With restrictions easing and businesses opening, it’s the perfect time to start planning you’re next trip to one of the many steam railways in the UK.
Whether you’re after a leisurely ride on a steam train or looking for a bit of culture at a museum, these rail companies have got you covered.
Apedale Valley Light Railway
The Apedale Valley Light Railway, operated by the volunteers of the Moseley Railway Trust, runs 2’0” gauge steam and diesel trains on a short railway near Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
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We hope to open to the public for 2021 on April 17. Special events are arranged throughout the year, including Santa trains.
Visit the website, www.avlr.org.uk or find us on social media for more information.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
The ‘Friendly Line in the Cotswolds’ offers a unique opportunity to sample train travel from 50 years ago.
This 30 mile round trip from Broadway to Cheltenham Race Course has glorious views and a friendly welcome, making it a great day out for all the family.
Find the website at www.gwsr.com.
Ffestiniog Railway Co.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are moving forward with hope that 2021 will be a brighter year.
In accordance with Government guidelines, we plan on reopening our services on Saturday, 1st May with a series of new travel experiences.
Online bookings open 29th March. If you are holidaying in late April, check our social media in case we can open earlier.
Check out the website, www.festrail.co.uk for more information.
Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
RH&DR runs for 13 ½ miles from the Cinque Port town of Hythe towards the railway’s headquarters at New Romney and finally reaching the National Nature Reserve of Dungeness.
We’ve implemented a range of additional health and safety measures to protect our passengers and teams.
Our world-famous steam locomotives are the same, but our journeys will be a little different.
Find out more at www.rhdr.org.uk.
Tarka Valley Railway
Phase One now runs through the platform of Torrington Station to the first overbridge, some 300 metres, plus a Siding, all work will be completed by summer 2021.
Phase Two extends the line to the first bridge over the River Torridge and will include a Halt at the Rolle Canal.
Visit the Tarka Valley Railway website at www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk or contact us at [email protected].
Middleton Railway Trust Ltd.
Middleton Railway runs to Middleton Park every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Steam trains run – subject to availability – every hour between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.
Moor Road station and Museum is Covid secure, disabled friendly and light refreshments are available. Free on-site car parking.
Full details can be found on our website at www.middletonrailway.org.uk.
Stephenson Steam Railway
Explore our museum which houses a range of fascinating locomotives, including ‘Billy’, the third oldest steam locomotive in the world.
New for this year are displays and interpretation celebrating the achievements of railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson.
On scheduled days, take a ride on a 1950s passenger train pulled by steam or heritage diesel locomotives.
Find out more at www.stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk.
Exbury Gardens Ltd.
Exbury Gardens Steam Railway is opening to the public on 12th April with additional COVID-19 safety measures in place.
The 200-acre garden is home to a 12½ inch narrow-gauge railway that takes passengers on a delightful 1½ mile journey through the world-famous Rothschild gardens.
Discover more information at www.exbury.co.uk.
