crescent, Douglas, Isle of Man
T: 01624 662525 E: [email protected] W: www.rail.im
Key Information If you want to explore the North of the Island, do so in Victorian style by taking a charming electric tramcar. The 17 ½ mile route from Douglas to Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov Ramsey hugs the Island’s east coast, passing through gorse topped hills, Adult Ticket Price:...... Various glorious Victorian Glens and spectacular coastal scenery. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... Various Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20+ • Stunning coastal scenery Pre-booking Essential:...... No • A selection of Manx Glens on-route Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock Disabled Access:...... Possible • Friendly and attentive staff Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • The Great Laxey Wheel Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • The Snaefell Mountain Railway Length of Track:...... 17.5 Miles Number of Stations:...... 71 • The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours
40 Heritage Railway Association North West
RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY
Main Street, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
T: 01229 717171 E: [email protected] W: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
Key Information Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as La’al Ratty. Our heritage steam engines transport passengers from Ravenglass, the only coastal village Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov located in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to Dalegarth for Boot some Adult Ticket Price:...... £17 210ft above sea level. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £12 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Five heritage steam engines, the oldest, River Irt was built in 1894 Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Visit the hidden part of the Lake District National Park and take in the Guided Tours:...... Possible incredible views On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • One of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railway in England Catering Available:...... Yes • Located within 2 UNESCO World Heirtage Sites; the Lake District National Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Park and Frontiers of the Roman Empire Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 7 Miles • Muncaster Castle Number of Stations:...... 7 • Scafell Pike (the highest mountain in England) Average Length of Visit:...... 2+ hours • Wastwater (the deepest lake in the Lake District)
28th March- 1Sstte Namov Termaibnesr operating daily
Steam Train Ride Tea Room Gift Shop Engine Shed Sheltered Picnic Area Woodland Playground
visit www.lakesiderailway.co.uk Tel:015395 31594 Email:[email protected]
Heritage Railway Association 41 North West
RIBBLE STEAM RAILWAY & MUSEUM
Chain Caul Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD
T: 01772 728800 E: [email protected] W: www.ribblesteam.org.uk
Key Information Visit the Ribble Steam Railway for heritage train rides along our line. The three mile return trip includes crossing the dock swing bridge (a unique feature on our line) and then along the bank of the River Ribble, giving Period of Operation:...... Mar - Sep interesting views of the City of Preston. Adult Ticket Price:...... £7 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4.50 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • One of the largest collection of industrial locomotives housed in our No. Required for Discount:...... 10+ Accredited Museum and Workshop Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Ribble is mostly indoors, therefore come rain or shine we’re a great place to visit Guided Tours:...... Yes • Our great volunteer force always provides a warm welcome to visitors and On-site Museum:...... Yes will go beyond customer service expectations to help any visitor Disabled Access:...... Yes • Crossing of a dock swing bridge, unique to the heritage railways in the UK Catering Available:...... Yes • Our 5-star food hygiene rated café serves up delicious varieties of hot and Alcohol Licence:...... No cold food, which can be eaten in doors or on our train Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 3 Miles • The Harris Museum (Preston City Centre – Free Admission) Number of Stations:...... 1 • Lancashire Infantry Museum (Fulwood Barracks, Free Admission) Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours • British Commercial Vehicle Museum (Leyland, Admission charge)
SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
Laxey Station, Laxey, Isle of Man
T: 01624 662525 E: [email protected] W: www.rail.im
Key Information Alight at Laxey Station to change to the Snaefell Mountain Railway – a unique Victorian enterprise. Built in 1895 and famously completed in just Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov seven months, the railway winds from Laxey village to the summit of Snaefell, Adult Ticket Price:...... Various the Island’s only mountain, where breath-taking views await. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... Various Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20+ • Stunning mountain scenery Pre-booking Essential:...... No • The highest and only Mountain on the Isle of Man Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... No • Original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock Disabled Access:...... No • Friendly and attentive staff Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • The Great Laxey Wheel Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • The Manx Electric Railway Length of Track:...... 4.8 Miles Number of Stations:...... 3 • The Isle of Man TT Races Average Length of Visit:...... 1-2 hours
42 Heritage Railway Association North West
SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY
Station Road, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3JB
T: 01434 338212 E: [email protected] W: www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk
Key Information Take a trip on the North of England’s award-winning narrow gauge railway winding from Alston to Slaggyford through the picturesque South Tyne Valley. Visit the Discovery Centre and the engineering workshop viewing gallery, Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct take in the breath-taking views and stop for a leisurely lunch or refreshments Adult Ticket Price:...... £11 at the Crossing Café. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • We are the only railway to run with a wood fired steam loco and our battery Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes electric locos, charged by solar power are regularly in service too Guided Tours:...... Possible • The views are amazing and from the pretty little station of Slaggyford you On-site Museum:...... Yes can look over the rooftops and enjoy a splendid view across the valley Disabled Access:...... Yes whilst you have a drink or snack from the buffet car cafe Catering Available:...... Yes • We’re fully accessible and dogs are welcome everywhere Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • The Hub Museum Length of Track:...... 5 Miles Number of Stations:...... 2 • The historic market town of Alston Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours • Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Heritage Railway Association 43 South East
AMBERLEY MUSEUM
New Barn Road, Amberley, Near Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT
T: 01798 831370 E: [email protected] W: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Key Information Explore the south’s working past at Amberley, with over 20 exhibition areas to discover and a working narrow-gauge railway. There is a display of industrial railway equipment, rolling stock and locomotives powered by steam, petrol, Period of Operation:...... 12 months diesel and electricity with a short length of standard gauge track. Adult Ticket Price:...... £13.60 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7.30 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Special events are held on many weekends throughout the year No. Required for Discount:...... 10 Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • See a 1931 electric set which ran on the Post Office underground railway Guided Tours:...... Yes beneath London On-site Museum:...... Yes • Mainstrike mine, featured in A View to a Kill, and Zorin Industries rolling stock Disabled Access:...... Yes • See a Guinness engine which worked on two different gauges within and Catering Available:...... Yes outside the Dublin brewery Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Goodwood Length of Track:...... 500m Number of Stations:...... 3 • Arundel Castle Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours • Weald & Downland Living Museum
BLUEBELL RAILWAY
Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL
T: 01825 720800 E: [email protected] W: www.bluebell-railway.com
Key Information Bluebell Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, and today runs steam-hauled trains across 11 miles of countryside between Sheffield Period of Operation:...... Feb - Dec Park and East Grinstead. In addition to regular passenger services, the railway Adult Ticket Price:...... £20 also runs a variety of dining services and family events across the year. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £10 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... - • Beautiful countryside across the line Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • SteamWorks! our interactive exhibition at Sheffield Park Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Our extensive collection of locomotives and rolling stock Disabled Access:...... Yes • Our accredited museum Catering Available:...... Yes • To help us celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2020 Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Sheffield Park Gardens Length of Track:...... 11 Miles Number of Stations:...... 4 • East Grinstead town centre Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours • Standen House and Gardens
44 Heritage Railway Association South East
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE
Station Road, Quainton, HP22 4BY
T: 01296 655720 E: [email protected] W: www.bucksrailcentre.org
Key Information A First Class day out – enjoy steam train rides and a ride on the miniature railway; also look around our extensive Railway Museum and impressive glass- roofed Visitor Centre. We are a working Steam Museum and have one of the Period of Operation:...... Apr - Sep UK’s largest collections of locomotives, rolling stock and railway memorabilia. Adult Ticket Price:...... £6 - £17 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4 - £13 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • We have one of the UK’s largest collections of locomotives, rolling stock No. Required for Discount:...... 15 or 25 and railway memorabilia. Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • 25-acre site to wander around at your leisure Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Step back in time with a ride on a train pulled by a beautifully restored steam locomotive Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Ride on our miniature railway with 1km of track, tunnel and level crossing! Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Easy, free, on-site car park with coach bays right by the entrance Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 1/3 Mile • Waddesdon Manor Number of Stations:...... 1 • Green Dragon Eco Farm Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours • Claydon House
CHINNOR AND PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY
Chinnor Station, Station Road, Chinnor OX39 4ER
T: 07718 003133 E: [email protected] W: www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
Key Information Friendly country branch line providing heritage train rides along the foot of the scenic Chiltern Hills between Chinnor and Princes Risborough. One- hour round trip with great views – look out for Whiteleaf Cross and our Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct famous Red Kites! Every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Mothering Sunday Adult Ticket Price:...... £12 to Halloween, plus Santa Specials. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £3 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10+ • Generous GROUP DISCOUNTS Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes Guided Tours:...... Yes • Great open countryside views On-site Museum:...... No • Midsomer County (combined walking tour in Thame & Cream Tea on train) Disabled Access:...... Yes • Cream Teas, Ploughman’s Lunches and Evening Dining Events Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • 6 mins from Junction 6 on the M40 Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 8 Miles • Hell Fire Caves Number of Stations:...... 2 • Tiggywinkles Average Length of Visit:...... 1.25 hours • Midsomer County Causton-Thame
Heritage Railway Association 45 South East
DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE
Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7JN
T: 01235 817200 E: [email protected] W: www.DidcotRailwayCentre.org.uk
Key Information Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum Period of Operation:...... Jan - Nov with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Visit the engine shed, Air Raid Adult Ticket Price:...... £7 or £12 Shelter and Signalling Centre. Traditional cream teas available for groups. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5 or £9 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Working steam engines and beautifully restored carriages Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Explore the original 1930s Engine Shed and 30 restored steam locomotives Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Fascinating small artefacts museum Disabled Access:...... Yes • See Brunel’s original Broad Gauge track Catering Available:...... Yes • Easy to get to by train – the entrance is via Didcot Parkway Station Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Nearby What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • 20 minutes from historic Oxford Length of Track:...... 0.75 Mile Number of Stations:...... n/a • Pendon Museum – superb model railways Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours • Abingdon and the River Thames
EAST KENT RAILWAY TRUST
Station Road, Shepherdswell, Kent, CT15 7PD
T: 01304 832042 E: [email protected] W: www.eastkentrailway.co.uk
Key Information An original Colonel Stephens Line built to serve the Kent Coalfields. Now the only original working proof that coalfields ever existed. Also home to restored WW2 Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct trenches in an ancient woodland. Operates a wide variety of stock. Adult Ticket Price:...... £7 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • A forgotten line that is experiencing a renaissance No. Required for Discount:...... 20 • Interesting collection of rolling stock Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Highly acclaimed 7 1/4 woodland miniature railway Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Restored WW2 trench system Disabled Access:...... Yes • Wonderful model railway housed in EX LMS and BR coaches Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Dover Castle Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - Length of Track:...... 2 Miles • Canterbury Cathedral Number of Stations:...... 2 • Day trip to France from Dover Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours
46 Heritage Railway Association South East
EXBURY GARDENS RAILWAY
Exbury Gardens, Summer Lane, Exbury, New Forest, Hampshire SO45 1AZ
T: 02380 891203 E: [email protected] W: www.exbury.co.uk
Key Information Exbury Gardens 12¼” gauge railway takes visitors in a coal-fired steam locomotive along the 1½ mile Rhododendron Line. The track runs alongside Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov the Rock Garden to Exbury North station in the American Garden, and Adult Ticket Price:...... £5.50 around Dragonfly pond. It then journeys through Summer Lane Garden, Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5.50 which is only accessible by train. Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15+ Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Beautiful 200 acre woodland gardens Guided Tours:...... Yes • 1.5 mile Steam railway On-site Museum:...... No • Group discounts Disabled Access:...... Yes • Famous rhododendrons and azaleas in Spring Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Ideal for families Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 1.5 Miles • Beaulieu Motor Museum Number of Stations:...... 3 • New Forest Wildlife Park Average Length of Visit:...... 3+ hours • Eling Tide Mill
Heritage Railway Association 47 South East
HAMPTON KEMPTON WATERWORKS RAILWAY
Snakey Lane, Hanworth, Middlesex, TW13 6XH (satnav TW13 7ND)
T: 07796322463 E: [email protected] W: www.hamptonkemptonrailway.org.uk
Key Information Sometimes known as the ‘secret railway’, Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway is the only 2 ft narrow-gauge railway heritage steam passenger railway Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov operating within the M25. Entirely managed and operated by volunteers, the Adult Ticket Price:...... £3 railway offers an exciting programme of events from March to November. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £1 Group Discount Available:...... Possible Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... - • Railway offers train rides in open countryside Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Great family day out with picnic tables and plenty of parking Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • Kempton Steam Museum adjacent to railway Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No • Brooklands Museum Coach Parking:...... Yes • Hampton Court Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Chessington World of Adventures Length of Track:...... 445m Number of Stations:...... - Average Length of Visit:...... 20 mins
HOLLYCOMBE STEAM IN THE COUNTRY
Iron Hill, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7LP
T: 01428 724900 E: [email protected] W: www.hollycombe.co.uk
Key Information The narrow gauge Quarry Railway is a 2 foot gauge steam railway running for approximately 1.5 miles through woodland and fields. The journey starts Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct at the station by the visitor centre, and travels through pretty woodland until Adult Ticket Price:...... £18 it reaches the old sandstone quarry. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £14 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Stunning views over the South Down’s National Park Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Historic rail dating back to the 1860s Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • Historic locomotive, dating back to 1895, regularly pulling the carriages Disabled Access:...... Yes • Historic carriages from the Ramsgate Electric Tunnel Railway Catering Available:...... Yes • Beyond the railway is a historic steam powered fairground Alcohol Licence:...... No Coach Parking:...... Possible What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Bird World Length of Track:...... 1.5 Miles Number of Stations:...... 1 • Petersfield Heath Average Length of Visit:...... 2.5 hours • Queen Elizabeth Country Park
48 Heritage Railway Association South East
ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY
Havenstreet, Isle of Wight, PO33 4DS
T: 01983 882204 E: [email protected] W: iwsteamrailway.co.uk
Key Information The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a beautifully preserved, heritage railway, creating the perfect backdrop to your day out. Recently museum accredited for the entire railway, enjoy a 10mile round trip aboard one of the beautifully Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct restored steam trains and take in the Island’s stunning countryside. Adult Ticket Price:...... £15.50 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7.50 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Possible • Perfectly preserved piece of history that appeals to visitors 2-102 years old No. Required for Discount:...... - • There’s a varied calendar of events from the 1940s experience, real ale Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes trains, the Island steam show and Santa specials to name a few Guided Tours:...... No • Train Story Discovery Centre - a fun interactive museum where history comes On-site Museum:...... Yes to life. If the doors are open, climb aboard and investigate the carriages Disabled Access:...... Yes • Haven Falconry - at an additional cost you can visit this bird of prey which Catering Available:...... Yes house over 22 birds, insects and more Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • The onsite gift shop has everything from pocket money gifts to books and Coach Parking:...... Yes teddies to scale models and sweet treats Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... No Length of Track:...... 5 Miles What else is in the area? Number of Stations:...... 4 • The Needles Landmark Attraction Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours • Shanklin Chine - the Island’s oldest visitor attraction • Robin Hill Country Park
KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
T: 01580 765155 E: [email protected] W: www.kesr.org.uk
Key Information Perfect to visit whatever the weather, the line gently wends its way from Tenterden for 10.5 miles, to terminate in the shadow of the National Trust castle at Bodiam. Period of Operation:...... Feb - Oct Refreshments at Tenterden station and on many trains, including cream teas, Adult Ticket Price:...... £19 light lunches and luxury Pullman dining. Pre booking essential. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £13 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Historic light railway Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Colonel Stephens Museum Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • Cavell Van on display at Bodiam station Disabled Access:...... Yes • Eclectic mix of engines and rolling stock Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • National Trust Castle at Bodiam Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Great Dixter Gardens at Northiam Length of Track:...... 10.5 Miles Number of Stations:...... 5 • Old Dairy Brewery – Behind Tenterden Town Station Average Length of Visit:...... 4.5 hours
Heritage Railway Association 49 South East
LAVENDER LINE
Isfield Station, Isfield, Uckfield TN22 5XB
T: 01825 750515 E: [email protected] W: www.lavender-line.co.uk
Key Information The Lavender line boasts a fantastic family atmosphere in the heart of East Sussex. The railway offers steam and diesel rides for a two mile round Period of Operation:...... Jan - Dec trip between the village of Isfield and Worth Halt located in the Parish of Adult Ticket Price:...... £5 Little Horsted. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 • Cinders Buffet for our all day breakfasts Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Children’s parties in a decorated coach Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... No • Take the train out and a country walk back (free map available) Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Laughing Fish real ale pub next door Coach Parking:...... Yes • Lewes for the castle and Anne of Cleves’ house Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - Length of Track:...... 1 Mile Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours
LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY
Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TG
T: 01525 373888 E: [email protected] W: www.buzzrail.co.uk
Key Information Built in 1919 from WW1 surplus materials to service the local Sand quarry industry, run by volunteers for the last 50 years, the route is a unique mix of rural and urban scenery, with a line that goes round sharp corners, up steep Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct hills and alongside roads. Adult Ticket Price:...... £10.50 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6.50 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Unique route and history No. Required for Discount:...... 4+ Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Large collection of industrial steam & diesel locomotives (not all the Guided Tours:...... Yes collection on view at all times) On-site Museum:...... No • Very flexible visiting arrangements for groups Disabled Access:...... Yes • Private charter opportunities at realistic prices Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No • Convenient location from M1 and London Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 3 Miles • Whipsnade Zoo Number of Stations:...... 2 • Woburn Abbey Average Length of Visit:...... 2+ hours • Bucks Railway Centre
50 Heritage Railway Association South East
MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’
The Railway Station, New Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG
T: 01962 733810 E: [email protected] W: www.watercressline.co.uk
Key Information Relive yesteryear at the Watercress Line. At over 150 years old, it is one of the most successful heritage steam railways in the country. Travelling our 10 Period of Operation:...... Feb - Oct mile line from one end to the other takes approximately 40 minutes. Adult Ticket Price:...... £16 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £8 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Hop on and off our trains all day with unlimited travel included in your ticket No. Required for Discount:...... 15+ • The four period stations along the line adjoin the South Downs National Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes Park so enjoy beautiful scenery Guided Tours:...... Yes • Investigate our impressive engineering sheds and see preservation in action On-site Museum:...... No Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Explore the colourful Georgian market town of Alresford Coach Parking:...... Yes • Jane Austen’s House Museum (Chawton) Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Chawton House (Alton) Length of Track:...... 10 Miles Number of Stations:...... 4 Average Length of Visit:...... Half day
Historic Boat Trips on the River Thames
including Royal Garden & River Cruise
01753 827345 frenchbrothers.co.uk
Heritage Railway Association 51 South East
ROMNEY, HYTHE & DYMCHURCH RAILWAY
2 Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL
T: 01797 362353 E: [email protected] W: www.rhdr.org.uk
Key Information Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway runs for 13 ½ miles from the picturesque Cinque Port town of Hythe, through the family-friendly seaside Period of Operation:...... Jan - Dec village to Dymchurch, towards the railway’s headquarters at New Romney Adult Ticket Price:...... £19 and finally reaching the National Nature Reserve of Dungeness. It is a winner Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £9.50 of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20+ Pre-booking Essential:...... No • 11 Steam locomotives Guided Tours:...... Yes • Engine Shed Tours available for groups On-site Museum:...... Yes • Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney Station Disabled Access:...... Yes • Afternoon Teas at Hythe Vintage Tea Room Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Interpretation Centre opening Summer 2020 Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 13.5 Miles • Dungeness National Nature Reserve Number of Stations:...... 5 • Royal Military Canal Average Length of Visit:...... 2.5 hours • Dymchurch Amusements and Beach
ROTHER VALLEY RAILWAY
Robertsbridge Junction Station, Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex. TN32 5DG
T: 01580 881833 E: [email protected] W: www.rvr.org.uk
Key Information The railway between Bodiam and Robertsbridge is still being reconstructed. Although not completed, Robertsbridge Junction Station is open and visitors are Period of Operation:...... n/a welcome to visit and take a look around, Sundays between 10.00 and 16.00. Adult Ticket Price:...... - Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... - Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... - • See the reconstruction taking place No. Required for Discount:...... - • Interesting insight into construction of railway lines Pre-booking Essential:...... - Guided Tours:...... - • Visit and look around on Sundays On-site Museum:...... - What else is in the area? Disabled Access:...... - Catering Available:...... - • Bluebell Railway Alcohol Licence:...... - • 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield Coach Parking:...... - • Herstmonceux Castle Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - Length of Track:...... - Number of Stations:...... - Average Length of Visit:...... -
52 Heritage Railway Association South East
SITTINGBOURNE & KEMSLEY LIGHT RAILWAY
The Wall, Sittingbourne Retail Park, Mill Way, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 2XD
T: 01795 424899 E: [email protected] W: www.sklr.net
Key Information This unusual narrow gauge steam railway operates between Sittingbourne Retail Park and the paper mill at Kemsley Down, where there is a museum, shop, café, toilets and picnic areas. The former industrial line passes over a Period of Operation:...... Apr - Sep 100-years old viaduct, through Milton Creek Country Park and across salt- Adult Ticket Price:...... £7.50 & fresh-water marshes. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £3.50 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Travel behind the original locomotives on their original line Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Travel in workers coaches Guided Tours:...... Yes • Air conditioned café serving freshly prepared light food, drinks, snacks and On-site Museum:...... Yes ice cream Disabled Access:...... No • Newly refurbished toilets at Kemsley Down Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No • No toilet facilities at Sittingbourne Viaduct Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 2 Miles • Eastchurch Aviation Museum Number of Stations:...... 2 • Leeds Castle Average Length of Visit:...... Varies • Rochester
New Barn Road, Amberley Nr Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT [email protected] Great Days Out for Groups at Amberley Museum
All aboard our 121⁄4” miniature steam railway!
36 acres to explore showcasing Special discount entry over 150 years of Sussex for groups. industrial heritage. Pre-book for talks, guides and Ride our heritagenarrow gauge specialist behind the scenes tours. railway and historic bus. Catering options also available. Alight from replica station Exbury Central for a 11⁄2 mile journey through our atmospheric woodland gardens. Marvel at our classic guard uniforms, use of flags, whistles and traditional calls, working turntable and railway shed that showcases historic train memorabilia. Exclusive group offers • Discounted entry Located in the South Downs National Park, our Museum is dedicated to • Free coach parking preserving the industrial heritage of the South East. • Head Gardener tours Discover heritage, transport, engineering and crafts • Chartered trains and buggies from the South’s working past. Call or email us now to book your visit or for more information Wheelchair accessible train carriages available
www.amberleymuseum.co.uk - 01798 831370 023 8089 1203 | www.exbury.co.uk New Forest, SO45 1AZ
Heritage Railway Association 53 South East
SPA VALLEY RAILWAY
West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
T: 01892 300141 E: [email protected] W: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Key Information The Spa Valley Railway operates wonderfully restored steam and heritage diesel train’s every weekend from the beginning of February to the end Period of Operation:...... Feb - Oct of October. We also operate on Thursdays from June to the beginning of Adult Ticket Price:...... £12 September with additional Tuesday & Wednesday services in August. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20 • Victorian Engine Shed at Tunbridge Wells West, parallel running next to the Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes national rail network Guided Tours:...... Possible • Fine restored carriages On-site Museum:...... No • Attractions at every station to visit and fantastic dining opportunities if Disabled Access:...... Yes booked in advance. Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • High Rocks Inn and Rocks Length of Track:...... 5.25 Miles • Groombridge Place Enchanted Forest Number of Stations:...... 4 • Royal Tunbridge Wells Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours
SWINDON & CRICKLADE RAILWAY
Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Swindon, SN25 2DA
T: 01793 771615 E: [email protected] W: www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org
Key Information The Swindon & Cricklade Railway offers a round-trip passenger journey of four and a half miles. Trains run between Hayes Knoll and Taw Valley Halt, Period of Operation:...... Feb - Dec accessible from Mouldon Hill Country Park. Blunsdon, with its large car park, Adult Ticket Price:...... £8 is the ‘way in’ to the Railway and offers refreshments, plus souvenir shop. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6 Group Discount Available:...... Families Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... - • Wiltshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Large locomotive shed and workshops Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... Yes • UK’s smallest Wartime museum Disabled Access:...... Yes • Ex-MSWJR line Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Possible • STEAM Museum Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Cricklade Town Length of Track:...... 2.25 Miles Number of Stations:...... 3 • Mouldon Hill Country Park Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours
54 Heritage Railway Association South East
THAMES STEAM PACKET BOAT COMPANY
The Clewer Boathouse, Clewer Court Rd, Windsor. Berkshire, SL4 5JH
T: 01753 827377 E: [email protected] W: www.thamessteam.com
Key Information Steam launches Nuneham and Streatley are examples of Victorian steam boats. Built for Salters for the Oxford to Kingston service, they worked with British Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct Rail connecting riverside towns with the rail network and the river. This allowed Adult Ticket Price:...... £15 - £60 the Victorians to enjoy a days holiday; one can still enjoy those benefits today. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £11 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 20 • Sissons triple expansion steam engine Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • McEwans coal fired boiler Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... No • Beautiful resoration of extremely rare steam passenger vessel Disabled Access:...... Varies What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... - • Historic Runnymede Coach Parking:...... Yes • Windsor Castle Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • River Thames Length of Track:...... n/a Number of Stations:...... n/a Average Length of Visit:...... 1-3 hours
VISIT THE KENT & EAST TENTERDENSUSSEX RAILWAY ENJOY A PASTRY,ENJOY CREAM THE TEA ROMANCE OR A PLOUGHMANS OF STEAM LUNCH DURING YOUR TRIP BACK TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM FREE COACH PARKING • GREAT GROUP RATES • GIFT SHOP • JUST OFF THE A28 ON THE WAY TO HASTINGS www.kesr.org.uk
Heritage Railway Association 55 South West
AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD
T: 0117 932 5538 E: [email protected] W: www.avonvalleyrailway.org
Key Information Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a route to link the Midlands and South Coast the line was closed in the 1960s under the Beeching cuts. Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct Today, 40 years on, three miles of track has been re-laid, locomotives and Adult Ticket Price:...... £9 carriages restored, and the sound of steam can be heard once again along Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6 the Avon Valley between Bristol and Bath. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 20 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • See the beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton Guided Tours:...... No • Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind a steam or diesel locomotive on On-site Museum:...... No the hour-long trip Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the station Buffet Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • SS Great Britain Length of Track:...... 3 Miles • Aerospace Bristol Number of Stations:...... 3 • Bristol City Museums Average Length of Visit:...... 2.5 hours
BABBACOMBE CLIFF RAILWAY
Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LF
T: 01803 328750 E: topstation@babbacombecliffrailway. co.uk W: www.babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk
Key Information Built in 1926, Babbacombe Cliff Railway provides a fun and unique way to travel from the top of Babbacombe Downs, the highest clifftop promenade in England, Period of Operation:...... All year down to Oddicombe Beach. Learn about us at our Free Seasonal Visitor Centre. Adult Ticket Price:...... £2.90 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £2.10 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Possible • Clifftop promenade with breathtaking views over to Portland Bill in Dorset No. Required for Discount:...... - • Access to two beaches, Oddicombe Beach at the bottom of the railway Pre-booking Essential:...... No and a short stroll along the coastal path you’ll find Babbacombe Beach Guided Tours:...... No • Popular with local anglers On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes What else is in the area? Catering Available:...... No Alcohol Licence:...... No • Babbacombe Model Village Coach Parking:...... No • Babbacombe Theatre Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Bygones Length of Track:...... 720ft Number of Stations:...... 2 Average Length of Visit:...... -
56 Heritage Railway Association South West
BIDEFORD RAILWAY HERITAGE CENTRE
Station Hill, East the Water, EX39 4BB
T: 07854590503 E: [email protected] W: www.bidefordrailway.co.uk
Key Information Restored railway station on the Tarka Trail with café, signal box, locomotive and brake van and Interpretation Centre. We also manage Instow signal box Period of Operation:...... 6 months 3 miles away. Limited opening, check website, but sites always accessible Adult Ticket Price:...... Donation from Tarka Trail. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... Donation Group Discount Available:...... - Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... - • New interactive Interpretation Centre about the railways of north Devon Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Rebuilt signal box with levers Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • Café in a coach Disabled Access:...... No • Occasional locomotive operation Catering Available:...... Yes • Accessible for walkers and cyclists on the Tarka Trail Alcohol Licence:...... No Coach Parking:...... No What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Bideford is an attractive seaport on the River Torridge Length of Track:...... 227 yards Number of Stations:...... 1 • Working port from where you can board a ferry to Lundy Island Average Length of Visit:...... 30 mins • 24-arched bridge wbuilt around 1500, replacing timber bridge from 1280
BODMIN & WENFORD RAILWAY
Bodmin General Station, Bodmin, PL31 1AQ
T: 01208 73555 E: [email protected] W: www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Key Information Discover Cornwall’s railway heritage at its best with a journey aboard a heritage steam or diesel train trip, magically transporting you back to a previous era of travel, exploring six and a half miles of track across two Period of Operation:...... - branch lines at one of the country’s finest heritage railways. Adult Ticket Price:...... - Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... - Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Between 10% and 20% off standard Booking Office prices No. Required for Discount:...... 10 Pre-booking Essential:...... No • No deposit required Guided Tours:...... Yes • Free entry for one driver and one group organiser, tour escort or Blue On-site Museum:...... Yes Badge Guide per group Disabled Access:...... Yes • Optional guided tours and talks Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No • Discounted Guide Books Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 6.5 Miles • The Keep, Cornwall’s Army Museum Number of Stations:...... 4 • Bodmin Jail Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours • Lanhydrock House
Heritage Railway Association 57 South West
DARTMOUTH STEAM RAILWAY & RIVER BOAT COMPANY
Queen’s Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6AF
T: 01803 555872 E: [email protected] W: www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
Key Information Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travel seven miles along the most spectacular South Devon coast down into the Dart Valley, a designated Period of Operation:...... Feb - Dec area of outstanding beauty; with stations at Goodrington Sands, Churston Adult Ticket Price:...... £18.90 and the beautiful village of Kingswear which sits proudly opposite the pretty Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £11.50 Port of Dartmouth. Group Discount Available:...... 10% No. Required for Discount:...... 20+ Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Stunning team train journey alongside coast, through countryside and Guided Tours:...... No alongside the River Dart On-site Museum:...... Yes • Fantastic River Dart trip options to choose from Disabled Access:...... Yes Catering Available:...... Yes • Sera trips across Torbay and from Torbay to Dartmouth via Brixham Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... No Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Possible • Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Length of Track:...... 7 Miles • Living Coasts Number of Stations:...... 5 • UNESCO Global Geopark Average Length of Visit:...... Varies
DEAN FOREST RAILWAY
Norchard Station, Forest Road, Lydney, Glos. GL15 4ET
T: 01594 845840 E: [email protected] W: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
Key Information Located in the beautiful Forest of Dean, the Dean Forest railway offers a relaxing scenic trip through the forest, with a variety of extra options including on board cream teas, fish and chip suppers, evening dining trains Period of Operation:...... Mar - Nov and even murder mysteries! Adult Ticket Price:...... £14 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £6 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • Unique views of the Forest of Dean No. Required for Discount:...... 20 • Unlimited day travel, allowing you to hop on and off throughout the day, Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes with plenty of forest walks to traverse from most stations Guided Tours:...... Yes • Great museum full of the history of the Severn & Wye Railway On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • Fully licensed café & on train buffet able to cover you for all requirements Catering Available:...... Yes • Large gift shop, with an extensive collection of books and memorabilia, as Alcohol Licence:...... Yes well as a great range of toys for the little (and not so little) ones Coach Parking:...... Yes Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes What else is in the area? Length of Track:...... 4.5 Miles • Puzzlewood Number of Stations:...... 5 • The Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst Average Length of Visit:...... 2.5 hours • Clearwell Caves
58 Heritage Railway Association South West
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE STEAM RAILWAY
Churchward House, Winchcombe Railway Station, Winchcombe GL54 5LD
T: 01242 621405 E: [email protected] W: www.gwsr.com
Key Information 28 mile round trip through glorious scenery. Travel from Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe or Cheltenham Race Course stations. Free Period of Operation:...... Mar - Dec car and coach parking. Heritage steam engines and diesel locomotives. Adult Ticket Price:...... £20 Café, shop and small museum at Toddington. Cafés at Broadway and Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £8 Winchcombe. Famous 15 arch Stanway viaduct. Greet tunnel 693 yards. Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10+ Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • The friendly volunteers who run the railway Guided Tours:...... Yes • Beautiful views of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills On-site Museum:...... Yes • Station Cafes and on Train Catering Disabled Access:...... Yes • Children’s play area at Toddington station Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • Free car parking at all our stations Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 14.25 Miles • Broadway Village Number of Stations:...... 6 • Hailes Abbey Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours • Winchcombe Village
West Somerset Railway Yarn Market Hotel GROUP TRAVEL
Dunster, Exmoor A great day out Friendly family-run hotel in centre of Group benefits offered when historic village in booked in advance of travel Exmoor National Park. Close to Dunster Castle
and the West Somerset
Railway.
The hotel was a finalist in the Group Travel Awards for 2018 & 2019 In the category “Best 20 miles of tranquil steam hauled Individual hotel for groups”. travel through the Quantock Hills and along the coast. Tel: +44 (0) 1643 821425 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT US AT Website: www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk WWW.WEST-SOMERSET-RAILWAY.CO.UK Email: [email protected] OR CALL US ON 01643 700398
Heritage Railway Association 59 South West
HELSTON RAILWAY
Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0RY
T: 07796807272 E: [email protected] W: www.helstonrailway.co.uk
A hidden gem in West Cornwall and has the most southerly station in Britain. Key Information The railway is run by volunteers and prides itself on being a small and friendly attraction. Runs standard gauge diesel and steam locomotives with Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct stunning views across the Cornish countryside to the Lizard and the coast. Adult Ticket Price:...... £8 Reasons to Visit: Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £5 • Winners of the 2019 HRA National Annual Award, and the 2019 Cornish Group Discount Available:...... Yes Buildings Group award, for our outstanding new station at Truthall Halt. A No. Required for Discount:...... 20 beautiful recreation of a long lost GWR station on our branch line Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Running days are Thursdays and Sundays every week, and Wednesdays Guided Tours:...... No during school holidays On-site Museum:...... No • Special events are run on bank holiday weekends. Coach parties may be Disabled Access:...... No accommodated on other days by arrangement Catering Available:...... Yes • We also have a buffet offering light lunches, hot snacks and cakes and a Alcohol Licence:...... No well-stocked shop with a large selection of preloved railway books and Coach Parking:...... Yes railway themed gifts Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - Length of Track:...... 1.25 Miles What else is in the area? Number of Stations:...... 3 • Gweek Seal Sanctuary Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours • Poldark Mine • Flambards
LAPPA VALLEY
St Newlyn East, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5LX
T: 01872 510317 E: [email protected] W: www.lappavalley.co.uk
Key Information Lappa Valley is the only attraction in Cornwall that transports families on an exciting nostalgic steam train ride into a secret world of traditional Period of Operation:...... All year fun and family adventures. Children will delight in the thrill of trains and Adult Ticket Price:...... £13.95 boats, explore nature and let off steam in our adventure play areas before Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £411.95 refuelling in comfort at the fantastic café. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 10 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Nostalgic steam train rides Guided Tours:...... No • Family adventure and play On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • Outdoor fun in green spaces Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Newquay beaches - Fistral Beach, Watergate Bay, Crantock & Holywell Bay Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... - • Newquay Zoo Length of Track:...... 1 Miles • National Trust Trerice Number of Stations:...... 3 Average Length of Visit:...... 3-4 hours
60 Heritage Railway Association South West
LAUNCESTON STEAM RAILWAY
St Thomas’ Road, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8DA
T: 01566 775665 E: [email protected] W: www.launcestonsr.co.uk
Key Information Launceston, the ancient capital of Cornwall, is a fascinating town, with many interesting buildings, the famous castle, and an excellent museum. Period of Operation:...... Apr - Oct This narrow-gauge railway has been built on part of the trackbed of the Adult Ticket Price:...... £11.50 former North Cornwall Railway, and it offers a gentle nostalgic ride through Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7.45 un-spoilt Cornish countryside. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 15+ Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Beautiful unspoilt valley with walks Guided Tours:...... Possible • Victorian narrow gauge steam locomotives, wholly maintained in the workshops On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • Excellent specialist railway bookshop and DVDs Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Launceston Castle (Norman, reciprocal discounts) Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Town Museum Length of Track:...... 2.5 Miles • St Mary Magdalene’s church – noted for its unique carved granite exterior, Number of Stations:...... 2 fine Victorian interior, and Charles Causley connection Average Length of Visit:...... 1.5 hours
South Devon railway
far more PERFECT FOR GROUPS & COACH TRAVEL than a SPECIAL RATES & TRAMS AVAILABLE! PERFECT FOWWRW .GTRARMO.COU.UPK/SGROUPS steam & COACH TRAVEL SPECIAL RATES & TRAMS AVAILABLE! train ride WOWWP.TERANM.CO .DUK/AGRIOLUPYS DRIVER’S EYE EXPERIENCE & TRAM DRIVING LESSONS A first class destination and AVAILABLE a warm welcome for groups. 30TH MAR - 3RD NOV Easy access from the A38 TH TH and free coach parking at 27 DEC - 5 JAN Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ
Ask us about... FOR MORE VISIT TRAM.CO.UK Buckfastleigh • Staverton • Totnes
TRAM.CO.UK [email protected] 01297 20375 HARBOUR ROAD, SEATON, EX12 2WD www.southdevonrailway.co.uk 01364 644370
Heritage Railway Association 61 South West
LYNTON & BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY
Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross, Parracombe, Barnstaple, EX31 4RA
T: 01598 763487 E: [email protected] W: www.lynton-rail.co.uk
Key Information Take a journey back in time to a slower age. Woody Bay Station, opened in 1898 is the ideal place to board a narrow-gauge steam train for a two- Period of Operation:...... Mar - Sep mile round-trip in Victorian railway carriages through some of the loveliest Adult Ticket Price:...... £7.50 countryside in North Devon. All day Tickets. Dogs go free. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £3 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 8 • Unique experience unlike any other in England Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Victorian trains run every day we are open Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... No • Home of the World’s only new build American steam loco Disabled Access:...... Yes • Unique carriages cannot be seen anywhere else Catering Available:...... Yes • The longest closed railway to have been reopened in the UK Alcohol Licence:...... No Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Lynton & Lynmouth Victorian Cliff Railway Length of Track:...... 1 Mile Number of Stations:...... 2 • Exmoor Zoo Average Length of Visit:...... 45 mins • Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
LYNTON & LYNMOUTH CLIFF RAILWAY
The Esplanade, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6EQ
T: 01598 753486 E: [email protected] W: www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk
Key Information This historic water powered Victorian railway opened in 1890 and has connected the twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth ever since. The 862 feet of track rises 500 feet with an impressive gradient of 57% providing stunning views across Lynmouth Bay Period of Operation:...... Feb - Nov and the area affectionately known as ‘England’s Little Switzerland’. Adult Ticket Price:...... £3 Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £2 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes • The only remaining fully water powered railway in the UK No. Required for Discount:...... 25 Pre-booking Essential:...... No • The highest & steepest fully water powered railway in the world Guided Tours:...... No • Stunning views & Cliff Top Café On-site Museum:...... No • Listed heritage monument Disabled Access:...... Yes • Popular attraction for all ages, dogs welcome too Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... No • Lynton & Lynmouth is ‘Englands Switzerland’ with a range of shops, Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... No museums and walks to explore Valley of the Rocks, a designated Site of Length of Track:...... 862ft Scientific Interest with its own family of resident goats! Number of Stations:...... 2 • Scenic boat trips & fishing from the picturesque Lynmouth harbor and Average Length of Visit:...... 30 mins breathtaking views
62 Heritage Railway Association South West
SEATON TRAMWAY
Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQ
T: 01297 20375 E: [email protected] W: www.tram.co.uk
Key Information Operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton & Colyton in East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves, giving an unrivalled view of the abundant Period of Operation:...... 9 months wading bird life. With open top double decker & enclosed Saloons, it’s all Adult Ticket Price:...... £12 weather travel at Seaton Tramway. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £9.60 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 12-20 • Unique transport Pre-booking Essential:...... No • 3 miles of Countryside views Guided Tours:...... Yes On-site Museum:...... No • All Weather Travel Disabled Access:...... Yes • Heritage Stations Catering Available:...... Yes • Award winning Customer Service Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Opposite What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Jurassic Coast Length of Track:...... 3 Miles Number of Stations:...... 3 • Lyme Regis, Fossil Coastline Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours • Donkey Sanctuary
PAIGNTON • DARTMOUTH • TOTNES
Heritage Railway Association 63 South West
SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY
The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0DZ
T: 01364 644370 E: [email protected] W: www.southevonrailway.co.uk
Key Information Take a trip back in time on the South Devon Railway, a delightful steam train journey along the banks of the River Dart, through some of Devon’s most Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct beautiful countryside on a typical West Country rural branch line. It offers Adult Ticket Price:...... £16 a memorable experience with outstanding appeal across all age ranges Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £10 and interests. Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 10 Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Historic steam train trip through beautiful scenery Guided Tours:...... Possible • Award-winning gardens On-site Museum:...... Yes • Museum of railway artefacts Disabled Access:...... Yes • Well-stocked shop and refreshment rooms Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes • A friendly welcome Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... 7 Miles • Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies Number of Stations:...... 3 • Totnes Rare Breeds Farm Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours • Buckfast Abbey
STEAM – MUSEUM OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EY
T: 01793 466637 E: [email protected] W: www.steam-museum.org.uk
Key Information STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway is housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed railway building in the heart of the former Swindon Period of Operation:...... Jan - Dec railway works. The Museum tells the story of the men and women who built, Adult Ticket Price:...... £9.80 operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £7.30 Reasons to Visit: Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • Experience STEAM’s story-telling displays Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Become acquainted with legendary locomotives including: No. 6000 King Guided Tours:...... Yes George V, No. 3717 City of Truro, and No. 2818 On-site Museum:...... Yes • Try your hand at many interactive and hands-on exhibits to suit all ages Disabled Access:...... Yes • Discover many special events throughout the year, including the renowned Catering Available:...... Yes Swindon Railway Festival on 12 and 13 September Alcohol Licence:...... Yes Coach Parking:...... Yes What else is in the area? Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes Length of Track:...... n/a • Swindon Designer Outlet Number of Stations:...... n/a • Swindon & Cricklade Railway Average Length of Visit:...... 2-3 hours • Lydiard Park
64 Heritage Railway Association South West
SWANAGE RAILWAY
Station House, Station Approach, Swanage BH19 1HB
T: 01929 425800 E: [email protected] W: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Key Information Swanage Railway is an award-winning heritage steam railway operating between Swanage, gateway to the Jurassic Coast and Corfe Castle on the Isle of Period of Operation:...... All year Purbeck in Dorset. The railway operates daily April to October and at weekends Adult Ticket Price:...... £15 and school holidays during other times except January and November. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £8 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 15 • The most convenient way to travel twixt Castle and Coast Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • The glorious Isle of Purbeck countryside with views of iconic Corfe Castle Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • The romance of travelling by steam train aboard our heritage coaches Disabled Access:...... Yes • Step back in time and explore our stations and museums Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Corfe Castle (National Trust Property) Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • Swanage (Sandy beaches and Pier) Length of Track:...... 6 Miles Number of Stations:...... 5 • Etches Fossil Collection (Kimmeridge) Average Length of Visit:...... 3 hours
Heritage Railway Association 65 South West
WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY
The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG
T: 01643 704996 E: [email protected] W: www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Key Information The West Somerset Railway is a heritage railway running between Bishops Lydeard (which is 4 miles outside Somerset’s County Town Taunton) and the Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct coastal town of Minehead. There are 10 stations to explore along the way, Adult Ticket Price:...... See online giving you access to varying jewels of Somerset including coastal walks, Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... See online beaches, a medieval village and a harbour town. Group Discount Available:...... Yes No. Required for Discount:...... 16 Reasons to Visit: Pre-booking Essential:...... Yes • Heritage fleet of locomotives including Steam services in operation Guided Tours:...... No • Longest railway in the country On-site Museum:...... Yes Disabled Access:...... Yes • Somerset views from Countryside to Coast Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... Yes What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... Yes • Dunster Castle in the medieval village of Dunster Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Yes • The coastal town of Minehead with large sandy beach Length of Track:...... 20 Miles • The historic harbour town of Watchet, which is said to be the inspiration Number of Stations:...... 10 behind the romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem Ancient Mariner Average Length of Visit:...... 1 hour 20
YEOVIL RAILWAY CENTRE
Yeovil Junction Station, Stoford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 9UU
T: 01935 410420 E: [email protected] W: www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com
Key Information Friendly and welcoming. Regular steam train days (+ diesel in August) – please see website/Facebook for dates. Special events arranged and main Period of Operation:...... Mar - Oct line steam visits which can be viewed from turntable viewing platform. Adult Ticket Price:...... £8 Halloween and Santa events. Light refreshments & Shop. Senior/Junior Ticket Price:...... £4 Group Discount Available:...... Yes Reasons to Visit: No. Required for Discount:...... 8 • Offer a wide variety of special events through year Pre-booking Essential:...... No • Great value Guided Tours:...... No On-site Museum:...... Yes • Family friendly Disabled Access:...... Limited • Visits by different main line steam engines Catering Available:...... Yes Alcohol Licence:...... No What else is in the area? Coach Parking:...... No • Avon Valley Railway Driver / Organiser Incentive:...... Possible • East Somerset Railway Length of Track:...... 0.33 Mile Number of Stations:...... 1 • West Somerset Railway Average Length of Visit:...... 2 hours
66 Heritage Railway Association South West
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2020 Edition Issue 2 Jan 2020 FREE association of association of THE BLUEPRINT GUIDE TO THE BLUEPRINT GUIDE group travel organisers THE BLUEPRINT GUIDE group travel organisers SHREWSBURY POCKET BOOK GROUP TRAVEL MAGAZINE TOWN GUIDE 2020 ESSENTIAL READING FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE | August 2019 issue 4
RAILWAYS OF THE STUNNING WHAT’S ON BRITAIN SOUTH WEST FOR GROUPS
www.blueprintguide.co.uk 2020 Find the perfect Inspiration for visiting The best upcoming railway for your our brilliant spotlight events for your next Group Travel Guide ESSENTIAL READING FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE itinerary | p.8 region | p.20 group trip | p.5 published in co-operation with THE ASSOCIATION OF GROUP TRAVEL ORGANISERS MEMBERS HANDBOOK 2020/21
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