The Heritage Railway Association Group Travel Guide

CONTENTS

A WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR, DAVE RICHARDSON.................................................................5

MARK L. SMITH,VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION ................................................7

DR PETE WATERMAN, OBE, DL..............................................................................................................................9

NATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR VISITOR ATTRACTIONS.............................................11

COLOUR-CODED MAP OF REGIONS...............................................................................................................12

REGIONAL FOCUS ................................................................................................................................................13 – 62

APPENDIX OF HERITAGE RAILWAYS....................................................................................................63 – 73

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS............................................................................................................................................74

Published by Blueprint Travel Media LtdPublisher - Matthew Price Suite 1, Sabrina House, Sabrina Court, Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7BFTel: 01743 231135 Fax: 01743 243393 Email: [email protected] Website: www.blueprintguide.co.uk

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THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2011 is distributed free of charge to a controlled circulation including members of the Group TravelOrganisers Association, the Coach Tourism Council 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 informationcontained 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 guidemay be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form whatsoever. Any infringement of the copyright will be vigorously pursued.

Photo Credits:Avon Valley Railway, Bala Lake Railway, Beamish, Bluebell Railway, Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway – Ian Lothian, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bure ValleyRailway, Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway – Rich Evans, Churnet Valley Railway – Dave Gibson, Crich Tramway Village, Dartmouth Steam Railway &Riverboat Company, Dean Forest Railway, East Lancashire Railway, Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway – ExburyGardens Ltd, Ffestiniog Railway – Bob Bloodworth & Roger Dimmick, Foxfield Railway, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Great Central Railway - © SteveTaylor, Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, Isle of Man Railways, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Keith & DufftownRailway, Kirklees Light Railway, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Launceston Steam Railway, Leighton Buzzard Railway, Llanberis Lake Railway, LlangollenRailway – Rishi Sharma, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Mid Hants Railway - Watercress Line - © Jarrold Publishing, Middleton Railway – Andrew Gill, MidlandRailway, Butterley, Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, National Railway Museum, Nene Valley Railway, North Norfolk Railway – Poppy Line, NorthYorkshire Moors Railway, Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway – Alistair Grieve, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Ribble Steam Railway, Romney, Hythe &Dymchurch Railway, Severn Valley Railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway, South Devon Railway, South Tynedale Railway - © D. Hewitt, STEAM – Museumof the Great Western Railway, Strathspey Railway, Swanage Railway – Andrew P.M. Wright, Talyllyn Railway, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, WaverleyExcursions, Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, Welsh Highland Railway – Roger Dimmick & Robin Stewart-Smith, Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway,Wensleydale Railway, West Coast Railways - The Jacobite - © VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint, West Somerset Railway

3THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE

4 THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE

More special events are held on all three railways throughout the year.Check www.iombusandrail.info or call 01624 662525 for details.

ISLE OF MAN RAILWAYS

2011 SCHEDULED SERVICESSteam Railway: Saturday 12th March to Sunday 6th November

Manx Electric Railway: Saturday 19th March to Sunday 6th November

Snaefell Mountain Railway: Saturday 16th April to Sunday 2nd October

2011 SPECIAL EVENTSRush Hour on the Railways: Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th AprilManx Heritage Transport Festival: Wednesday 27th to Sunday 31st July

Open Wednesdays throughout August

Chain Caul Road, Preston PR2 2PDTel: 01772 728800 www.ribblesteam.org.uk

The Ribble Steam Railway is basedon the docks in Preston. Visitorscan travel behind one of ourrestored steam engines in old-fashioned carriages, enjoying athree-mile return trip around thedock and along the riverbank,taking in views that can only beseen from the railway.

There’s much more than just atrain ride to enjoy - we have anextensive museum that houses avariety of industrial locomotives -some of which we invite you to get‘hands on’ with - and a series ofdisplays about the history ofPreston Docks, its railways and itsoperation.

When you’ve visited the museum,why not relax with a snack anddrink in our tea room and thenhave a look in our workshop,where you can see the work inprogress on the many projectsunder way?

The railway is open every weekendand Bank Holiday from May toOctober, and also at Easter and onSundays in April. In the winter, wehave Santa Special trains runningon weekends in December.

We also have a number of specialevents throughout the year - callour Talking Timetable for moreinformation.

A great day out - whatever the weather!

RIBBLE STEAM RAILWAY

• Go back in time to how train travel used to be from the

1950s through to the 1980s

• 16 miles of railway through Herriot and Turner country

- the stunning Yorkshire Dales

• Take in the best of the National Park, with a trip back in

time on a vintage bus of the 1960s to Aysgarth Falls

• Experience the classic Yorkshire market towns of Bedale

and Leyburn with something to enchant everyone from the

hungry to the curious

• Operating from 12th February to 31st December 2011

• Perfect for groups, schools and families - offering great

discounts for groups

WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY

1 Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton,

North Yorkshire DL7 9AR

Tel: 01677 425805 / 08454 50 54 74 • Fax: 01677 427029

E: [email protected] W: www.wensleydalerailway.com

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Exactly 60 years ago, a bunch of volunteers in an obscure part ofWales got together to save an old railway line, little realising theywere about to make history. The Talyllyn Railway became thefirst preserved or heritage line in the world, at a time when no-one could foresee the end of steam power and the destruction ofmany rural railways which were to follow in the 1960s. Thisyear’s anniversary celebrations at Tywyn on the Talyllyn Railwayare an opportunity to celebrate a thriving heritage railwaymovement that has since spread around the world.

Heritage railways are now major contributors to the tourismindustry and the areas around them. Just a few miles up the coast

from Tywyn at Porthmadog, the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways generate over £15million a year for the local economy and create 350 jobs in addition to their 65 full-time staff.The bunting will be out at Porthmadog too this year as the link between these two railwaysis finally completed, creating a 40-mile route from Caernarfon to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

When we think of heritage railways we think of steam engines and rural branch lines, but theyare more diverse than that. In this guide you will also find details of museums welcominggroups, from the National Railway Museum to working depots where engines are preparedin much the same way as for over 150 years. Many attractions also use historic diesels and afew run vintage electric trams. And don’t forget day excursion operators on the national railsystem, some of which run steam-hauled tours on a regular basis which are ideal for groups.

Heritage railways are not all about the past, but also about the future. A few railways plancommuter services to take traffic off roads in areas of great beauty, while engineering skillsare being passed on to a new generation. The first newly built large steam locomotive fornearly 50 years, Tornado, is a regular sight up and down the country, while the FfestiniogRailway claims the distinction of building locomotives across three centuries –including the 21st!

This guide lists most railways and museums that welcome groups – including those in Irelandfor the first time – but there are many more. For a full listing, see the Heritage RailwayAssociation website – www.heritagerailways.com

In 2010 I visited railways as far apart as the Strathspey in Scotland and the Swanage Railwayin Dorset, from the Talyllyn in West Wales to the Colne Valley in East Anglia. This is thethird edition of the guide and I’m seeing a lot more coach groups on my travels – long maythat continue!

Dave Richardson

THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE

A WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR


The Lavender Line is part ofthe former Lewes to UckfieldRailway opened on 18th October1858. Between 1859 and 1922the line was operated by theLondon, Brighton and SouthCoast Railway and passed intothe ownership of the SouthernRailway in 1923. In 1948 it thenbecame part of the nationalisedBritish Railways SouthernRegion.

In its heyday, the line sawextensive use by local, London,Brighton, Tunbridge Wells andDover services. However, dueto a combination of factorsincluding the Beeching cutsand the unsafe bridges on theapproach to Lewes, the line wasclosed on 22nd February 1969.

In the 1980s the railway passedinto private hands and the thenowner started to rebuild the track.

Alas he was not able to continuewith the line and it was sold to thecurrent preservation society inthe early 1990s.

Isfield station has now beenrestored to early SouthernRailway colours and looks verymuch as it would have done inthe 1920's and 30's. The trackhas been extensively overhauledand modified since the societytook over and the line is approxone mile long.

Why are we called theLavender Line?This is because the coalmerchants which used to operatefrom Isfield station yard were A.E.Lavender and Sons of Ringmerand uniquely Isfield retains its oldcoal office which has beenrestored and now houses ourmodel railway.

Address: The Lavender Line, Isfield Station,Near Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5XB

Tel: 01825 750515 Website: www.lavender-line.co.uk

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Welcome to the 2011 edition of THE HERITAGE RAILWAYASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE. For so many people,journeys by train have signalled important moments in ourlives. Leaving home for college, university, a new job or to servein the forces, our great celebrations, that first independentholiday, honeymoon, or maybe just a special escape for a muchneeded break.

A visit to a heritage railway captures this and offers a perfectopportunity to indulge in reminiscence or nostalgia especially forour older passengers. However a trip on one of our trains offersso much more. Many of our lines traverse beautiful or otherwise

inaccessible countryside. They offer a pink knuckle ride usually from a comfortable seat, wellheated in the cooler months, and always with a good view from the carriage window.

“The heritage railways listed in this guideare here because they make special

efforts for parties.”A heritage railway is much more than an indulgence in nostalgia. Most steam trains werereplaced by the mid-1960s. We are taught that the railways were at the heart of thetransformation of our country from agriculture to industry. For young people a visit to aheritage railway offers a first opportunity to bring the history books to life, to experience thesight, sound and smell of the steam train and to gain some first-hand experience of thetraditional railway at work.

The heritage railways listed in this guide are here because they make special efforts for parties.As well as the train ride there may be a museum or visitor centre. Some have play and picnicareas, carefully restored railway buildings, signals and station furniture. There will almostcertainly be an opportunity to get a decent cup of tea, and many have cafes or restaurantseither on the trains or at stations, though you must discuss your requirements in advance sothat they can be properly prepared for your party.

If you want an itinerary for a whole day visit, you will find that the heritage railway often haspartnership arrangements with other attractions nearby so that your ride on the train can becombined with a visit to a garden or historic house; a river or lake cruise or perhaps even amarket. Do take advantage of the railway’s good local knowledge to help you plan and theremay of course be combined tickets on offer with additional discount or other special features.

Finally a plea; please arrive at the railway in plenty of time. Part of the appeal is to lookaround, have that all important picture taken alongside the steam engine, and just relax intoan earlier time when life was not so hectic, and the trains were always friendly.

Mark L. SmithVice-Chairman

Heritage Railway Association



STEAM TRAINS

SUNDAYS - MARCH TO SEPTEMBERSATURDAYS - EASTER TO SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAYS - IN JULY & AUGUSTPLUS ALL BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS

STEAM TRAINS

SUNDAYS - MARCH TO SEPTEMBERSATURDAYS - EASTER TO SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAYS - IN JULY & AUGUSTPLUS ALL BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS

Step back in time at this wonderfullysleepy rural railway by taking a 10.5mile return steam train journeythrough Staffordshire's mostbeautiful countryside.

Alight from the train at our idyllicstation at Consall Forge and take astroll along the river or canal beforecompleting your journey bytravelling through Leekbrook Tunnel.

Trains depart throughout the day,no booking required

Churnet Valley Railway (1992) plc,Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall,Staffordshire ST10 2HA

Tel: 01538 750755Fax: 01538 758496e: [email protected]

Visit our website:www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Please call for all enquiries and bookings 015395 31594

Steam into the heart of theLake District in 2011....

Steam Trains operate daily from 9th April to 30th October 2011.Combined tickets are available with Windermere Lake Cruises, Lakes Aquarium,

The World of Beatrix Potter, Lakeland Motor Museum and Brockhole Visitor Centre.

SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR• Station Restaurant serving homemade scones and speciality meals,

cakes & snacks.

• Brand New Gift Shop (built 2010) offering an array of gifts and souvenirs

• Engine Shed-home to our collection of locomotives

DISCOUNTED GROUP RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES OF OVER 20 PEOPLE

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd,Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston Cumbria LA12 8AL

www.lakesiderailway.co.uk [email protected]

How to find us:From the M6Junction 36, Follow A590 andBrown Train SignsFind us by SAT NAVLA12 8AL

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What should we do now? Or, where are we going next? How many times have these or similarquestions been asked when trying to organise some sort of group excursion? The answer is probably 'all too many times' - particularly when you haven't got a clue!


For me personally, whilsttime is always an issue,the answer to 'where' hasalways been simple - howfar do I want to go at thatparticular moment in timeand which of our HeritageRailways have I not beento for a couple of weeks.Ideally, I would then get agroup of pals together,arrange an outing and Iguarantee we would have

a fantastic trip. As we discuss and dissect it later, likeall travellers, we will have seen more than weremember and remember more than we've seen!

Very few of us can actually grasp just how big theHeritage Railways scene is (and I include myself inthat)! It is a huge industry and one which covers thewhole of Great Britain offering pretty much somethingfor everybody - whether it be trips on boats, upmountains or just sitting in coaches on a train watchingsome of the most beautiful sights of Britain slip by.Since our Heritage Railways are predominantly ruralbased, it's possible to combine delving into ourindustrial heritage with time spent absorbing andadmiring our beautiful and ever changing landscape asnature and the seasons do their job.

It has often been said that fantasy cannot becomereality just as H. G. Wells never believed that anybodywould really build a time machine but in a waythis publication, THE HERITAGE RAILWAYASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE, beliesthat thought. It is a guide to the best time machineever since the journeys offered here can transport youback any day of the week to the 1930s, 40s orwhatever year you fancy - you decide since HeritageRailways cover decades of our history. Uniquely, it'snot just sights that take you back, it's the sounds aswell. They can recall childhood memories andimportantly the smells which re-create the past in away that few other experiences can.

The Heritage Railway Association offers something foreverybody and in this Group Travel Guide they showthe benefits of travelling with like-minded souls. Letyour Tour Operator or Coach Company do all thehard work of planning the journey whilst you look

forward to a trip which starts from the minute youleave the house and doesn't end until you return. Fromtram to trolley bus, from train to boat, this publicationoffers ideas for destinations and excursions to suitevery hope and dream.

I cannot write this article without talking briefly aboutthe Heritage Railway Association volunteers withoutwhom so much of our history would be lost. Thesepeople freely give their own time to make sure that wetoday can see the roots of the railway industry in allits bitterness and hardship. In our fathers’ andgrandfathers’ time, working life was very hard withdays starting as early as 3.30am and working all daySaturday was the norm. Working on the railways waslike a religion - a way of life for all the family as fatherfollowed grandfather and son followed father and insome cases you could trace a connection with therailway back for several lifetimes. Althoughremuneration was merely sustenance, we know fromthe work of the Heritage Railway Association thatcertainly the drivers were on a par in the communitywith doctors, vicars and schoolteachers. It was alldown to the pride they took in their work and this istrue of the work that the volunteers do today. Mostare unpaid and spend their weekends opening doorsand showing people to trains or even getting reallystuck into the nuts and bolts of the engines.

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud thework of the volunteers since very few travellers everrealise that most staff on these heritage trains areunpaid - they do it simply for the love of it. It is indeeda special breed of men and women who do not shyaway from getting dirty with hard manual work butfor a quarter of a million or so volunteers this is exactlywhat they do most of the year.

It was Rev. Awdry who said that "railways and thechurch have their critics, but both are the best ways ofgetting a man to his ultimate destination". Well to thisI would add "with a little help from the THEHERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUPTRAVEL GUIDE”.

Enjoy your travels wherever they may take you.

Dr Pete Waterman, OBE, DL

www.justliketherealthing.com


A VICTORIAN WATER POWERED LIFTCONNECTING THE TWIN TOWNS OF LYNMOUTHAT THE BOTTOM TO LYNTON SOME 500FT ABOVE.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ITS ONLY POWERBEING WATER AND GRAVITY.

340 METRE SPECTACULAR CLIFFSIDE DROPFUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

The Cliff Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, North Devon EX35 6EQ

Tel: 01598 753486EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AMMID FEBRUARY TO EARLY NOVEMBER

Open March - October Sundays and Bank Holidays Sunday Afternoon Cream Teas Murder Mystery Dining Trains and other Special Events. Contact us on 07979 055366 for coach parties, group bookings, film and television hire or general enquiries.

Keeping the Golden Age of Steam Alive!

www.bucksrailcentre.org or tel 01296 655720Quainton Road Station, Quainton, near Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BY

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a working steam museum where you can step back in time as you view the giants of the steam age displayed on our spacious 25 acre site. The Centre boasts excellent facilities including a gift shop, museum, disabled parking and cafe.

Experience the Golden Age of Steam here at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. We look forward to your visit!

d cafemuseum, disabled parking

Quainton Road Station, Quainton, near Ae.or.bucksrailcentrwww

, Bucks HP22 4BYylesburyn, near AAy01296 655720 or tel ge.or

, Bucks HP22 4BY


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Visitors’ comments concerning this attraction’s compliance with this National Code ofPractice should be made during your visit to a member of staff or in writing to theManager, with a copy to Quality Department, Visit England,1 Palace Street, Victoria,London SW1E 5HE

OUR PROMISE TO YOU(National Code of Practice for Visitor Attractions)

The owner and management have undertaken:

1. To provide in promotional materials, an accurate description of the amenities, facilities and services ofthe Attraction.

2. To indicate on all such promotional materials any requirements for pre-booking, and any significantrestrictions on entry.

3. To make available an Access Statement, describing the accessibility aspects of a visit to the Attraction,and to respect the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act by making suitable provision, wherereasonable and practicable, for people with disabilities and/or those with special needs.

4. To describe accurately and display clearly :

a) Any charges for entry (including service charges and taxes where applicable), and any additional chargesfor individual attractions or special exhibitions.

b) Dates and hours of operation, both opening and closing.

5. To provide in promotional materials for visitor enquiries, a postal address, a telephone number (and whereit exists, a website address) from which the detailed information specified in 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be obtained.

6. To provide signage and orientation information as appropriate to the Attraction, to assist visitors inunderstanding and enjoying the Attraction.

7. To consider the needs of visitors for whom English is not their first language and, as appropriate to theAttraction, to make arrangements that enable them to be adequately informed to enjoy their visit.

8. To manage the Attraction in such a way as to ensure visitor safety, comfort and service, by sustaining ahigh standard of maintenance, customer care, courtesy and cleanliness.

9. To ensure that all staff who meet visitors can provide information and guidance about the Attraction, andare readily distinguishable as staff, whether employees or volunteers.

10. To have regard to the need to manage and operate the Attraction in a sustainable way.

11. To provide, as appropriate to the nature, scale and location of the Attraction, coach, car, motor-cycle andbicycle parking, adequate toilets, and catering facilities. If any of these requirements cannot be madeavailable on site, to provide information at appropriate points on where they can be found locally.

12. To hold a current public liability insurance policy or comparable Government indemnity, and to complywith all applicable planning, health, safety, fire and other statutory requirements and regulations.

13. To deal promptly and courteously with all enquiries, requests, reservations, correspondence and commentsfrom visitors, and try to resolve any complaints on site at the time of the visit.

14. To provide a facility on site for comments to be recorded and to advise clearly the name and contactdetails (address, telephone and e-mail) of the person to whom comments by visitors should be addressed.

15. To display prominently this National Code of Practice.

16. In the event of any disruption to advertised train or tram services, each member will:

a) keep both passengers and prospective passengers as fully advised of the situation as circumstancespermit,

b) help to arrange alternative transport and facilities whenever necessary and practicable.


REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

South West

South of England

South East

East of England

Midlands

North West

Isle of Man

Yorkshire & North East

Wales

Scotland

Ireland


SOUTH WESTFor many people, the South West is synonymous with sleepybranch lines to the seaside – an atmosphere that can still beenjoyed today. But some of the region’s railways also run throughmoorland, forests and hills.

West Somerset RailwayThis is Britain’s longest single heritage line, although thecombined Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways are nowlonger. Running for 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard (nearTaunton, Junction 25 on the M5) and Minehead, the route passesthrough the outstanding natural beauty of the Quantock Hillsand along the Exmoor Coast. Aside from the seaside town ofMinehead, other stations serve the medieval village of Dunsterwith its castle, Washford for Cleeve Abbey and a working ciderfarm, and the ancient harbour town of Watchet. CrowcombeHeathfield and Stogumber stations are popular alighting pointsfor walking groups.

“One new venture is a combinedsteam train ride and coach tour

round Exmoor...” The railway operates at weekends for most of the year and hasdaily operations from late May to early October, with travel onMondays and Fridays attracting extra discounts for groups. Onenew venture is a combined steam train ride and coach tour roundExmoor with a stop at a hostelry for lunch, available for groupsof up to 23 and must be booked in advance. Gala events happenthroughout the year, and although group travel with pre-bookedseats is not available during galas, discounts on Rover Ticketscan be obtained if booked in advance. Familiarisation trips forgroup organisers and company reps can be arranged.

Journey time is 75-90 minutes each way, so many groups travelone-way only. Minehead station is directly opposite the beachand just off the town centre, and here you can watch steamlocomotives being turned on a turntable – a rare sight on aheritage railway and guaranteed to bring out the cameras.

The ambience of the line is Great Western, with the originalsection to Watchet having the renowned Victorian personalityI.K. Brunel as its consulting engineer. Washford Station has arailway museum dedicated to the Somerset and Dorset line, which

closed in 1966, while the line’s fleet of diesel locomotives can beseen at Williton. The West Somerset has a main line connectionon the outskirts of Taunton, which is used occasionally by specialtrains.

What else is in the area?

Cleeve Abbey (English Heritage), a working cider farm and medievalDunster with its Castle (National Trust) are along the route. A visitcan be combined with a tour of Exmoor.

Dartmouth Steam Railway andRiverboat CompanyThis is the new name for the Paignton and Dartmouth SteamRailway and Riverlink, offering combined steam railway, riverand sea excursions for days out in south Devon. DartmouthSteam Railway trains travel seven miles along the coast, withglimpses of wonderful beaches outside Paignton and then therural surroundings of picturesque Churston before running pastwooded slopes bordering the Dart Estuary into Kingswear. Hereyou can board a passenger ferry for a short trip across the RiverDart to the historic town of Dartmouth.

Various combinations are available for a longer trip, with thecompany’s Round Robin tour being voted the UK’s best day outby The Sunday Times. Round Robin trips start with the Paigntonto Kingswear steam train ride (30 minutes), then foot passengerferry to Dartmouth (7 minutes) and river cruise betweenDartmouth and Totnes (75 minutes). A bus trip between Totnesand Paignton (25 minutes) rounds off the day.

Dartmouth is a great place to wander, being home to theBritannia Royal Naval College, Bayards Cove, Butterwalk andDartmouth Castle. River boats offer scheduled services to thehistoric town of Totnes and to the picturesque village ofDittisham, and harbour cruises operate daily. Special eventsinclude Murder Mystery evenings, Summer Jazz and DinnerCruises with guest speaker.


You’re close to the major resort of Torquay and also to Dartmoor,with a wide choice of attractions ranging from a zoo and modelvillage to castles and stately homes.

South Devon Railway This is a beautiful rural branch line of the old Great WesternRailway, where historic GWR steam engines haul trains on a

West Somerset Railway

Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company

round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes along one of themost tranquil stretches of river in the South West. But this is arailway that offers far more than a steam train ride throughglorious countryside, as the South Devon Railway is a member of3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day. Other members areDartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies, which is adjacent toBuckfastleigh station, and the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, adjacentto the SDR’s Totnes station. Visitors have a range of activities anda whole day’s worth of entertainment.

At Buckfastleigh there is ample free car and coach parking andmuch to see and do, including a riverside walk and picnic area,gardens, a fascinating museum, an engineering workshop,historic steam and diesel engines, and well stocked shop andrefreshment rooms. At Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterfliesyou can wander around the otter sanctuary and butterfly farm,see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings, and watchotters swimming underwater in glass enclosures. Buckfastleigh ismidway between Exeter and Plymouth on the A38, with plenty ofcoach parking and turning space and very easy to reach.

“... this is a railway that offers farmore than a steam train ride

through glorious countryside...” The seven-mile line hugs the River Dart for almost all its lengthoffering superb, tranquil views of outstanding Devon scenery andan abundance of wildlife. The line’s southern terminus is atTotnes Littlehempston station, a short walk from the town andthe main line station. Just cross the line at the end of the stationplatform, the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm has a wonderful collectionof animals.


Buckfast Abbey is nearby. Dartmoor and Torbay are both close,plus easy access along the A38 trunk road from all the attractionsof Exeter and Plymouth.

Lynton & Barnstaple RailwayOriginally opened in 1898 to transport holidaymakers to Lyntonand Lynmouth, and farmers to market in Barnstaple, this narrowgauge railway is the only heritage line in north Devon. It was built

to the unusually narrow gauge of 1ft 11½ in and lay dormant fornearly 70 years from closure in 1935 to partial re-opening in2004. It operates from Woody Bay Station, which is actually twomiles from the bay it is named after.

“From the station there arewoodland walks as well as trainrides, and coach parking is free.”

From the station there are woodland walks as well as train rides,and coach parking is free. A new steam locomotive called Lyd,built to an original design, sometimes visits the railway. Othersteam engines are also named after local rivers: Axe, built in 1915for service on the Western Front in the First World War; and Sid,which was built in 1925 in Munich to work in the constructionindustry in the Black Forest.


The railway is on the edge of Exmoor, and close to the majorseaside resort of Ilfracombe.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff RailwayNo group trip to the picturesque towns of Lynton and Lynmouthwould be complete without a trip on the world famous CliffRailway - it’s the best and most exciting way to travel betweenthese two historic towns.

Enjoy stunning views of the North Devon Coastline as you glideup and down the 862 foot length of track; from Lynmouthnestling at the foot of the cliffs to Lynton perched 500 feet above.

Designed in the early 1890s by George Marks, the lifts needabsolutely no power to operate, water is its motive power. Thiswater is not damaged or polluted in any way, just used as ballastand dropped on the beach at Lynmouth about 100 metres awayfrom the river, from which it was taken. The lifts themselves donot create any emissions, their carbon footprint today has not


South Devon Railway

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

significantly changed since the lift opened. It is probably one ofthe most environmentally friendly tourist attractions in thecountry and has been for well over 120 years.

Bodmin & Wenford RailwayThe Bodmin & Wenford Railway had another record breakingseason in 2010, when it carried more than 50,000 passengers forthe first time in the year to September 30th. The former GreatWestern Railway branch line is going from strength to strengthas one of the top leisure attractions in Cornwall.

“ The Bodmin & WenfordRailway had another recordbreaking season in 2010...”

It offers a leisurely 13-mile round trip through beautifulcountryside, recalling the golden age of Cornish branch lines inthe 1950s. Trains operate between Bodmin Parkway station –where connections can be made directly with main line railwayservices – and Boscarne Junction via Bodmin General, the line’smain station where free coach parking is available. The line wasonce renowned for carrying china clay, and it has somediminutive tank engines which once pulled this traffic. Therailway recommends that groups start and finish the journey atBodmin General as this provides the best access, whereas BodminParkway station is reached via a bridge and the nearest roadaccess to Boscarne Junction is approximately 800 yards away.

The best value ticket is for the whole line round trip and thisnormally takes about two hours, but you can do a journey of 40to 50 minutes if required. The shorter return journeys are fromBodmin General to either Boscarne Junction (40 minutes) or toBodmin Parkway (50 minutes). Cornish Cream Tea can be servedduring the journey. Guided tours of Bodmin General Station


steam trains & boat trips

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including the locomotive shed and maintenance workshops areusually available free of charge.

In August 2010, the railway welcomed back a famous locomotivethat once ran in Cornwall and Devon, and is now part of theNational Railway Museum’s collection. T9 DrummondGreyhound locomotive number 30120 is one of the mainstays ofthe loco fleet, and once operated over the long-closed SouthernRailway branch lines to north Devon and Cornwall.


Bodmin is on the A30 trunk road and roughly halfway betweenthe north and south Cornwall coasts. Eden Project is easilyreached, as are historic Fowey and fashionable Padstow.

Launceston Steam RailwayThe railway runs through the beautiful Kensey valley on a trackgauge of 1ft 11½ in, following the trackbed of the old NorthCornwall line and using locomotives which formerly worked onthe Dinorwic and Penrhyn railways in North Wales. Launcestonstation has a museum of vintage cars and motorcycles and acollection of stationary steam engines which are demonstrated atwork. At the far end of the line there are pleasant riverside walksand a shaded picnic area, adjacent to Newmills Farm Park. Thestation area was once the site of an Augustinian Priory, some ofwhich can be seen by visitors.

The railway links the historic town of Launceston with the hamletof Newmills, running for 2½ miles along a route where expresstrains from Waterloo once thundered along. A wide choice of hotand cold refreshments is available at the Railway Buffet.


Launceston is Cornwall’s only walled town and a delight toexplore on foot, with attractions including the famous Normancastle. Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and the north Cornwall coastare within easy reach.

Seaton TramwaySeaton Tramway is one of East Devon’s most populardestinations. Its narrow gauge trams operate on a three-mile linerunning through glorious countryside, providing views of the Axeestuary and its birds, including Kingfishers, Oystercatchers,Egrets, Shelducks, Lapwings and Redshanks.

The open-top trams are purpose built, based on heritage designs.Three enclosed saloons, which operate during bad weather, havebeen created using original full-size trams from London,Bournemouth and Exeter.

“Seaton Tramway is oneof East Devon’s mostpopular destinations.”

The Tramway originates from Claude Lane’s portable 15" gaugesystem of 1949, which evolved into the 2ft gauge EastbourneTramway (1954-1969). In 1970, the company opened the firstsection of the 2'9" gauge Seaton Tramway on the route of theformer railway (1868-1966). Despite Claude Lane's death in1971, the company survived and the final extension to Colytonopened in 1980.

Colyton town centre is a short ten-minute walk from theTramway, with winding streets, enticing shops and amiable pubs.Notable sights include the 12th century St Andrews Church, withits unusual lantern tower.

Colyford, the halfway stop, has been a Royal Borough since thereign of King John. It has its own Mayor and holds a Goose Fairin September, and the period filling station is reputedly where TELawrence “of Arabia” was last seen prior to his fatal motorcyclecrash in 1935.

Seaton town centre is close to the tram terminus. Thepedestrianised area offers an agreeable atmosphere andwelcoming shops, and the Esplanade stretches a mile betweenSeaton Chine and Axmouth Harbour.


The historic harbour town of Lyme Regis is close by, and so isthe town of Axminster - famous for its carpets.

Avon Valley RailwayHere you can enjoy a relaxing journey back in time to theglorious days of steam on the former Midland Railway linebetween Bristol and Bath. Whether you’re visiting for an hour-long, six-mile steam train journey or a more leisurely 3½ hoursto also include a scenic River Avon boat trip and cream tea, therailway has an experience to offer groups. Free coach parking isavailable on the station forecourt at Bitton, and free travel andrefreshments are offered for the driver (for groups of 20 or more).

Conveniently situated midway between Bristol and Bath on theA431, the 1860s-built Bitton station has been lovingly restored toits former glory by dedicated volunteers over the last 30 years. Anew cafeteria offers a wide selection of hot and cold food, and theenlarged souvenir shop provides mementos of your visit. Three

THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE16

Launceston Steam Railway

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAYSOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

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17

miles of the former line have now been re-laid, offering visitorsthe opportunity to enjoy the scenery of the Avon Valley. At AvonRiverside station you can leave the train and enjoy riversidewalks, picnic areas and a 40-minute pleasure boat trip on theRiver Avon from a nearby landing stage.

“At Avon Riverside station youcan leave the train and enjoy

riverside walks, picnic areas and a40-minute pleasure boat trip...”


Roman Bath with all its historic attractions is just a few milesaway, while in Bristol you have the iron ship ss Great Britain,Clifton Suspension Bridge and great shopping.

East Somerset Railway Operating through the rolling Mendip countryside on a five-mileround trip from Cranmore, just off the A36 between Frome andShepton Mallet, this railway was restored by the artist DavidShepherd, who specialised in the wild animals of Africa andsteam engines. His book A Brush with Steam is available fromthe gift shop, and his renowned wildlife and railway pictures canbe viewed in the railway’s art gallery. In the engine sheds you cansee how locomotives are looked after, and in the museum youcan find out about the 150-year history of the line. Step into thesignal box (open most weekends) to watch the signalman atwork.

“...this railway was restored bythe artist David Shepherd who

specialised in the wild animals ofAfrica and steam engines.”


Cheddar Gorge with its caves and tradition of cheese making iseasily combined with a visit, as is mystic Glastonbury, supposedsite of King Arthur’s Camelot.


Avon Valley Railway

Dean Forest RailwayThis charming branch line near Lydney in Gloucestershire reallylives up to its name, as it offers great views of the ancient Forestof Dean on a meandering route from the outskirts of Lydney to thepicturesque village of Parkend. The railway’s headquarters is atNorchard on the B4234, with trains operating via Lydney Town(and across the A48 trunk road!) to Lydney Junction, within amile of Lydney Harbour. Trains then run via Norchard (anintermediate station) to Parkend.

“This charming branch line nearLydney in Gloucestershire reallylives up to its name, as it offers

great views of the ancientForest of Dean...”

In these very rural surroundings it is odd to think that this wasonce a coal mining area, but coal and iron were the main reasonsfor the line’s existence. Parkend was once a mining village but isnow a rural backwater, and due to the lack of parking coachesshould drop off at Norchard. One of the charming if sometimesdangerous things about the Forest of Dean is that sheep have theright to roam freely – and that may include all the roads and thestation platforms at Parkend!

The railway is 4½ miles in length and a round trip takes around1¾ hours. Services are operated by steam trains (or heritagediesels on some days), and there is a large car park at NorchardStation together with a well stocked gift shop, cafeteria andmuseum. Norchard station was once the site of a drift mine andhas two platforms, one high level and one low level, which is veryunusual for a preserved railway. Coach parking is free, and groupdiscounts are available – normally 15% for parties of 20 or more.Coach drivers get a free ride on the train and a voucher for lightrefreshments at the café.

The Dean Forest Railway celebrated the 200th anniversary of theSevern & Wye in 2010, its 40th year of existence. Authorised byGeorge III, under an Act of Parliament in 1809, the originalhorse-worked tramroad began its working life in June 1810 andconnected with the Severn railway bridge, crossing the RiverSevern to Sharpness.

“Coach parking is free, andgroup discounts are

available – normally 15%for parties of 20 or more.”


Apart from the Forest of Dean itself, the historic border town ofChepstow (with castle) and scenic Ross-on-Wye are always wortha visit. Historic Gloucester is close by.

STEAM – Museum of the GreatWestern Railway The Dartmoor Railway runs from Okehampton to Meldon on theedge of Dartmoor, and plans to extend services eastwards toYeoford over an existing Network Rail route. The Swindon andCricklade Railway is Wiltshire’s only heritage railway, but the GreatWestern themed STEAM museum can be found in Swindon itself.

Swindon in Wiltshire was once one of the greatest railway towns inthe world, as headquarters of the Great Western Railway. Passingthrough today you might think there is nothing left of this oncemighty empire apart from the busy railway station, but STEAM ispart of Swindon Railway Works which opened in 1843 and by1900 was employing over 12,000 people. At its peak in the 1930s,the works covered over 300 acres and could build three locomotivesa week. The last steam locomotive for British Railways – EveningStar – was built here in 1960.

“Life-like characters, interactiveexhibits and imaginative displaystake you through the ages as the

story of the railway unfolds.” The works closed in 1986, and although most of it was demolished,STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway is housed in abeautifully restored Grade II railway building in the heart of theformer works. It tells the story of the men and women who built,operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway – “God’sWonderful Railway” -- a network that, through the pioneeringvision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was regarded asthe most advanced in the world.

Life-like characters, interactive exhibits and imaginative displaystake you through the ages as the story of the railway unfolds.Famous locomotives on display include GWR Castle Class No 4073Caerphilly Castle, GWR Manor Class No 7821 Ditcheat Manor,and No 4003 Lode Star - the only remaining GWR Star Classlocomotive.

“Meet the Railway Workers” is a fortnightly Saturday event whenvisitors are invited to climb up into the cab of the locomotives andchat with GWR drivers and firemen. They come from the strongvolunteer team at STEAM and offer visitors the valuable experienceof linking the present day to the past. Other events in the STEAMprogramme for 2011 include the annual Swindon Railway Festivalon 10 and 11 September, the Great Western LEGO Show on 1 and


Dean Forest Railway


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Journey from Seaton,gateway town tothe World HeritageJurassic Coast throughtwo nature reservesalongside the Axeestuary to historicColyton.

Open daily: 12th-27th Feb, 2ndApr-30th Oct, 26th Dec-1st Jan 2012

Open weekends: 5th-27th Mar

Santa Specials: 4th, 11th, 18th,23rd, 24th Dec

Any size group welcome –20 or more passengers travelon their own tram. Pleasecontact us for further details.

2 October and Christmas at STEAM on 3 and 4 December, withmany more events planned.

STEAM is located on Fire Fly Avenue as part of the Churchwardsite that also includes the Swindon Designer Outlet shopping centre,The National Trust HQ, English Heritage and the NationalMonuments and Records Centre. It is just a few minutes fromJunction 16 of the M4.


STEAM is next door to the Swindon Designer Outlet, a hugeundercover shopping centre offering discounts on designer and highstreet brands. It is also close to the National Monuments RecordCentre, the public archive of English Heritage, and the RailwayVillage Museum. Cotswolds attractions are also close by.

Other Railways The Dartmoor Railway runs from Okehampton to Meldon on theedge of Dartmoor, and plans to extend services eastwards toYeoford over an existing Network Rail route. The Swindon andCricklade Railway is Wiltshire’s only heritage route.

Torbay ExpressThis is not a heritage railway as such, but a special train runningregularly in summer over the national system from Bristol TempleMeads to Paignton, where it joins the tracks of the DartmouthSteam Railway to continue down the branch to Kingswear.Featured on the BBC’s Coast documentary, the Torbay Express hasspace for prebooked groups and offers a full day out, travelling viaTaunton, Exeter and along the famous stretch of line by the seawall at Dawlish in south Devon.

“Featured on the BBC’s Coastdocumentary, the Torbay Expresshas space for prebooked groups

and offers a full day out...”It operates on most summer Sundays from June to September, usingfamous steam locomotives such as King Edward II and Tornado.First Class now includes tea, pastries and afternoon tea, and thereis plenty of time for lunch off the train with Torquay added as astop in 2011.

STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway


SOUTH OFENGLAND

Working museums, branch lines and a unique garden railway areall part of heritage railway appeal in this diverse part of England,from the south coast and beyond to the Home Counties.

Isle of Wight Steam RailwayMany railways can claim to be unique, but this little railway isreally special. Nearly all its trains date back at least 100 years tothe Edwardian or Victorian eras, whereas many railways use1950s carriages. 2011 will be a year of celebration to mark the40th anniversary of the opening of the railway in 1971, with anambitious programme of special activities spread throughout theyear including two gala weekends.

“2011 will be a yearof celebration to mark the 40th

anniversary of the openingof the railway in 1971...”

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway grew from the earlycommitment and enthusiasm of a small group of individualsdetermined to save a few relics from the Island’s once extensiverailway network. Following the end of steam in 1966, only theRyde to Shanklin line remained open and was electrified – therest of the network was abandoned. On April 12th, 2011, “TheFirst Train” of the new era will be recreated with a series ofspecial workings between Havenstreet Station and Woodhouse,using the same locomotive and carriages as 40 years ago.

The first of the gala weekends will be held over the Spring BankHoliday at the end of May, when it is planned to have all of theof the Railway’s available locomotives in steam, together withguest locos from other railways – possibly making it the largestgathering of locomotives in steam on the Island since 1966. InSeptember, the second gala will feature locomotives with an

Island pedigree in steam together, and may include the return tosteam of the Railway’s historic 1878-built Terrier classlocomotive, No. 11 Newport. This follows the return to servicein 2010 of No. 24 Calbourne, last survivor of the 1966 closures.

During 2011 it will run trains on some 200 days across the yearfrom March to December, along a five-mile line which linksWootton, Havenstreet, Ashey and Smallbrook Junction. Therewill also be 25 “regular” special events from fine wines and realales to world class jazz musicians and Land Army girls.

“ The Isle of Wight SteamRailway offers a nostalgicjourney back in time toan era when everyone

travelled by steam train...” The Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a nostalgic journey backin time to an era when everyone travelled by steam train – evenQueen Victoria while visiting her island residence at OsborneHouse. Locomotives and carriages have all been painstakinglyrestored to pristine condition with the oldest locomotive built in1876 and carriages dating back to 1864. You can settle back inbeautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and takea 10-mile round trip to view some of the island’s unspoiltcountryside.

The railway’s base is at Havenstreet near Ryde, running in eitherdirection to Wootton, or to Smallbrook Junction where there isa connection to the Ryde to Shanklin line. In the longer term therailway hopes to run trains into Ryde itself.


Everywhere is within easy reach on the island, including OsborneHouse, Carisbrooke Castle, the Dinosaur Isle exhibition andVentnor Botanic Garden.

Mid Hants Railway Often known as the Watercress Line, this former secondary routebetween London and Winchester runs for 10 miles throughbeautiful Hampshire countryside. Eastbound it runs from thepicturesque Georgian town of Alresford to Alton station, where itconnects with the national rail network. Part of the route is knownto railwaymen as “The Alps” due to the steep climbs, with engineshaving to work hard on departure westbound from Alton.

Be sure to break your journey at Ropley station and have a pre-booked tour of the engine shed by one of the volunteers, to see atfirst hand the impressive restoration work taking place onlocomotives and carriages. This is where some of the largeststeam locomotives operating in Britain have been restored, and

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Isle of Wight Steam Railway


here you will see large locomotives that used to haul expressesfrom London to the south coast, including Wadebridge andCanadian Pacific. Ropley (which also has a picnic area) and theother wayside station Medstead & Four Marks, have real countryatmosphere.

Travel in authentic green liveried carriages that recall BritishRailways’ Southern region, and book ahead for luxury diningtrains the Watercress Belle (dates on Saturday evenings) and theCountryman (Sunday lunch). These former Pullman boat trains,which once took passengers from London to the great liners atSouthampton Docks, really bring back the golden age of rail travel.

“Travel in authenticgreen liveried carriages that

recall British Railways’Southern region...”

Free pre-booked coach parking is available at Alresford station.The railway is open on weekends from January to October, plusTuesdays to Thursdays from May to September. On midweekjourneys, groups can be served a special menu on board includingploughman’s lunches and cream teas.


It operates multi-destination group deals with local attractionssuch as Milestones in Basingstoke, Basingstoke Canal, JaneAusten’s House, the Gilbert White Museum and Intech nearWinchester. Winchester Cathedral and shopping, and all theattractions of Southampton and Portsmouth, are nearby. Mid Hants Railway - Watercress Line

YOUR VISIT TO THE AWARD-WINNING ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY WILL ENGAGE, INSPIRE AND EXCITE YOU

HAVENSTREET STATION, HAVENSTREET, NR RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT PO33 4DS 01983 882204 www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

BEST HERITAGEPROJECT 2010


Exbury Gardens & Steam RailwayExbury Gardens in the New Forest opens for the new season inMarch 2011, and will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of theopening of its narrow-gauge steam railway. Unlike most heritagerailways which have been created on former parts of the nationalrail system, the Exbury railway was newly built in 2001 as anintegral part of a garden attraction in the New Forest.

“Beaulieu, with its palace andmotor museum, is just down the

road, and Exbury can be afocal point for a tourof the New Forest.”

The tale of the “Dream that became Steam” – the constructionand opening of the Exbury Gardens Railway and RhododendronLine – is told in an exhibition that opened in Exbury’s spaciousEngine Shed in 2010, and a special celebratory event weekend isplanned for August 13/14. New display boards have beenintroduced, explaining different aspects of the Garden and theplants and trees within it so that visitors can learn about theRothschild family connections and their links with the famousPlant Hunters.

The Exbury year begins with an exhibition of rare and delicateSouth African lachenalias in the Five Arrows Gallery in March,followed by the delights of the Daffodil Meadow and wonderfuldisplays of camellias, magnolias and primroses until mid-April.Exbury’s “Glory of the Garden” – the colourful high season –runs from mid-April through May.

Breakfast Walks, railway events, open-air theatre, PhotoTrekworkshops, family trails and a series of art exhibitions will takeplace during the season.

The hugely popular Ghost Trains and Santa Specials will steamthrough the Gardens at Hallowe’en and during December.Exbury Gardens opens on Saturday March 19 and will remainopen until 7th November 2011.


A nearby highlight is a trip on the Hythe Pier Railway, abouteight miles from Exbury – the oldest of its kind in the world.Beaulieu, with its palace and motor museum, is just down theroad, and Exbury can be a focal point for a tour of the NewForest.

Swanage RailwayThe Swanage Railway claims to offer a more intensive heritagesteam and diesel train service than virtually any other preservedrailway. It has now mounted an appeal to extend the railway intoWareham station in Dorset, its original junction with the mainBournemouth-Weymouth main line, an extension which atpresent is used only by occasional special trains.

Easy parking at Norden Station, near Wareham, allows visitors totravel through six miles of beautiful Dorset scenery to Swanageand avoid the Purbeck peninsula’s sometimes heavy traffic. TheSwanage coach drop-off point is adjacent to the station, andcoach parking is available at Norden free-of-charge if booked inadvance. Stations at Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross and Herstonprovide access to historic villages, country walks and the JurassicCoast World Heritage Site, and along the way many passengersstop off to see the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle, a beautifulvillage where the railway has helped alleviate traffic congestion.Alongside the views, there is an abundance of wildlife that can bespotted during the journey.

“ The Swanage Railway lovinglyre-creates the time when everyonetravelled by train to the seaside.”

The Swanage Railway lovingly re-creates the time when everyonetravelled by train to the seaside – whether it’s true that “SummerComes Sooner in the South” or not, as claimed by an old railwayposter! It runs trains on over 250 days of the year, including

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Swanage Railway


services every weekend from mid-February until the end of theyear and every day from late March until the end of October.Cream teas and light lunches are available through the stationbuffets at both ends of the line, which should be booked inadvance for larger groups.

Swanage is a traditional seaside resort with sandy beach thatawaits at the end of the journey. The Blue Flag rated beach is onlya short walk from Swanage Station, which is the railway’sheadquarters and little has changed from the days when it waspart of the national network. Groups can enjoy a delicious creamtea here before taking the train, or watch the comings and goingsat the engine shed a few minutes’ walk away. Alongside theregular timetable there is a programme of special events, and therailway is also actively involved in local events such as SwanageCarnival, Victorian Swanage and the Purbeck Walking Festival.


Other local attractions include Corfe Castle, Studland beach andnature reserve, the Tank Museum at Bovington Camp, andMonkey World.

London Transport Museum The London Transport Museum is a very worthwhile attractionin the heart of Covent Garden, telling the story of the world’s firstmass transit system established in the 19th Century. Livelygalleries tell the story of London’s transport network and how itshaped the lives and culture of people living and working in thecapital, including current and future transport developments.

The Design for Travel gallery showcases original artworks andadvertising posters. The museum’s collection contains a wealthof material relating to the development of London’s publictransport network including rail and road and vehicles,photographs, film and video footage, uniforms, signs and tickets.

The Museum’s Depot in Acton includes rare road and railvehicles, the famous poster and artwork stores, signs, ceramictiles and ephemera. Access is available during special openweekends and guided tours on the last Saturday and Sunday ofthe month.


In this part of London you’re spoilt for choice, from the WestEnd shops and Theatreland to the British Museum and RiverThames cruises.

Leighton Buzzard RailwayThe Leighton Buzzard Railway, in deepest Bedfordshire, was builtat the end of the First World War, using materials andequipment—some still on display—that were surplus from thesupply lines to the trenches of France and Belgium. It was alwaysone of the longest narrow-gauge light railways in England, andover the years has become a unique survivor of this bygone formof transport, with its sharp curves, steep inclines, level crossingsand roadside running. It is now operated as a tourist attractionand working museum by a team of dedicated volunteers, theround trip from Page’s Park station taking 1hr 10mins.

The 2ft track gauge is very common throughout the world, so themuseum collection now includes working locomotives fromIndia, Africa, the United States and Europe, as well as the UK,and from backgrounds as diverse as steelworks and sugar caneplantations. The Leighton Buzzard Railway is convenientlylocated, a few minutes from the M1 or the A5.


It is close to both Whipsnade and Woburn, either of which canform a distinctive 2-hour add-on. Bletchley Park, home of thewartime codebreakers, is also a short drive away.

Swanage Railway

Leighton Buzzard Railway


Buckinghamshire Railway Centre This museum near Aylesbury offers visitors a glimpse of life inthe Golden Age of steam travel, and at the centre of this compactsite you will find Oxford Rewley Road Station. Moved from themiddle of Oxford and re-erected on site some 10 years ago, thisGrade 2* listed building was constructed with the same designand materials as the Great Exhibition Building of 1851 – the“Crystal Palace”. The building now houses some of the Centre’sgreatest treasures including a coach from the Royal Train of 1901and another used in World Ward II as a mobile conference roomfor D-Day planning. Also of particular interest is a fully operatingrailway cinema coach where visitors can view period railwayfilms.

“Waddesdon Manor and theNational Trust’s Claydon House

are within a few miles...” Elsewhere on Buckinghamshire Railway Centre’s 25-acre site aremany displays on the theme of “The Railways in Society”, withparticular emphasis on how the coming of the railways changedthe way of life of an entire population in the 19th century. Livesteam-hauled train rides with one of a large collection oflocomotives, and miniature railway rides, are provided onSteaming Open Days.

Facilities for visitors are excellent with full disabled accessthroughout, a gift shop, refreshment room, museum and spaciouscar park with designated parking for up to 10 coaches. By priorarrangement, conducted tours may be booked with anexperienced guide.


Waddesdon Manor and the National Trust’s Claydon House arewithin a few miles, as are Bletchley Park and Milton Keynesshopping.

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway This small and friendly railway on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border is just 30 minutes away from Oxford,Marlow or High Wycombe. The railway runs for 3½ miles alongthe foot of the Chiltern Hills, parallel to the historic Icknield Waypassing through attractive countryside, with outstanding viewsacross the Vale of Whiteleaf where red kites can often be seencircling overhead.

Since August 1994, trains have been running at weekends from abase at Chinnor Station. The railway is open for passenger servicesfrom mid-March until the end of October and holds many specialevents including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween SpooksExpress, Gala days and Murder Mystery dining trains.

The next stage of development will be to negotiate a lease withNetwork Rail to enable the railway to continue into PrincesRisborough station from Thame Junction, connecting with theChiltern Railways route. Once the lease is obtained the railway will re-lay derelict track and restore the former bay platform to a conditionsuitable for passenger operations. The Grade II listed PrincesRisborough North signal box will also be included in the lease.


Oxford, Henley-on-Thames and the Chiltern Hills are within easyreach.

Didcot Railway CentreAlthough not actively promoting itself to group business, theheadquarters of the Great Western Society includes a workingengine shed dating from 1932 (now listed) and a restorationcentre handling some of the most ambitious projects in railwaypreservation. It also has a short demonstration line, museum andself-service restaurant.

Didcot is undertaking some of the most impressive restorationprojects in Britain, with King class locomotive King Edward IIdue to be steamed for the first time in nearly 50 years in April2011, returned to service in an unusual blue livery as in the early1950s. The locomotive Pendennis Castle, repatriated fromAustralia in 1999, is also being restored to main line condition,while County and Saint class locomotives – both long extinct –are being built from parts donated by other types. The engineshed’s many original features survive, including a functioning coalstage where you can see how steam locomotives were fuelledusing manual labour. It has a turntable, where demonstrationsare given on steam days, as well as a traverser, into the carriageand wagon works.

“ 2010 saw Didcot RailwayCentre gain full accreditation as a

working museum...” Another interesting feature is a section of broad gauge line usingmaterials recovered from a disused railway in Devon, recallingthe seven-foot broad gauge built by Brunel which was abandonedin 1892. A broad gauge replica locomotive, Fire Fly, operates onadvertised days.

2010 saw Didcot Railway Centre gain full accreditation as aworking museum by the Museums, Libraries and Archivescouncil (MLA), as meeting the national standard for UKmuseums. 2011 will see celebrations to mark the 50thanniversary of the founding of the Great Western Society as wellas the unveiling of the steam rail motor, as operated on branchlines, to be housed in a new shed.

Didcot is open every weekend and on certain weekdays, includingschool holidays. It is accessed via Didcot Parkway station.


Didcot is about 14 miles from the centre of Oxford, and close to historicAbingdon (for Thames cruising) and the scenic Vale of the White Horse.

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway



SOUTH EAST

The South East boasts some of the longest established heritagerailways in Britain, and with two major extension projectscoming to fruition, 2011 is a good time to re-discover them.

Bluebell RailwayFresh from celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, the Bluebellis making steady progress with a northbound extension to EastGrinstead which would re-connect it to the national rail systemand open up new opportunities to attract visitors to the line.

Britain’s first standard gauge heritage railway ran its first trainsin May 1960 from Sheffield Park station, near Haywards Heathin West Sussex, to just outside Horsted Keynes. It later extendedthe line from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote and is now in the finalstages of extending to East Grinstead, where a new platform hasbeen built alongside the national rail station. Over £5 million isbeing spent to clear a municipal rubbish tip blocking the way andinstall track and signals, and trains may start to operate to EastGrinstead in 2011.

Sheffield Park is where most coach parties join, and here you willfind a restaurant and museum where many steam locomotivesare on display or under restoration. They range from diminutivetank engines such as Stepney, to large Pacifics such as Battle ofBritain class Sir Archibald Sinclair, which returned to servicein 2009.

“...the Bluebell Railwayis a favourite location for

film makers...”The journey from Sheffield Park is a pleasant run through woodsand fields, and in spring you’ll see the bluebells that give the lineits name. Passengers should definitely spend some time at theintermediate station of Horsted Keynes, which has been lovinglyrestored and has a genuine “big station” feel with five platformsconnected by a subway. Curiosities on view here include London

Jack, a stuffed dog which raised over £4,000 for orphans duringhis time collecting donations at Waterloo station from 1923-31;a coffin carrier; and an old telephone box complete with buttonsA and B. A sign on the old-style Gents warns: “Please AdjustYour Dress Before Leaving”. With real coal fires and many periodadvertisements, Horsted Keynes station is a wonderful re-creationof a country junction during the inter-war period.

Not surprisingly the Bluebell Railway is a favourite location forfilm makers, appearing in The Wind in the Willows, The RailwayChildren, Station Jim, The Ruby in the Smoke, Miss Potter,Poirot and many other productions. Directors including KenRussell have returned on many occasions.

Special events this year include Bluebell Specials (May 3-6),Southern at War Weekend (May 7-8), Vintage TransportWeekend (August 13-14) and Autumn Tints Observation CarSpecials (November 1-3). The Golden Arrow Pullman diningtrain recalls the famous boat express which once ran betweenLondon and Paris, the carriages being loaded onto a cross-Channel ferry.


Sheffield Park Garden is on the doorstep, being a National Trustlandscaped garden laid out in the 18th Century by CapabilityBrown. Tunbridge Wells and Ashdown Forest are nearby.

Kent & East Sussex RailwayYou might think everywhere in the South East is denselypopulated, but not if you travel over this quaint little line thattraverses some deeply rural countryside along the borders of thetwo counties. The Kent & East Sussex is a tribute to ColonelStephens, a man who created many “light railways” around theturn of the 19th/20th Centuries which did not require an Act ofParliament. Light railways could be built without all the heavyengineering required of more conventional railways, allowingmany rural communities to be connected by rail beforewidespread car ownership and use of buses and lorries broughtto an end their short lives.

“The Kent & East Sussex is asurvivor, and the museum at

Tenterden in Kent tells the storyof Colonel Stephens...”

The Kent & East Sussex is a survivor, and the museum atTenterden in Kent tells the story of Colonel Stephens (1868-1931)and his contribution to railway history. Trains amble along at avery sedate pace between Tenterden and Bodiam in East Sussex,crossing the border of two of southern England’s most ruralcounties with views of oast houses and even vineyards.

This railway was known as the “Hoppers’ Line” as it used totransport hop pickers, and the beer making tradition is kept aliveby the Rother Valley Brewery near Northiam whose products areavailable on the trains and at the restaurant at Tenterden. On-board catering includes Fish and Chips supper trains, and lightlunches can be provided for a minimum of 15 passengers. TheWealden Pullman operates on Saturday nights and Sundaylunchtimes on selected dates, and must be pre-booked.

The line passes over several level crossings where road trafficmust stop and wait – revenge, perhaps, for some of ColonelStephens’ 16 light railways which are no longer with us. Trains

Bluebell Railway

Kent & East Sussex

RailwayTenterden · Northiam · Bodiam

01580 765155 • kesr.org.uk

10% discount on group fares for 20+

England’s finest rural light railway welcomes groups

Kent & East Sussex

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Kent & East Sussex

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10% disiscounnt on gfers include Fish & Chips or PloughmansOn train of

Lunch, together with delightful Cream TSome notable 2011 events:

eekend1940s WCAMRA Beer Festival

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group fares for 20+

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may stop in the middle of nowhere, as the ticket inspectorconfides there are sheep on the line. Intermediate stations includeWittersham Road, three miles from the village of that name andwith no sign of habitation in sight, but plenty of pheasants.

Re-opened by dedicated volunteers in 1974 following its closureto passenger traffic in the 1950s, the K&ESR is one of Britain’smost loved, most original heritage railways. It runs steam anddiesel trains for 10½ miles on the preserved central section of theoriginal line from Tenterden, affectionately known as “The Jewelof The Weald”, through the Rother Levels, a marshland valleydifficult to appreciate any other way but by train.


Bodiam Castle is a 10-minute walk from the railway’s westernterminus, a National Trust property built in 1385. Tenterdenitself is well worth a visit, and was one of the Cinque Ports beforecoastal erosion ended this role. The historic coastal town of Ryeis nearby.

Spa Valley RailwayA much anticipated extension is expected to open early in 2011,which will not only make the Spa Valley accessible to passengersarriving via the national network, but firmly establish it as oneof the heritage railways “big league”. Already a leading touristattraction in historic Royal Tunbridge Wells, it has run only as faras Groombridge for the last few years, a 3½-mile trip.Completion of the route to Eridge will create a round trip of tenmiles, with Spa Valley trains running alongside Southern’s dieseltrains for the last mile into Eridge.

“The Spa Valley operatesfish and chips specials and

real ale trains, and groups canalso hire complete trains with

weddings a speciality.” The Spa Valley operates from the site of the long closedTunbridge Wells West station, the buildings of which are now inuse as a restaurant. A supermarket car park now occupies muchof the site, but the railway is not short on atmosphere having anauthentic former engine shed dating from the steam era adjacentto the platform. The short run to Groombridge soon passesthrough open countryside, with many passengers alighting atHigh Rocks station for country walks or to visit GroombridgePlace Gardens. Since, opening in 1996 the railway claims to havebecome the biggest single tourist destination in Tunbridge Wells,attracting over 30,000 visitors a year. Joint ticketing, events andpublicity are organised with Groombridge Place Gardens, andthe High Rocks Inn paid for and built a new halt for the railway.

The Spa Valley operates fish and chips specials and real ale trains,and groups can also hire complete trains with weddings aspeciality. It is a friendly, progressive line which will be given abig lift by extending to Eridge, and it hopes to attract coachgroups heading for Eastbourne.


Groombridge Place Gardens were designed in the 17th Centuryand include the children’s attraction, Enchanted Forest. TunbridgeWells offers the historic Pantiles shopping area and Chalybeatespring.

For more informationTel: 01825 720800 Fax: 01825 720804

[email protected]

www.bluebell-railway.com

• Group discounts available forgroups of 10+

• Additional discount for regularcustomers

• Run every weekend and dailyApril-October

• On-board catering available onsome trains (booking essential)

• Travel through unspoilt Sussexcountryside

• All services steam hauled

• Bookings essential for someservices. Please ring for moreinformation


Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway This attraction in Kent claims the title “World’s Smallest PublicRailway”, and opened in 1927. It operates between Hythe andDungeness via Dymchurch, St. Mary’s Bay, New Romney andRomney Sands covering a distance of 13½ miles, stopping also atRomney Warren Halt serving a Visitor Centre. The stations atNew Romney, Dungeness and Hythe are all on or near the A259trunk road which runs along the Kent and Sussex coast, Hythestation being only three miles from junction 11 of the M20.

Although this is a miniature railway, some of the locomotives aremodelled on full-size engines such as Flying Scotsman. They wereall built in the 1920s and 1930s to a scale of 15 inches, but in allother respects this is a “real” railway providing a transport linkfor locals as well as visitors.

One of the highlights of this year’s special events programme isthe 1940s Weekend on May 8/9, which has attracted significantinterest from coach operators. A Steam and Diesel Gala onOctober 2/3 will see all available locomotives in traffic.

“This attraction in Kent claimsthe title “World’s Smallest

Public Railway...”What else is in the area?

Romney Marsh is an attraction in its own right, including anature reserve. The seaside towns of Rye or Folkestone make agood base for tours.

The Lavender LineThe Lavender Line is part of the former Lewes to UckfieldRailway opened in 1858. It operates at weekends from thebeautifully restored Isfield station in East Sussex.

In the 1980s the railway passed into private hands and was sold tothe current preservation society in the early 1990s. Isfield stationnow looks very much as it would have done in the 1920s and 30s.The track has been extensively overhauled and modified since thesociety took over and the line is approximately one mile long.

EAST OFENGLAND

The East of England suffered more than its fair share of railwayclosures in the 1950s and 1960s, when whole networks such asthe Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway disappeared. Butthis rural part of England has a growing heritage railwaymovement, with several lines and museums in coastal and rurallocations.

North Norfolk Railway Otherwise known as the Poppy Line because of the brightlycoloured flowers which line its tracks in summer, this heritagerailway offers one of the most scenic steam trips in the UK.Named by The Sunday Times as Britain’s best full-size heritagerailway trip, it runs from the Victorian seaside resort ofSheringham along the cliffs to Weybourne, and up through gorse-and heather-studded heathland to a terminus just outside theGeorgian market town of Holt.

The three stations are superb examples of rural railway building.The diminutive Holt Station was built at Stalham on the NorfolkBroads in 1887; it has been lovingly re-erected using more than90% of the original materials, including the magnificentwoodblock floors. A replica goods shed at Holt houses theWilliam Marriott Museum, named after the man who built theline and ran it for 40 years. Steam locomotives include a branchline engine that is 99 years old and a main line express enginefrom 1928. Carriages include an 86-year-old “Quad Art”wooden-bodied train which once ran in the London suburbs, andpioneered the articulated technology used on today’s Eurostars.

“Vintage lunch and dining trainsrun during the summer, and can

be booked for private parties andcorporate entertaining...”

Steam trains operate every day from April 1-October 30, plusSanta Specials in December. Vintage lunch and dining trains runduring the summer, and can be booked for private parties and

North Norfolk Railway - Poppy Line

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway


corporate entertaining. Groups of 20 to 200 are catered for, withfree coach parking at Holt (by prior arrangement), freerefreshments for the driver and free travel for the tour manager.There is wheelchair access to most trains and level access to allstations. Allow one and a half to two hours for your visit.

Special events during 2011 include Quad Arts week from July3-10, Vintage Transport Festival on July 3, the Annual BeerFestival on July 15-17, and Famous Forties Weekend onSeptember 17-18. The North Norfolk hosts special trainsrunning via the national network, having completed a levelcrossing at Sheringham for occasional use.


The seaside resort of Cromer is nearby, and it is easily reachedfrom Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Norwich.

Bure Valley Railway The Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk’s longest fifteen-inch gaugesteam railway and operates between the old market town ofAylsham and Wroxham, the “Capital of the Norfolk Broads”.It was built on the track bed of part of the former Great EasternRailway and the nine-mile line runs through the picturesque BureValley countryside, following the meandering river throughmeadowland and ancient pastures, stopping at small countryvillages. A foot and cycle path also runs alongside the track.

The purpose-built headquarters of the line is situated in Aylsham.The buildings were erected in 1989 to a traditional railwaydesign and house a large souvenir and model railway shop, theWhistlestop Café and a tourist information centre. TheWhistlestop Café can seat up to 80 people and can provideeverything from a cup of tea to a full meal. A specially pricedtwo-course group menu is available. The railway’s workshopsare also based at Aylsham and are often open to the public.

“The Whistlestop Caf can seatup to 80 people and can provide

everything from a cup of teato a full meal.”

The entire railway is on a single level, providing easy access forwheelchair passengers. All trains have special wheelchairaccessible coaches which allow wheelchair and able bodiedpassengers to travel together. All coaches are fully enclosed and

East Anglia’s favourite Narrow Gauge Steam Railway

Open all year - Free Parking - Whistlestop Café - Souvenir Shop Disabled Access - Group Discounts

Trains Running from both Aylsham and Wroxham

Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW Tel 01263 733858

www.bvrw.co.uk

Why not take the Broadland Boat Train and combine a journey by steam with a cruise on the beautiful Norfolk Broads

Bure Valley Railway

Wizards EveningModel Railway Exhibition

Vintage Vehicle andBus RalliesSanta Trains

Steam Driving Experience

Main Events in 2011Days Out With Thomas

June and Sept.Dining ServicesSunday LunchesSidings Buffet Car


upholstered, with heating during the cooler months. Ample freeparking with dedicated spaces for coaches is available at bothAylsham and Wroxham stations.

Trains operate daily from the beginning of April to the end ofOctober, with special events throughout the year. The railwayalso offers a very popular boat train with a journey by steamfollowed by a cruise on the Norfolk Broads.


The railway is adjacent to the Norfolk Broads, near Norwich andclose to the coast, including the resort of Great Yarmouth.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway Operating from the seaside and harbour town of Wells to thepicturesque town of Walsingham, famed for centuries as a centreof pilgrimage, this is a scenic journey by narrow gauge trains. Itis claimed to be the longest 10¼-inch steam railway in the world,and on the regular service you have ample time to exploreWalsingham with its shops, restaurants and inns, as well as thefamous shrine.

Small does not mean less powerful, as trains are operated byunique purpose-built articulated Garratt steam locomotives. Forthe past 23 years, the service has been operated by “NorfolkHero” during which time it has covered over 200,000 miles. Thisyear a second similar locomotive “Norfolk Heroine” (namedafter Edith Cavell) enters service, together with two extra coveredcarriages. More capacity should increase the railway’s appeal tothe group travel market, and the ever increasing number ofpilgrim groups visiting the shrines at Walsingham. The railwayopens on April 9 and operates a timetabled service every day ofthe week until October 29, with up to five round trips and ajourney time each way of 30 minutes. Evening charter trains arealso available by prior arrangement during most of the season.

“More capacity should increasethe railway’s appeal to the group

travel market...”What else is in the area?

Walsingham – described as “England’s Nazareth” – has bothAnglican and Roman Catholic shrines dating back nearly 1,000years, and guided tours are available. The railway is close toHolkham Hall and at the heart of the north Norfolk coastline.

Mid-Norfolk Railway This mainly diesel operated railway runs between the Norfolkmarket towns of Dereham and Wymondham, and is a fairlyrecent addition to the heritage railway map. A Preservation Trustwas established in 1995 with the aim of buying and restoring thethen disused line. The rate of progress has been rapid, with apassing loop at Thuxton opened during 2010 to make possiblethe running of two trains at the same time.

“A representative of the railwaywill travel with your party in

reserved carriages...”The MNR operates a full service of timetabled trains and it ispossible to pre-book a group on any of these services. Arepresentative of the railway will travel with your party inreserved carriages, and it can offer three packages for groupoperators. A trip on the line can be followed by a visit toGooderstone Water Gardens, a cruise on the Rivers Wensum andYare (from central Norwich), or a visit to Gressenhall Farm andMuseum of Norfolk Life. All packages include lunch, and tea orlight refreshments.

At Dereham station there is a large car park which is also suitablefor coaches. The car park at Wymondham Abbey is too small forcoaches, but passengers can still be picked up here.


The attraction is close to Norwich and Thetford Forest Park.

Nene Valley RailwaySituated just outside Peterborough, it operates a 7½-mile routefrom Wansford station, next to the A1, to the outskirts of the city.Wansford is the main headquarters with loco depot, refreshmentroom and shop. Parties can easily be catered for in the TurntableCafé before or after enjoying either a single or return trip, usingone of several large steam locomotives.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

Nene Valley Railway


The original “Thomas” tank locomotive is based here, havingbeen named by famous author the Reverend Awdry, and isregularly in steam throughout the year. The railway is open everyweekend, plus Wednesdays and some other weekdays in thesummer season, and there are numerous special event weekends.These range from Thomas trips for young children, vintagevehicle rallies, Rail Mail weekends (featuring a Travelling PostOffice in operation), and a 1940s Gala with wartime entertainersand staged battles.

“The original ‘Thomas’ tanklocomotive is based here havingbeen named by famous author

the Reverend Awdry...”Many passengers enjoy the NVR’s highly regarded SantaSpecials.

In 2010 it started a tie-up with nearby Sacrewell Farm, anotherof the area’s popular attractions, which offers cream teas as wellas a trip around the farm. A London Routemaster bus ferriesvisitors from the NVR.


Peterborough is famed for its cathedral, and nearby are BurghleyHouse, historic Stamford and Cambridge.

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway ran from Haughley Junction tothe village of Laxfield, ë from nowhere to the middle of a fieldëas it was once put. It was founded in 1902 but closed in 1986,when local railway enthusiasts set up the museum. Today it hasa collection of station buildings, appropriate rolling stock,exhibition rooms displaying artefacts and photographs, tearoom, shop and a demonstration line on which steam trains runon event days (which is when the real ale bar is also open). Thetrain consists solely of Victorian coaching stock with the aimbeing to re-create a typical country railway from the turn of thecentury.

The museum is situated close to the A140, the main road linkingIpswich and Norwich, and the nearest town is Stowmarket. Itseeks to re-create the atmosphere of this railway by staying asclose as possible to the original, and has a very rural setting withviews over neighbouring fields. LIVE STEAM – LIVING HISTORY

ALTOGETHER NOW!THERE’S MORE TO SEE ON THE POPPY LINE

Sheringham Station, Norfolk NR26 8RA

North Norfolk’s scenic steam railway� Magnificent views of coast and country between Sheringham and Holt� Full size steam engines and 3 Victorian stations� Easily accessible from Norwich, Cromer and Gt Yarmouth� Discounts for groups of 20 - 200� Free travel for group organiser, free refreshments

for driver� Free parking at Holt Station NR25 6AJ

Visit www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820 800

STEAM T AINS DAIL-April 1st -Oct 30th

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum



You are close to historic Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket, withits racecourse.

East Anglian Railway Museum In a rural part of Essex but easily reached from Colchester, thisis a working museum dedicated to preserving the history ofrailways in the East of England. Chappel station is still part ofthe national system on a branch line running from Marks Tey toSudbury, with the museum’s trains operating over a shortdemonstration line alongside it.

“This museum is in the heart ofConstable Country and close to

Roman Colchester.”The museum has a comprehensive collection of railwayarchitecture, locomotives, carriages, wagons and ephemera, setin Constable Country adjacent to one of the largest railwayviaducts in the East of England. It tells the story of railways in theEastern counties from the 1840s through to the 21st Century anddisplays artefacts about local and regional railway history, andthe development of both freight and passenger traffic.

It offers a discount for group visits of 10 or more people, andrequires advance notice of more than 20 people if they wantcatering or a guide. It holds regular beer and cider festivalsthroughout the year.


This museum is in the heart of Constable Country and close toRoman Colchester.

Colne Valley Railway Situated near the Essex/Suffolk border close to the towns ofBraintree and Sudbury, this little gem of a railway is part of a routeoperated by the Colne Valley & Halstead Railway, which remainedindependent right up to 1923 at a time when most small railwayshad been swallowed up. That spirit lives on, with volunteers settingup a heritage base in 1974 about ten years after closure.

The operational line is short but there is always something towatch, with trains coming and going through Hedingham station.The buildings here are historic but re-assembled from theiroriginal sites, including station buildings from nearby CastleHedingham, and a working signal-box from near Braintree.There is ample parking at Hedingham station, and a buffet in arestored carriage where groups are welcome by appointment.

Pullman dining trains are also operated, including Sunday lunchand Murder Mystery evenings. Special events include a beerfestival, vintage vehicle rally and the Colne Valley at War, andadjacent to the station is the Colne Valley Farm Park with manytraditional and rare breeds.


Medieval Hedingham Castle is just a few miles away, and ClareCastle stands in a charming village of the same name.

Other RailwaysThe Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway is in Lincolnshire, whilethe Lincolnshire Wolds Railway is the county’s only standardgauge heritage line.

MIDLANDS

If you think you know the Midlands, think again. Heavyindustries of the past might once have given birth to the railways,but many of the region’s heritage lines operate through gloriouscountryside.

Severn Valley RailwayThe 70-minute steam train journey operates betweenKidderminster and Bridgnorth in period carriages hauled byhistoric steam locomotives, with stops at the delightful “time-warp” stations of Bewdley, Arley, Highley and Hampton Loade.The River Severn is visible from the train for much of the routefrom Bewdley to Bridgnorth, being visible on the right side whenleaving Bewdley or the left side when heading south fromBridgnorth.

It has been one of Britain’s premier heritage railways for over 40years, but until recently it did not have a museum large enoughto display its many non-operational locomotives and rollingstock. This has now changed as The Engine House Visitor &Education Centre in the Shropshire countryside at Highleydisplays the reserve collection in a fun and interesting way. Alltrains stop at Highley so this is a great place to break yourjourney, and the views from the first floor of Buffers Café at theEngine House are beautiful. From here you can see the trains goby whilst enjoying a snack or light meal, and on a fine day theoutdoor picnic area is a great place to linger. A well-stocked giftshop is also available.

The Group Travel information pack for 2011 is packed withideas for days out not just to the railway, but to other localattractions. The popular combined visits include Blists Hill openair museum at Ironbridge (a package called Victorian andSteam), while Choc and Steam with Cadbury World is a must forall chocolate lovers. Groups can also combine it with the WestMidland Safari Park with its pride of white lions, which is visiblefrom the train.

Severn Valley Railway


Pre-booked groups of 15 or more adults qualify for the groupdiscount, and coach drivers accompanying groups receive acomplimentary meal and travel voucher. The Engine House hasfacilities for disabled visitors.


Apart from Blists Hill and the other museums at Ironbridge,groups can visit the West Midland Safari Park, the Black Countryand Birmingham.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway This all volunteer-run railway hit hard times in 2010 due to alandslip that closed the southern end of the line as well asCheltenham Race Course station. Trains could only operate over ashort section from its Toddington headquarters throughWinchcombe, but it is hoped that work to restore the line will becompleted in the first few months of 2011. June is the provisionaldate for re-opening to Cheltenham, and a short extensionnorthwards towards Broadway will formally open at the same time.

The railway has grown from nothing in 1980 to become one ofthe leading tourist attractions in north Gloucestershire, withsteam trains running through glorious Cotswold scenery withoutstanding views to the Malvern Hills and beyond to the BlackMountains of Wales. The northward extension will eventuallyreach the popular Cotswolds tourist village of Broadway, and inthe meantime the line has been extended over a viaduct towardsLaverton giving a great new experience for visitors. When theline is re-opened to Cheltenham, a round trip of about 25 mileswill be on offer taking over an hour and a half. On some days,this may provide the added excitement of changing trains toexperience the full splendour of the line.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT DAY OUT ?

Organise your next trip to the Severn Valley Railway. We can cater for coaches or groups from 15 up to 400 and

generous discounts are available. Come and enjoy a nostalgic 16 mile steam-hauled train journey along the beautiful Severn Valley and visit the Engine House Visitor and

Education Centre at Highley.

the line for all seasons

For full information contact the Group Travel Co-ordinator on 01299 403816email: [email protected] or write to Severn Valley Railway,

The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1BG

www.svr.co.uk

JUDGED AS ONE OF THE TOP 50 UK ATTRACTIONSBY THE COACH DRIVERS CLUB

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway


Views from the train are exceptional, and the railway also offerscream teas and other refreshments if pre-booked, as well as hotand cold drinks including its very own Rail Ale. Light meals canbe served on board or at the Flag and Whistle tea rooms inToddington. Groups are especially welcome on the “Friendly linein the Cotswolds” and volunteers will be happy to work withgroup leaders in organising days out to include a ride on thesteam train to explain the history of the railway.


Nearby are Snowshill Manor, Stanway House and manyattractive Cotswold villages such as Broadway, Stow-on-the-Woldor Bourton-on-the-Water. A shopping visit to Cheltenham Spa orGloucester can be added.

Great Central RailwayThe Great Central Railway won gold for the best tourismexperience in the region last year, as awarded by East MidlandsTourism. It has invested heavily in upgrading passenger facilitiesat Loughborough Central station including a new lift to helppeople who use wheelchairs to reach the platform, which iswelcome news for many group organisers.

“The Great Central Railwaywon gold for the best tourism

experience in the regionlast year...”

This railway holds the distinction of being the only double trackheritage line in Britain, meaning that trains can pass each otherat speed rather than waiting in a siding while another train passes.Operating between Loughborough and Leicester North, it coverseight miles of the former Great Central main line once used by theexpress trains from Nottingham Victoria to London Marylebone,opened as late as 1899 but closed as a through route in 1966.

Loughborough Central station has a “big station” feel with itslong island platform, period features and coal fires in winter.Visitors are welcome at the locomotive depot in Loughboroughwhere restoration work takes place, and the intermediate stations

at Quorn and Rothley are worth a look round. First class diningtrains run on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes and on Saturdayevenings, called the Charnwood Forester and Master Cutler.Groups get discounts on tickets, complimentary hospitality forcoach drivers, and a tour guide if required.

Many special events are held throughout the year with thousandsflocking to its steam and 1960s galas, with some events evenduring the winter months. Pre-booked parties are welcome andenjoy discounted tickets, complimentary hospitality for coachdrivers and tour guides when requested.


The city attractions of Leicester and Nottingham are nearby, andit is close to the M1 for easy access to a wider area.

Great Central Railway (Nottingham) The long-term aim is to create a heritage railway running fromthe outskirts of Leicester to the outskirts of Nottingham, butmajor infrastructure works are needed at Loughborough for thisto happen. In the meantime, the Great Central Railway(Nottingham) offers over 10 miles of ex-main line heritagerailway running through South Nottinghamshire and North-WestLeicestershire with services operated by historic diesel and steamlocomotives.

The railway is based at the Nottingham Transport HeritageCentre just outside the village of Ruddington in the south ofNottinghamshire. In addition to standard gauge steam and dieseltrains, the centre is home to classic buses, model railways and aminiature railway. All services operate from Ruddington andserve Rushcliffe Halt at East Leake. Many services are extendedthrough the currently disused East Leake Station toLoughborough, and although there is no station at theLoughborough end of the route, the journey offers a verypicturesque ride with spectacular views of the Soar Valley.


The railway is just a few miles from Nottingham, with its castleand historic links with Robin Hood.

Midland Railway, ButterleyThis railway and museum complex in a former mining area ofDerbyshire can rightly claim to be more than simply a railwayattraction, as a major Country Park can also be experienced.Trains operate a round trip from Butterley station with theopportunity to see the museum and country park attractions atSwanwick Junction, and to stretch your legs at Hammersmithstation after crossing a scenic reservoir. The reservoir wasconstructed to feed water to the Cromford Canal and is now thehaunt of wildfowl, fishermen and photographers.

“...the Country Park at Swanwickhas a wide variety of habitats

which encourage wildlifethroughout the year...”

The Midland Railway once ran from London as far north asCarlisle, and this attraction is devoted to its history. The museumat Swanwick has locomotives, carriages and other memorabilia,and many heritage steam and diesel locomotives are on displayoutside the museum and running shed. The separate West Shed ishome of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust which ownsPrincess Margaret Rose and Duchess of Sutherland, and the

Great Central Railway


former is on permanent display along with some 21-inch gaugelocomotives originally built for Butlin’s Holiday Camps.

Although it covers only 35 acres, the Country Park at Swanwickhas a wide variety of habitats which encourage wildlifethroughout the year and a network of footpaths, ponds andmarsh areas to give variety. Brittain Pit Farm is one of the mostpopular parts of the museum site, with a friendly atmosphere andrange of animals. The “Tin Tabernacle” Victorian St. Saviour’sChurch has been rescued from the railway village of Westhousesand is the latest building to be opened, as the first stage of aplanned Victorian Street Scene.


Midland Railway, Butterley is close to the A38 and M1, and youcan soon be in the Peak District. Chatsworth House is a popularlocal attraction.

Crich Tramway Village Crich Tramway Village is no ordinary day out. The village settingof lovingly restored buildings is the home of the nation’scollection of vintage trams and gives visitors the opportunity toexperience the nostalgia of a time now past.

Visitors are welcome to ride the trams as often as they wish butit’s hard not to be distracted by all the other activities going on.The Workshop Gallery gives you the opportunity to watchengineers close up as they go about servicing working vehicles,and carrying out restoration work on needy trams. Visit thedepots and you will be able to see over 50 vintage trams frommany different eras, towns and countries. Across the yard youwill find the exhibition hall which tells the story of the tram, fromits horse-drawn origins to the nearly silent electric vehiclesworking in many cities today.

“The village setting of lovinglyrestored buildings is the home

of the nation’s collection ofvintage trams...”

The buildings that make up the village have come from all partsof the country, many demolished brick by brick before beingtransported to Crich and lovingly rebuilt and restored. In theheart of the village you will find the souvenir shop Scothern &Williamson and Barnett’s Traditional Sweet Shop, and should yoube in need of refreshment there are also Rita’s Tearooms and theRed Lion Pub, which welcomes all members of the familywhatever their age. The Woodland Walk allows visitors to stretchtheir legs on a trail that winds through native woodland dottedwith sculptures by local artists.

Steam into the Peak District for 2011

Ecclesbourne Valley RailwayBring your coach party for something new

Close to Carsington Water for a full day tour

Wirksworth Station, DE4 4FB

www.e-v-r.com 01629 823076

Midland Railway, Butterley



Crich is on the edge of the Peak District, and easily combinedwith Midland Railway, Butterley or Peak Rail.

Peak RailLocated in the Derwent Valley, Peak Rail operates regular steamand diesel hauled passenger trains between Rowsley and MatlockRiverside, over part of the former Midland Railway line betweenManchester Central and London St. Pancras which closedbetween Buxton and Matlock in 1968. The railway has extendedits line to operate passenger services from Matlock main linestation, and this will come into operation in Spring 2011.

Rowsley Station is the main base and set in 28 acres, on the siteof the former locomotive depot. Facilities include free parking, alarge buffet, ticket office, exhibition area, station master’s officeand gift shop. There is also a large picnic area and a narrowgauge railway. Rowsley is the best choice for groups with ampleparking for over 200 vehicles. For people with disabilities PeakRail has a specially adapted carriage which is fully accessible forwheelchairs, and is available on all service trains. The PalatineRestaurant Car offers afternoon and cream teas throughout thesummer months, seating 71.


The Peak District is Britain’s first National Park, with attractionsincluding the Heights of Abraham Cable Car.

Ecclesbourne Valley RailwayAlso located in Derbyshire, and very close to Matlock, this is agood example of a small heritage railway trying hard to attractgroups. It provides services operated by heritage diesel railcars,and in April 2011 the line is being extended from the station atWirksworth all the way to Duffield at a cost of about £1.5million. Following a ten-year restoration project, theEcclesbourne Valley Railway is now a fully operational passengerrailway and will offer at least four trains a day at weekends andon other operating days in the season between April and October.The initial timetable has been designed to connect with EastMidlands Trains’ Nottingham to Matlock service at Duffield.

“The Ecclesbourne Valley isclaimed to be one of the loveliest

valleys of Derbyshire...”The Ecclesbourne Valley is claimed to be one of the loveliestvalleys of Derbyshire, running southwards from the ancient PeakDistrict town of Wirksworth. The line is very close to CarsingtonWater, and many coach tour visitors spend the morning at thelake before calling at Wirksworth to visit the railway. Coach

parties are offered refreshments such as afternoon teas in the firstclass dining car, plus free parking.


Matlock and the Peak District are easy to reach, and the markettown of Ashbourne.

Churnet Valley Railway Despite being a relatively recent arrival on the heritage railwaysscene, this has grown rapidly and claims to be second only to AltonTowers as the Stoke-on-Trent area’s leading tourist attraction. It isalso connected to a “new” heritage railway, Moorland and City,which operated its first trains in November 2010.

“...second only to Alton Towersas the Stoke-on-Trent area’sleading tourist attraction.”

The Churnet Valley Railway is a 5½-mile former NorthStaffordshire Railway line running through a surprisingly scenicpart of the county. Running from the railway’s base at Kinglsey& Froghall station, the line runs through an area called “LittleSwitzerland” alongside the River Churnet and Caldon Canal en-route to Consall and Cheddleton stations. The journey continuesthrough the 531-yard long Cheddleton Tunnel to Leekbrook,where the engine runs round and the train returns to Cheddleton.Eventually, it hopes to reach the market town of Leek.

In the middle of the journey is the delightful stop at Consall,where passengers can alight for a stroll along the Caldon Canaland River Churnet. Within a short walk of the station is ConsallNature Reserve with its visitor centre housing a shop and naturalhistory displays. Many walks through the sprawling woodlandon the valley sides start from here, and for the less energetic thereis also a pub. Kingsley & Froghall Station is home to the main tearoom and enlarged souvenir shop. It is hoped to relocate the listedWhitebridge Crossing keeper’s cottage from Stone to CheddletonStation where it will eventually be used as a new tea room.

Churnet Valley Railway

Crich Tramway Village


Group visitors are increasing, and a popular sell-out event duringthe summer of 2010 was the afternoon cream tea specials.Regular events for 2011 will include a 1940s weekend, AlfTunstall Classic Bus Rally, Victorian weekend, Velocipede Rally,Classic Car and Folk Festival, Halloween Ghost Train and Santa& Steam. Throughout the year it operates Sunday lunch specials& wine and dine evenings using the Moorlander dining train.Many of these evenings are themed and have included BriefEncounter, Murder Mystery and an Elvis Tribute.

“Throughout the year itoperates Sunday lunchspecials and wine &

dine evenings...”In November 2010, Moorland and City Railways in conjunctionwith the CVR re-opened the line from Leekbrook to CauldonLow, making the total return journey 27 miles. The line fromLeekbrook to Stoke-on-Trent is being assessed with the intentionof running quarry traffic from Cauldon Low, but following thesuccess of the November 2010 events, more heritage operationsare likely over the steeply graded route.


Apart from Alton Towers you can visit Potteries attractions such asWedgwood, and Trentham Gardens. The Peak District is also close.

Foxfield RailwayThe Foxfield Railway is one of the UK’s earliest heritage railwayswith the preservation Society being formed in 1967 soon afterclosure of the line. It immediately started operating steamlocomotives over the 3 mile long branch line and building up aunique collection of locomotives, rolling stock and artefacts. TheRailway is in the southern Staffordshire Moorlands and has thesteepest gradients on any standard gauge railway in the UK,which results in spectacular sounds and sights as locomotivesclimb the hills.

A great destination for groups with a train taking you to a largeMuseum site that includes the Railway Exhibition Hall, WestShed Experience, the Country Park, Victorian Railwayman’sChurch, Demonstration Signalbox, Road Transport Display,Stationary Power Collection, Golden Valley Light Railway,Miniature and Model Railways

• Special Events throughout the year.• Attractive packages available• Lunches, Afternoon Teas

Contact us for more information:MIDLAND RAILWAY – BUTTERLEY

Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ

Tel. 01773 747674Email: [email protected]

www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk

More than just a Railway

Foxfield Railway


Although the main station at Blythe Bridge (Caverswall Road)dates only from 1996, it has been designed in the style of theclassic branch line termini of 100 years ago. It does, however,have the most modern of facilities and is fully accessible. Therailway is staffed by volunteers so trains normally operate everySunday and Bank Holiday Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays fromEaster until Christmas. It also runs on Wednesdays in August andspecial trains for groups can be arranged for other times.

“In 2009, the line receivedan accolade when it was

used as the locationfor the BBC’s costume

drama Cranford...”In 2009, the line received an accolade when it was used as thelocation for the BBC’s costume drama Cranford starring DameJudy Dench together with the line’s own “titled lady”, thelocomotive Bellerophon. The Foxfield can be found six miles tothe east of Stoke-on-Trent, close to the Blythe Bridge junction onthe A50 and only eight miles from the M6.


The Potteries are the main attractions, and also Alton Towers.

Other RailwaysThe Chasewater Railway and Battlefield Line, in Staffordshireand Leicestershire respectively, are two other Midlands railwaysrecalling the area’s industrial past. Barrow Hill Roundhouse, nearChesterfield, is a working locomotive depot which stages severalgala events each year.

Shakespeare ExpressAnother regular special steam-hauled train running over thenational rail system, the Shakespeare Express is operated byVintage Trains linking Birmingham with the tourist hot-spot ofStratford-upon-Avon. Trains operate on summer Sundays withboth morning and afternoon departures in each direction, and ajourney time of one hour. Passengers can spend around 3½ hoursin Stratford by taking the morning train from Birmingham andreturning in the afternoon. Standard or Premier Class are offered,with Premier Class including cooked breakfast, lunch orafternoon tea.

NORTH WEST

Some of this region’s best-known heritage railways are in the scenicLake District, but the largest is in Lancashire as befits a onceheavily industrial area. The North West gave birth to the world’sfirst inter-city railway, the Liverpool and Manchester, in 1830.

East Lancashire RailwayYou’ll get all the trimmings you would expect to find on one ofBritain’s best preserved railways, including lovingly restoredstations, level crossings and tunnels, not to mention stunningviews across the Pennine Moors. The mainly steam-hauled servicetravels between the towns of Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom andRawtenstall and operates every weekend and Bank Holidaysthroughout the year, with services also on Wednesdays,Thursdays and Fridays from May to September. The railway ishome to several large locomotives and its steam galas arerenowned.

The line runs from Rawtenstall along the scenic Irwell Valley withviews of the West Pennines, as it crosses and re-crosses the RiverIrwell passing over viaducts and through tunnels. As you leaveRawtenstall you get splendid views of the moors from yourcarriage window before arriving at Irwell Vale, a destinationpopular with hikers. Then it’s onward again to Ramsbottomwhere you can explore the Victorian town with its shops andDickensian connections, while the more energetic can climb PeelTower on top of Holcombe hill, a monument to Sir Robert Peel.The next stop is Summerseat, a quaint, typically British village.

“ You’ll get all the trimmings youwould expect to find on one of

Britain’s best preserved railways...” The largest town on the line is Bury, noted for its famous marketand large shopping centre. Here you could visit the railway’sTrackside Bar and the newly restored Bury Transport Museum,open after a £3 million investment, which portrays transport history

East Lancashire Railway

Foxfield Railway


both road and rail in the local area. From Bury you head east toHeywood crossing the Metrolink tramway then high above theRiver Roch on a seven arched viaduct with dramatic views ofHolcombe Hill.


At Rawtenstall you can visit Britain’s last Temperance Bar, andHelmshore Textile Museum with its demonstration water wheelproviding a fascinating insight into Lancashire's Industrial Heritage.Bury is noted for its famous market and you are only a few milesfrom Manchester.

Ribble Steam RailwaySituated in Preston Docks, this railway has been open to thepublic since 2005 and has one of the largest collections ofindustrial locomotives in Britain housed in a new purpose-builtmuseum and workshop buildings with full disabled access. Themuseum displays are continually being updated to give visitorsan inter-active experience of the many aspects of industrialrailway history of the North West, and guided tours can bearranged on request.

“ 2011 events include twoSteam Galas held in February

and September.”Visitors can travel behind one of the restored steam engines,enjoying a three-mile return trip around the dock and along theriver bank, taking in views that can only be seen from the railway.Snacks and drinks are available in the tea room with views intothe main museum building. The Gift Shop carries a wide range ofmerchandise for all.

2011 events include two Steam Galas held in February andSeptember. Regular steam train operations run on Sundays inApril, on Wednesdays in August and school half-terms and fullweekends from May to September. Events for vintage cars,Halloween and Santa Claus also operate.


Preston is close to the seaside resorts of Blackpool and Southport,and also to Liverpool and Manchester.

Ravenglass & Eskdale RailwayThis is the Lake District’s oldest, longest and most scenic line.Starting life as a three-foot gauge line in 1875, it was re-gaugedto its current 15 inches during World War One. Known locally asLa’al Ratty, Cumbrian dialect for little, narrow way, the railwayfaced closure in the 1950s but 2011 sees the 50th anniversary ofits rescue, the forming of a Preservation Society and theinvolvement of the Wakefield family of Kendal, its currentowners.

“This is the LakeDistrict’s oldest, longestand most scenic line..”

The 7-mile line links the coastal village of Ravenglass with thehidden valley of Miterdale and exquisitely beautiful Eskdale,terminating at Dalegarth Visitor Centre near Scafell, part ofEngland’s highest mountain range. Heritage steam engines,including the world’s oldest working 15-inch gauge locomotive,haul trains of open-top, open-sided and cosy covered carriageson the 40-minute journey in each direction.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is an experienced player inthe group travel market, and has dedicated free coach parkingspaces at Ravenglass, level access to the trains, and either level orramped access to all the facilities. For 2011 a brand new purpose-built cafe at Ravenglass will offer both greater space and comfort,while retaining its much praised classic menu concentrating onhome made delights. The Dalegarth Visitor Centre is fullyequipped for all ages and abilities.

“ The Ravenglass and EskdaleRailway is an experienced player

in the group travel market...”Apart from offering coach operators and groups particularlyadvantageous rates for return travel, the railway has linked upwith nearby Muncaster Castle to present a further season ofSteam on the Wildside. This package includes rail travel and a

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ribble Steam Railway


visit to meet the owls of the World Owl Trust, to enjoy thehistoric surroundings of a stately home with a difference. Anotherpackage, One Happy Family, is spread over two days – one on therailway and the other at the Wakefield family-owned Ullswater‘Steamers’, cruising on England’s most beautiful lake. Prices havebeen frozen once more at £8 per adult for a return journey onthe railway and at £11.50 per head for One Happy Family. Steamon the Wildside costs £13.


You’re close to the Cumbria coast as well as the Lake District,and within easy reach of north Lancashire.

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Established in 1973, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway isa family-run business in the heart of the Lake District. With steamtrains operating daily from April 9-October 30 through thepicturesque Leven Valley at the southern end of LakeWindermere, it is a must when visiting the Lakes.

Connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises so youcan enjoy a scenic cruise to Bowness or Ambleside.

Special events throughout the year including Pensioners Days,Family Fun Weekends, Witches Week, Santa Weekends and, onlyin 2011, Royal Wedding Day. Haverthwaite station’s restaurantserves a selection of homemade meals, and snacks and homemadescones. The new Gift Shop, opened in 2010, boasts an extensivearray of gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can view the collection oflovingly restored steam and diesel locomotives in the EngineShed. As the premier standard gauge steam railway in the LakeDistrict, its friendly, helpful staff and top quality facilities willprovide a most enjoyable experience.

“... friendly, helpful staff and topquality facilities will provide amost enjoyable experience.”

The line operates from Haverthwaite on the A590 trunk road tothe southern shore of Lake Windermere, and the 20-minute tripis operated several times a day.


The Lakes Aquarium, the World of Beatrix Potter, LakelandMotor Museum and Brockhole Visitor Centre are nearby, plus ofcourse Windermere Lake Cruises.

South Tynedale Railway This is the highest narrow-gauge railway in England, situated inthe North Penines at Alston which is a place designated as anArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In 2011 it is hoping to opena new café, the Buffer Stop, on the platform at Alston, as well asan extension to Lintley which will increase the length of the lineby nearly two miles. Special events include a Roman weekend inconjunction with Whitley Castle, the highest stone-built Romanfort. In December it will again be running Santa Specials.

“ Special events include a Romanweekend in conjunction withWhitley Castle, the higheststone-built Roman fort.”

Trains run from Easter to the end of October, and every day frommid July to the end of August with four trains daily from 11 am.Most trains are hauled by steam. The railway runs through theSouth Tyne Valley with views across to Kirkhaugh, a little hamletwith a church nestling by the South Tyne river. The South TyneTrail runs beside the railway, and long-distance footpath thePennine Way also crosses the railway on its way to Scotland.


Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District are within easy reach.

South Tynedale Railway

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway


A captivating journey through the Irwell Valley with spectacular views

of the West Pennine Moors

• Picturesque historic towns and villages en route

• New interactive Bury Transport Museum

• Luxury steam-hauled dining trains throughout the year

• Award-winning annual events

• Café and shop

• Free coach parking with free travel & refreshments for coach driver

• Tailored itinerary planning

• Meet & Greet Service

• Big discounts for groups

www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk

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ISOUTH TYNEDALE RA LWAY

Northern England’s Highest Narrow-Gauge Railway

www.strps.org.ukSOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY, THE RAILWAY STATION,

ALSTON, CUMBRIA CA9 3JBTel: 01434 382828 for talking timetable

or 01434 381696 for other information

Alston, Cumbria

The South Tynedale Railway operates narrow gauge

passenger trains along a 21⁄4 mile line in the scenic

South Tyne valley between Alston, in Cumbria and

Kirkhaugh, in Northumberland.

Free parking and disabled access.


YORKSHIRE &NORTH EAST

Britain’s busiest heritage railway, the National Railway Museumand a museum celebrating the dawn of railways are among thehighlights of this very rich and diverse region.

National Railway Museum The National Railway Museum (NRM) in York covers over 300years of railway history and its collections include over 100locomotives, some 250 items of rolling stock and thousands ofother objects - from posters and tickets to uniforms andsilverware.

“Nostalgia seekers will love theevocative Station Hall where you

can marvel at the collection ofRoyal Trains.”

In giant halls full of trains and railway legends, visitors can get upclose to a diverse range of locomotives. Jewels of the collectioninclude the elegant, maroon liveried Duchess of Hamilton,recently restored to its original streamlined form; a replica ofStephenson’s groundbreaking Rocket, which ran on the world’sfirst inter-city railway in 1830; the iconic Japanese Bullet Train,Shinkansen, which is the only one of its kind outside the UK; andthe imposing Chinese Locomotive, one of the largest steamengines ever built in Britain.

Nostalgia seekers will love the evocative Station Hall where youcan marvel at the collection of Royal Trains. The opulence ofQueen Victoria’s favourite carriage provides a remarkable insightinto the world of Royal travel. The Warehouse is an Aladdin’sCave of railway memorabilia, with thousands of items on opendisplay all telling a story. It is well worth joining the WarehouseTour to learn more. Search Engine is the state-of-the-art libraryand archive centre where you can browse among the books, usethe research facilities or join tours to view unseen artefacts.

In the conservation workshops you can watch engineers at work,maintaining and conserving locomotives, carriages and wagons –including Flying Scotsman, probably the world’s best-known

steam locomotive, which it is hoped will return to service during2011. You can watch a working turntable in action in the GreatHall, and there is a daily programme of talks, tours anddemonstrations for those that want to know more about theNational Collection.

Admission to the museum is free, but a charge may be made forspecial events. Events this year include the Japan Festival fromApril 9-24, showcasing Japanese culture and marking ten yearssince the Bullet Train arrived at the NRM, and Welcome HomeFlying Scotsman, on dates to be announced. The NRM will belaunching a new contemporary art gallery space in 2011 featuringits unseen art collection and art works from across the worldinspired by railways. The NRM’s own art collection has 7,000posters, 3,061 prints and engravings and 1,049 paintings.

Pre-booking a group visit is simple as this allows you to secureyour coach parking space and entitles your group to special offervouchers including 2 for 1 on the Road Train (linking the NRMwith York Minster), half price on the Simulator, 10% off in theshop and a free lunch for the coach driver.


York’s numerous attractions are well-known, from the Minster,Castle Museum and Roman Walls to shopping in the Shamblesand river cruises.

North Yorkshire Moors RailwayThe North Yorkshire Moors Railway claims to be the world’smost popular heritage steam railway attracting around 350,000visitors per year, and helping to inject £30 million into the localeconomy. Many visitors come to see Goathland station whichstarred in the first Harry Potter film as Hogsmeade station, andthe railway has been featured on numerous occasions in ITV’s1960s drama Heartbeat.

“...the world’s most popularheritage steam railway attracting

around 350,000 visitors per year...”This year the NYMR is celebrating two major events, the 175thanniversary of completion of the Whitby and Pickering Railway,and the final phase of an extensive building programme atPickering station. This will conclude with the unveiling of thenewly reinstated roof at Pickering, bringing the station back to its1840s glory. Both events will be the main feature of the Spring

National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum


0191 370 [email protected]

beamish.org.uk

All aboard fora great tour.

All aboard for a great tour.

Explore 300 acres of living history, throughout

the seasons and meet the people who lived and

worked in the past.

Plus FREE......coach driver hospitality...admission for tour

organiser and driver...coach parking ...promotional literature

including visitor maps

Discounts for groups of 15+

North East’s multi-award winning

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Six Times Winner‘BEST UK

ATTRACTIONFOR GROUPS’

Visit theplace where

railwayswere born!

Following a £1.7m refurbishment in 2008,Head of Steam offers a unique experience

to visitors of all ages, including:

Head of Steam - Railway Museum, North Road Station, Darlington DL3 6ST.Tel: 01325 460532 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.head-of-steam.co.uk

� Interactive displays andaudio visual equipment

� Temporary exhibitions� Themed family event days� Ken Hoole Study Centre

There really is something for everyone!

� Educational events andchildren’s activities

� Conference and event facilities� Locomotion No. 1, built by railway

pioneer George Stephenson


Steam Gala. The 175th anniversary Gala from April 29-May 8will reflect the history of railways and the Pickering to Whitbyline, and will feature visiting locomotives Tornado, Rocket andPlanet.

Customer expectations are ever higher, and to enhance the valuefor money experience the railway is providing more informationabout marked walking and cycling trails, local landmarks, thehistory of the area and information of fauna and flora. It will alsocontinue to promote its highly regarded home-made food usingfresh, locally sourced seasonal products in the tearoom atPickering Station. The dining train will also continue to featurepopular menus and hold special theme nights.

“Groups usually join trainsat Pickering station, and theNYMR issues comprehensive

information to groups...”The railway will increase the number of services to Whitby on aFriday, and will be offering customers Fish and Trip offers topromote services to this renowned North Yorkshire port andresort. It is also reaching out to the new markets of conferenceprovision and corporate entertaining, with a new conferenceroom on Platform 1 at Pickering and bespoke charter services.

The NYMR’s core route runs across the moors from Pickering toGrosmont, offering great scenery and including the stop atGoathland which doubles as Aidensfield in Heartbeat. Manypassengers get out at Goathland to view the village (a steep walkfrom the station), including the pub which appears as theAidensfield Arms and Bernie Scripps’ old-fashioned garage.

The locomotive yard can be viewed at Grosmont where many ofBritain’s most famous locomotives make their home, includingSir Nigel Gresley, a sister of the record breaking Mallard. To getthere from the station you take a short walk through what isclaimed to be the world’s oldest railway tunnel, once used byhorse-drawn carriages.

The seven-mile route from Grosmont to Whitby is shared withNorthern Rail’s diesel trains, and gives the NYMR a vital addeddimension. The refurbished station at Whitby is close to the towncentre and quayside, with the hilltop ruins of Whitby Abbey –mentioned in Bram Stoker’s original Dracula novel – making aphotogenic backdrop.

Groups usually join trains at Pickering station, and the NYMRissues comprehensive information to groups including parkingand bridge restrictions. Private train charter is available(weddings a speciality!), and seats can be booked on Sundaylunch dining trains.


Apart from Whitby, the NYMR is handily placed for combiningwith trips to Scarborough, Castle Howard, Ryedale and York.

Keighley & Worth Valley RailwayThe Railway Children is one of the best-loved films shown oftenon TV, and made into a play with a real steam engine that wasstaged at London’s Waterloo station in 2010. To see where it wasfilmed you should visit the wild moorland landscape of WestYorkshire’s Brontë Country, home not just to Cathy andHeathcliff of Wuthering Heights fame, but also to a scenicheritage railway connecting the busy town of Keighley withHaworth and Oxenhope.

To coincide with the 40th anniversary of the making of thisclassic film in 2010, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway hasproduced a book which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the filmthrough the eyes of the railway volunteers who were actuallyinvolved in its making. Learn the truth about the famous “Daddy,My Daddy!” scene and much more!

The steep gradient up the Worth Valley from Keighley has beena challenge for locomotives ever since the line opened in 1867,and the few remaining woollen mills recall why the line was built.The five-mile journey offers views of windswept moors, rushingstreams and stone-built villages, and most of the stations alongthe route are little pieces of history in themselves.

“...visit the wild moorlandlandscape of West Yorkshire’s

Brontë Country...”Keighley station, shared with Northern Rail services, has a bigstation feel with a long ramp down from the footbridge spanningthe tracks. Oakworth has been beautifully restored to its 1905condition, including milk churns and enamel signs, and was usedin The Railway Children film. The railway has also appeared inSherlock Holmes films, Last of the Summer Wine, Sons andLovers, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Poirot, Born and Bred, TheRoyal, Where The Heart Is and A Touch Of Frost.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway


At Oxenhope you can visit a museum where the railway’s non-operational fleet is on display, including the Jubilee classlocomotive Bahamas. Haworth has an extensive shop andviewing area for the locomotive shed, but the village’s famoussteep cobbled street is a tough uphill walk from the station andbest accessed by coach via one of its car parks. The BrontëParsonage Museum is close to the village centre.


Apart from the Brontë attractions, you are close to the modelvillage of Saltaire and Bradford attractions including the Mediaand Industrial Museums.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway This railway runs for four miles between Bolton Abbey andEmbsay station in the Yorkshire Dales, and recreates a section ofthe former Midland Railway with picturesque Holywell Haltbeing ideal for summer picnics.

The line operates almost every weekend throughout the year,building up to a daily service from mid July to the end of August.

“Groups are welcome throughoutthe year by appointment...”

It hosts many events during the year, including a 1940s weekendin September. Another ever-popular visitor is Santa Claus, whorides the line between mid November and Christmas. Most trainsare hauled by one of the line’s collection of magnificently restoredsteam tank engines, although occasionally services may beoperated by a heritage diesel locomotive. During the summer, inaddition to the advertised steam service, vintage trains usingVictorian and Edwardian carriages operate at weekends. Insummer the line has gift shops open at both Embsay and BoltonAbbey stations.

Embsay station has a famous railway transport bookshop. Bothstations have tearooms and picnic areas, and there is ample freeparking at both Bolton Abbey and Embsay. Groups are welcomethroughout the year by appointment, and it may be possible tohire a special train at a reasonable cost on days when no trainsare advertised.


The ruins of Bolton Abbey, a famous beauty spot, are a pleasant1½-mile walk away, and the Bolton Abbey estate has large coachparks. Nearby is the attractive market town of Skipton, and jointvisits can be arranged with Skipton Castle or the operators ofcruises on the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

GRAND DAYS OUT FOR GROUPSRecapture a golden era brought to life by the story of the railways.

FREE entry, coach parking and special offers for pre-booked groups.

Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ0844 815 3139 www.nrm.org.uk

NEW FOR

2011-THE

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THE KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAYPRESERVATION SOCIETY

The Railway Station, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 8NJTelephone 01535 645214 www.kwvr.co.uk

Keep up to date with the KWVR 24hr Info 01535 647777

Steam throughthe unique beautyof Brontë Country

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Kirklees Light RailwayThe picturesque village of Clayton West is home to “Yorkshire’sGreat Little Steam Trains” offering visitors a seven-mile round-trip through beautiful countryside in the attractive South Penninefoothills. The 15-inch narrow gauge railway was built on thetrack bed of a former British Railways branch line, and trains arehauled by four resident steam engines called Hawk, Badger, Owland Fox.

Trains run every weekend throughout the year, and daily duringschool holidays, with steam galas in spring and autumn. Thereare picnic areas at both Clayton West and Shelley stations, as wellas a large coach park, café and shop at Clayton West. The railwayis close to Junctions 38 and 39 of the M1.


You are close to Holmfirth, the village made famous by Last ofthe Summer Wine, and also the Peak District.

Middleton Railway The Middleton Railway in Leeds was first established by Act ofParliament in 1758, when it was a horse-drawn tramway. Itclaims to be the first standard gauge railway to be run entirely byvolunteers, preserved after abandonment by the National CoalBoard in 1960, and has continued that way ever since. Supportedby the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2005, the railway has nowbecome an Accredited Museum with a magnificent new EngineHouse.

“The Middleton is justover one mile south

of the centre of Leeds...”You can now enjoy learning how the oldest working railway inthe world has progressed over the years, through moving coal in1812 when the first ever revenue earning steam locomotives wereintroduced, to the present day when you can travel in formerminers’ coaches. As well as many interesting artefacts anddisplays, the Engine House holds part of the Leeds Collection oflocomotives, both steam and diesel, built in the city.

The Middleton is just over one mile south of the centre of Leeds,and is a working museum where many of the locomotives areused to haul trains.

Your visit will be enhanced by new facilities including shop,refreshments, toilet facilities and full access for the disabled.Trains carry only about 100 passengers, so group organisersshould make enquiries beforehand.


Other attractions of an industrial nature nearby are the ThwaiteMills museum, with two working water wheels, and Armley MillsIndustrial museum, one of the largest textile mill museums in theworld.

Beamish - The Living Museum of the NorthAt Beamish you can step back into a time when the telephonewas less than mobile and television was just a twinkle in aScotsman’s eye, when your living room was your bathroom andyour toilet was out in the cold. The past is brought vividly to lifeat Beamish, and railways and working trams are very much partof its appeal.

“The past is brought vividlyto life at Beamish, and railways

and working trams are verymuch part of its appeal.”

Take your group around 300 acres of living history and meetpeople who lived and worked in the past. Talk to the dentist,school teacher, miners, farmers, engine drivers and a pitman’swife, and relax in between with a ride on one of the splendidrestored trams and replica buses.

Beamish has much to offer groups and is ideal for day trips orinclusion in tour itineraries. There are no increases in group ratesfor 2011 and admission charges have been held since 2005, butdevelopments continue.

A real, coal-fired Fish & Chip Shop serving delicious meals foreveryone to enjoy is opening early in the summer of 2011.

Kirklees Light Railway

Middleton Railway

History is presented in two periods – the 1820s (when the world’sfirst steam railways began to develop in the North East), and1913, just before the First World War. Apart from the trams andbuses, you can visit the Town’s railway station, a typical countrystation as it would have been in 1913 with signal box datingfrom 1896. The station was first built in 1867 and came fromRowley, near Consett. Then visit the 1820s PockerleyWaggonway to see replicas of pioneering steam engines Elephantand Locomotion and take a ride in open-top wagons, just likeon the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.

A long since expatriated steam locomotive will be making atransatlantic journey in spring 2011 to its new home at Beamish.Dunrobin, an 0-4-4T steam locomotive, was built in 1895 forthe Duke of Sutherland and exported to Canada in 1965, butwill take pride of place working at the museum’s Victorianstation.

Throughout the year there are special events at Beamish, all at noextra charge. Enjoy The Great North Steam Fair from April 14-17 with visiting locomotives adding to the museum’s collection ofsteam vehicles. Power from the Past, from September 1-4, is amajor display of working vehicles, from cycles and motorcyclesto road rollers and traction engines. A whole season of Christmasfestivities, from November 19 until January 3, 2012 is when theTown and Colliery Village will take on a festive feel. Perioddecorations from the early 1900s and traditional entertainmentare featured and, at weekends, Father Christmas in his grottoand skating on a real ice rink in the Pit Village.

With so much to see and do at Beamish, it’s no wonder that themuseum has been voted Best UK Attraction for Group Visits –Long Visit six times since 2000.


All the historic attractions of Durham are within easy reach, asare Newcastle’s shopping, theatre and nightlife.


‘Spring Steam Gala’ – 29-30 April and 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 May

‘Sixties Weekend’ – 11-12 June

‘Vintage Vehicle Weekend’ – 9-10 July

‘Railway in Wartime’ – 14-16 October

Special Events for 2011 include:

it us at www.nymr.co.uk

A steam train adventure through the stunning North York Moors

Take a step back in time

Visit us at www.nymr.co.uk Call us on 01751 472508

Beamish


Tanfield RailwayThis offers a six-mile return trip along the track bed of a horse-drawn waggonway dating from 1725, which makes it the world’soldest railway. Passengers have been carried for over 30 years bysteam trains using vintage carriages, normally on Sundays andBank Holiday Mondays throughout the year, as well asWednesdays and Thursdays in the school summer holidays.

On operating days groups can hire a carriage on a service train,or even a complete train before regular services start running. Onnon-operating days, a complete train can also be hired. Therailway is ideal for groups requiring a short steam train ride andmakes a great finale to a week or short break in the North East.Andrews House Station was voted the North East’s No.1 Picnicsite in 2009, and a café and shop are also located here. It islocated on the A6076 road at Old Marley Hill, between Stanleyand Sunniside, near Gateshead, only 15 minutes’ drive from theA1 (M).


Gateshead’s Metro Centre and all the attractions of Newcastleare just a few miles away.

Weardale Railway2010 was an eventful year for the Weardale Railway which re-opened services from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland which areused by local people as well as tourists, connecting here withNorthern Rail’s service to Darlington and beyond. In 2011 itexpects further developments including carrying coal, and is indiscussions about building new stations at Witton le Wear andWitton Park. Re-introduction of a more regular heritage steamservice is also planned, with the possibility of offering buffetservice and a First Class option.

“This is a railway with big ambitions,and looks set to soon become a

popular group attraction...”This is a railway with big ambitions which looks set to soonbecome a popular group attraction in rural County Durham. Theheritage service, by steam or diesel trains, operates betweenStanhope and Wolsingham – a journey taking 25 minutes one-way or a 1½-hour round trip. It eventually plans to re-open 18miles of line from Eastgate to Bishop Auckland and if plans touse the railway to carry coal go ahead, this would be a “first” fora heritage line.

The line was originally built by the Stockton & DarlingtonRailway in 1847, to transport limestone to the ironworks ofTeesside. Carrying coal would therefore mean a return to itsindustrial traditions, but for tourists it offers a scenic ridethrough the wild dales scenery of the rural North East.


Durham and the Yorkshire Dales are close by, and also BarnardCastle.

Wensleydale Railway The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic heritage railway whichalso serves the local community, offering a great value day out inthe Yorkshire Dales as it runs for 16 miles through “HerriotCountry” between Leeming Bar and Redmire (for Bolton Castle)in North Yorkshire. Here you can experience the scenic YorkshireDales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It has preserved 22 miles of the former line from Northallertonto Garsdale that opened to passengers in 1878, and is activelyworking to restore the full length of the line. You can take thehistoric diesel trains to Redmire and then visit Bolton Castle, thelast place of internment of Mary Queen of Scots, or AysgarthFalls in the heart of the National Park. Continue by coach to thefamed market town of Hawes with its creamery, rope works,quaint streets and shops. Trains call at the lovely market townsof Bedale and Leyburn en route, making the WensleydaleRailway a great day out.

Suggested itineraries for groups include a 12-mile one-way tripbetween Leeming Bar and Leyburn that takes 40 minutes withrefreshments served at your seats, and the full 17-mile trip toRedmire taking about 1¼ hours. Trains are operated by dieselrailcars offering great views from all seats and also of the lineahead (or behind!) from seats in the end sections. There is anon-board buffet on certain services.


Apart from the Wensleydale attractions mentioned above(including cheese, of course!), you are close to GeorgianRichmond, Ripon and Harrogate.

Darlington Railway MuseumThe Head of Steam, Darlington Railway Museum is housedwithin the original North Road Station built in 1842 and veryevocative of the Victorian era. Visitors can venture back in timeand see Stephenson’s Locomotion Number One, built in 1825for the opening of the Stockton & Darlington, the world’s firststeam worked public railway. Explore the display of locally-builtengines including Derwent, the earliest surviving Darlington-builtlocomotive.

Discover the Booking Office where time has stood still for over168 years, and journey through exhibition galleries to find outwhy Darlington was the birthplace of the railways. A range ofsmaller items including station and lineside signs, uniforms,furniture, tableware and paintings, complement the largerexhibits. The entrance hall and ticket office are restored in periodstyle, enhanced by displays of items such as porters’ barrows,luggage, posters and advertising signs.


Darlington is within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales andDurham.

Wensleydale Railway


ISLE OF MANSet in the heart of the Irish sea off the north-west coast of Englandlies Britain’s best kept secret - the Isle of Man. The islanddeveloped a thriving tourism industry and much of the Victorianinfrastructure remains, including one of the largest functioningnetworks of steam and electric railways.

The island is home to the longest operating tramway in the BritishIsles, the Manx Electric Railway, which includes many uniqueand rare vehicles such as Tram Car No.1, recognised in theGuinness Book of World Records as the oldest working tram stillin operation. The Manx Electric Railway dates back to 1873 andruns for over 17 miles from Douglas through Groudle, Laxey andMaughold to Ramsey, a journey that takes 75 minutes (or 30minutes from Douglas to Laxey). It hugs the island’s east coast asyou pass through leafy glens, gorse-topped hills and spectacularcoastal scenery, winding your way northwards.

Laxey is the starting point of the Snaefell Mountain Railway, aVictorian enterprise which climbs up above 2,000 feet to the topof Snaefell, the island’s only mountain. Built in 1895, it is a majorfeat of engineering and the only electric railway of its kind in theBritish Isles, with a gauge of 3 ft 6 in and a steep incline of 1 in12. You should allow at least one hour for a return trip andalways dress warmly, as it can be windy and cold even on sunnydays. At the top enjoy breathtaking views, refreshments andsunset dinners in the Summit Hotel Cafe.

“The island developed athriving tourism industry and

much of the Victorianinfrastructure remains...”

Opened in 1874, the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railwaystill runs with its original locomotives and carriages, through anever-changing landscape from Douglas to a choice of destinationsin the south of the island. The journey from the old VictorianStation in Douglas takes about 60 minutes, with lovely views offarmland and the distant Irish Sea. It runs for approximately 15.5miles from Douglas through Castletown, Ballasalla and Port StMary before reaching its terminus at Port Erin, a major tourist

centre in its own right. Places of interest within walking distanceof Castletown station include Castle Rushen and “The Peggy”nautical museum.

The Isle of Man is renowned for its railway-themed specialevents, and for 2011 these include Rush Hour on the Railways,from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th April, with three days ofadditional services, unique combinations, special events andphoto opportunities. The Manx Heritage Transport Festival fromWednesday 27th to Sunday 31st July is a five-day celebration ofhistoric transport on the island.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway will operate from Saturday 12thMarch to Sunday 6th November; the Manx Electric Railwayfrom Saturday 19th March to Sunday 6th November; and theSnaefell Mountain Railway from Saturday 16th April to Sunday2nd October. Designated coach parking is available near mostmain stations, and group discount bookings of 25% are availablefor groups of 20 or more.


The island’s many other attractions include Victorian Douglaswith its horse-drawn trams, the Manx Museum, Laxey Wheeland House of Manannan exploring the Viking and Celtic past.

Isle of Man Steam Railway

Snaefell Mountain Railway

Manx Electric Railway


WALES

With the Welsh Highland Railway opening to passengers rightthrough to Porthmadog this year, another new chapter in thestory of Welsh heritage railways is written. Completion ofBritain’s most impressive restoration project comes in the sameyear as another Welsh railway celebrates its 60th anniversary asa heritage route – a world “first”.

Talyllyn RailwayThe Talyllyn Railway’s celebrations on May 14/15 are not justanother gala event, but a major milestone for the heritage railwaymovement. When volunteers re-opened the line in 1951 it becamethe world’s first heritage railway, and the 60th anniversary is atime to celebrate the success of heritage railways generally.

“Groups are especially welcomeand most of the carriages

are enclosed...”This narrow gauge railway running into the hills from Tywyn,on the Cambrian Coast north of Aberystwyth, was once part ofan extensive network of lines used to transport slate over steeplygraded routes. It operates from the port of Tywyn to Dolgoch,Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, passing through deeply ruralscenery of sheep pastures, grazing cattle and oak woods.Passengers ride in vintage trains including the original Victoriancarriages which operate on special occasions, behind historicsteam locomotives including Dolgoch, which operated the firsttrain in 1866 and returns to service this year. The Talyllynreconnects visitors with nature and red kites may be seen amongthe native wildlife around Dolgoch Waterfalls and the tree-linedNant Gwernol ravine.

Start the experience with a meal in the bistro at Tywyn Harbourstation (also open for evening meals), before touring the NarrowGauge Museum (free for passengers) spread over two floors. Thistells the story of how railway builders around the world chose

narrow gauge for lower costs and greater adhesion, especially inmountainous areas. The museum includes the study of ReverendAwdry (1911-1997), author of the Thomas the Tank Enginebooks, who was inspired to write them when he became a regularvisitor to the Talyllyn.

Many special events are planned during 2011, including theanniversary gala on May 14/15, when Dolgoch will return tosteam after restoration. An all-night steam event on June 4/5 isanother highlight, and the Victorian Train will operate everyThursday from June 9 to July 14 and on Thursdays in September.Fish and Chip trains run on Fridays in peak season and a MurderMystery Evening is planned on August 2.

Groups are especially welcome and most of the carriages areenclosed, with opening windows and comfortable seats. AlthoughTywyn is not on the main coach touring routes, a visit here ishighly recommended and it is easy to reach from the main touringcentres.


The market town of Machynlleth can be easily reached, and theresorts of Aberystwyth and Barmouth.

Ffestiniog RailwayWith sister operation the Welsh Highland Railway nowcompleted to Porthmadog, this links up with the Ffestiniog tocreate 40 miles of narrow gauge steam railway running fromBlaenau Ffestiniog all the way to Caernarfon. But passengerscontinue to ride on each line separately.

The Ffestiniog claims the distinction of being the world’s oldestindependent railway, being founded in 1832. The railway wasbuilt as a gravity and horse-drawn line to transport slate fromquarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. Many ofits original engines - including the world’s oldest locomotive stilloperating on its original line - are still in regular use, and it is alsoa centre of engineering excellence having constructed steamlocomotives during three centuries with the newest, called Lyd,being completed in 2010.

The Ffestiniog route from Porthmadog Harbour crosses acauseway called The Cob, which it shares with the A487 trunkroad. The Cob celebrates its bicentenary this year as it wasconstructed in 1811 as part of a road from London to the Llynpeninsula and a proposed ferry port for Dublin, which neverbecame a reality.

Talyllyn Railway

Ffestiniog Railway


Llanberis Lake RailwaySteam trains in theHeart of Snowdonia

1971 - 2011Celebrating 40 years of service

Llanberis Lake RailwaySteam trains in theHeart of Snowdonia

1971 - 2011Celebrating 40 years of service

• vintage steam trains• one hour trips• café, gift shop and toilets• disabled facilities• FREE coach parking• excellent driver facilities

• vintage steam trains• one hour trips• café, gift shop and toilets• disabled facilities• FREE coach parking• excellent driver facilities

For group ratesand reservations

Call us on(01286) 870549

Padarn Park,Llanberis. LL55 4TY

www.lake-railway.co.uk

We are openmost days Easterto October,daily June to August.Also open duringFebruary/ March, and Turkey &Tinsel trips in November

We are openmost days Easterto October,daily June to August.Also open duringFebruary/ March, and Turkey &Tinsel trips in November

• Refreshments • Picnic sitesRoom for coach turning

and parking at Llanuwchllyn

BALA LAKE RAILWAYThe Station, Llanuwchllyn

01678 540666

www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk

The line then climbs from sea level, clinging to the hillside of theVale of Ffestiniog and offering great views of rivers, lakes, ancientoak woodland and waterfalls. Rural Tan-y-Bwlch offerswoodland walks for people of all abilities, along with a cosy café.After Penrhyn the line climbs steeply with views over a reservoir,before doubling back on itself before passing through openscenery. At journey’s end, the dramatic landscape of North Wales’slate capital of Blaenau Ffestiniog offers a fascinating insight intoan industry that once exported its produce throughout the world.Many groups join at Blaenau as it is close to Llandudno with itsmany hotels, and a tour of Llechwedd Slate Caverns in the townis usually included.

“The Ffestiniog claims thedistinction of being the world’s

oldest independent railway,being founded in 1832.”

The Ffestiniog may be narrow gauge but feels like a “big”railway, with some trains of at least 10 carriages. All trainsfeature at-seat service for tea, coffee, drinks and snacks. Forsmaller groups, individual carriages can be hired and chartertrains can also be provided.


The world-famous fantasy village of Portmeirion is a short walkfrom Minffordd station on the Ffestiniog Railway. Llanberis (forSnowdon) and the resorts of Barmouth and Pwllheli are withineasy reach.

Welsh Highland Railway Trains will run into Porthmadog Harbour station for the firsttime in 2011, but this will be a very limited service. Details hadnot been finalised at the time of writing, but the first train out ofPorthmadog Harbour in the morning will probably run toCaernarfon with the last train from Caernarfon running throughto the Harbour. Welsh Highland trains have to cross the busyA487 trunk road to access the station, so the southern terminusfor most trains will continue to be Pont Croesor, a location withplenty of parking just outside Porthmadog.

Welsh Highland Railway

The railway cost £28 million to complete and is due to be openedofficially on April 20, having been completed in stagessouthwards from Caernarfon over a period of 14 years. Theoriginal railway opened in 1881, but did not reach Porthmadoguntil 1923 and closed in 1936, having been a financial disaster. Itnow boasts the UK’s only standard gauge/narrow gauge levelcrossing where the WHR passes over the national system mainline from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.

It is the most ambitious heritage railway restoration project formany years, which has involved rebuilding of the 25-mile linerunning from beneath the castle walls in Caernarfon toPorthmadog. The scenic highlight is when the train passesthrough the Aberglaslyn Pass, voted the UK’s most beautiful spotby members of the National Trust. The contrasting views fromthe railway, from high above the fast flowing river of theAberglaslyn Pass to the tranquil farmland just a few metres abovesea level, are dramatic. The panoramic views from the flatlandsare superb, the railway being surrounded on three sides by themountains of Snowdonia and the ancient sea cliffs of the Glaslynestuary. Passengers also enjoy magnificent views of Snowdon anddelightful villages such as Beddgelert, home of the legendary“faithful hound”.

“The WHR crosses the fullwidth of the Snowdonia

National Park...”The WHR crosses the full width of the Snowdonia National Parkusing the most comfortable narrow gauge carriages in the UK,with at-seat buffet service and on-train toilets. Heritage andluxurious first class Pullman carriages include a magnificentobservation car built in the company’s own workshops in 2009,and you can also ride in open-sided carriages where you reallyfeel close to nature as you follow the twists and turns of the line.The views of the National Park are second to none, as the railwayruns high above the road offering a spectacle unavailable from acoach.

As with the Ffestiniog, you feel you are riding on a “big” railwaywith very powerful locomotives in charge, including some thatwere built to tackle steep gradients in South Africa. Many groupsjoin at the walled town of Caernarfon, where the station is closeto the medieval castle, and do either a round trip or one-way tripto Pont Croesor from here.


Caernarfon is a major historic centre, conveniently placed forSnowdon, the regional centre of Bangor, and the island ofAnglesey.

Welsh Highland Heritage RailwayThis is a separate organisation to the Welsh Highland Railwayand also based in Porthmadog, operating a short length of lineand museum. The museum explains how Porthmadog showedthe world that smaller trains could be as successful as the largerversions. Visitors are only on the train for part of their visit, as thetrain takes you for a short trip though the countryside beforestopping at the Engine Sheds and interactive museum, where youcan climb on board the engines and see how things work.

Snowdon Mountain RailwayThere are only two ways of reaching the summit of Snowdon –by walking, or on the Snowdon Mountain Railway! This is ahighly popular railway with most trains full to capacity, with upto 27 round trips every day in peak season carrying nearly 1,400passengers each day. Groups are encouraged to travel outsidepeak season, with more attractive fares on offer from March untilmid-July and from late September until the end of October.

This is a fully commercial operation, unlike most heritagerailways which are wholly or mainly run by volunteers. Trainsdepart from a busy terminus in Llanberis and are propelled upthe mountain by either steam or diesel locomotives, the mainattraction being the scenery rather than the trains. Each train hasonly one carriage so that locomotives can cope with the steepincline, using a “rack” system rather than simply relying onadhesion. On the one-hour trip to the summit you listen to arecorded commentary and soon climb above the tree line, passingalongside the walking routes through a desolate landscape of rockand scree. Even on a hot summer’s day the weather can bedramatically different at the summit, which at 3,560ft (1,085m)makes Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales. Winds can befierce, and on some days – usually off-season – trains do notproceed all the way up. Most visitors spend 30 minutes at thesummit, with time for a short but steep walk to the very top.

The Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre, Hafod Eryri, opened in2009 and provides a welcoming environment whatever theweather. Designed to complement the landscape, this landmark


Snowdon Mountain Railway

Welsh Highland Railway


FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS, HARBOUR STATION, PORTHMADOG, LL49 9NF

E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 01766 516024 Website: www.festrail.co.uk

more ‘off the beaten track’ areas of Snowdonia. Trains climb, then descend,

650ft round dramatic horseshoe bends as they cross the slopes of Snowdon

on a 22-mile journey, via Beddgelert and the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass, to

Pont Croesor - just three miles from Porthmadog town. During 2011, some

train services will be extended to run the full 25-miles to/from Porthmadog...

WE OFFER YOU A CHOICE of two distinctive narrow-gauge railways -

with a wide range of journey options and destinations to suit tour operators

and group travel organisers alike. Our experienced staff are very happy to

supply further information, advice and help with itinerary suggestions.

THE FFESTINIOG RAILWAY - starts beside Porthmadog’s harbour and

runs 13½ miles through the Snowdonia National Park to Blaenau Ffestiniog,

with its famous slate caverns, just a few miles from Betws-y-Coed. This

historic line - the world’s oldest independent railway company, with unique

steam locomotives - has provided a quality experience to visitors for more

than fifty years. Spooner’s Café/Bar and our gift shops also add to your visit...

THE WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY - North Wales’ Newest Railway,

starts from the historic walled town of Caernarfon, and provides spectacular

views of the magnificent scenery as it twists and turns through one of the

SUPERB SCENERY • COMFORTABLE CARRIAGES • ON-TRAIN TOILETS AND BUFFET SERVICE

To receiv e y our cop y ofTHE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION

GROUP TRAVEL GUIDEplease contact�

HRA Travel Trad e Liaison, c�o 8 ,Fford d Dyfrig,

TYWYN, Gwyned d LL3 6 9 EHFax� 01 6 5 4 �1 2 3 2 3 or email to travel .trad e� hra. gb .com

Please visit our w ebsite at

www.herita gerail way s. comThis w il l provid e y ou w ith a l ink to our ind ivid ual mem bers.

2011 Edition

THE HERITAGE RAILWAYASSOCIATION

GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE

building “grows out” of the mountain and features spectacularpanoramic windows giving travellers unimpaired views across theSnowdonia range and the Irish Sea. Welsh Oak is used for theinterior, where visitors can enjoy teas and snacks including a“Welsh Oggy” pastie.

“The Snowdon Summit VisitorCentre, Hafod Eryri, opened

in 2009 and provides awelcoming environmentwhatever the weather.”

Trains depart from Llanberis every 30 minutes between 09.30and 14.00, and up to 17.30 on busy days in summer. A free audiovisual presentation, “To the Summit of Snowdon”, is offered ina 72-seat theatre, and the station also has a café and gift shop. Alarge car and coach park is opposite the station.


Llanberis is a major touring centre, close to Caernarfon, Bangorand the Conwy valley resort of Betws-y-Coed. It is only about 45minutes from the large resort of Llandudno.

Llanberis Lake RailwaySituated just a few minutes’ walk from the Snowdon MountainRailway station, this little railway offers a very scenic trip alongLake Padarn. Although it was only built in 1970-71, it can traceits history back to the 1820s when the need arose to transportslate from the quarry at Dinorwic near Llanberis to the port atFelinheli on the Menai Strait.

This year it celebrates its 40th anniversary, with special eventsplanned for July. The five-mile round trip from Llanberis toPenllyn hugs the lake shore for most of its length, the main stationbeing at Gilfach Ddu on the edge of Llanberis where free coachparking is available at the entrance to Padarn Country Park. Theoriginal quarry workshops at Gilfach Ddu have been reborn asthe Welsh Slate Museum, and the Old Quarry Hospital Museumcan also be visited.

One of the curiosities of this line is that the diminutive steamlocomotives have only a driver and no fireman, and sometimes

the cabs are removed in hot weather! The return trip takes aboutone hour, and the operating season has been extended so thattrains now run from mid-February to late November, and dailyfrom late May until late August.

Bala Lake Railway Occupying the trackbed of the former Ruabon to Barmouth lineof the Great Western Railway, this narrow gauge line operatesbetween the peaceful village of Llanuwchllyn and the markettown of Bala. Opened as a narrow gauge railway in 1972, it isone of the youngest of the narrow gauge railways but uses steamlocomotives over 100 years old.

The railway uses the original standard gauge station buildingsand signal box, and while there have been considerable changes,the character of the buildings remains. It has all the charm of anold-fashioned narrow gauge railway, priding itself on its friendlyvolunteers who welcome passengers on an almost individualbasis. Its base is just off the A494 in the village of Llanuwchllyn,where there is parking and a café/gift shop. From Llanuwchllynthe line descends to almost lake level and is never far from thelakeside. Picnic sites at Llangower provide the perfect spot for abreak in the journey.

“It has all the charm of an old-fashioned narrow gaugerailway, priding itself on its

friendly volunteers...”What else is in the area?

The railway is in the Snowdonia National Park, easily reachedfrom the touring centres of Llangollen and Dolgellau.

Great Orme Tramway Britain’s only cable-hauled street tramway uses four originalVictorian tramcars named after saints to offer fantastic views ofLlandudno’s sweeping bays and the Great Orme itself, a site ofspecific scientific interest. St Tudno (which gave the town itsname), St Stilio, St Seiriol and St Trillo were also names formerlycarried by the North Wales coastal steamers.


Llanberis Lake Railway

Bala Lake Railway


On the one-mile journey to the summit of the Great OrmeCountry Park and Nature Reserve, views stretch as far as the Isleof Man on a clear day. Back in the early 1900s, the Great OrmeTramway didn’t just carry passengers but was used fortransporting goods, parcels and even coffins to the HalfwayStation for burial in St. Tudno’s churchyard.

“On the one-mile journey to thesummit of the Great OrmeCountry Park and Nature

Reserve, views stretch as far asthe Isle of Man on a clear day.”


Llandudno has all the attractions of a traditional seaside resort,while close by are Conwy Castle, the Conwy Valley and otherresorts including Colwyn Bay.

Llangollen Railway The Vale of Llangollen is home not just to the premier standardgauge steam railway in Wales, but also to a World Heritage sitethat complements it perfectly. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at Trevorand the associated canal network from Weston Rhyn through tothe Horseshoe Falls reflect the pre-eminence of inland waterwaysbefore the railway age – now both are central to the leisure andtourism industries.

The Llangollen Railway operates through the highly scenic DeeValley to the current terminus at Carrog, with plans to extend inthe coming years to the pretty town of Corwen. This makes anideal add-on for coach parties to Llangollen who can make a one-way trip by the heritage railway, usually steam powered butpossibly by diesel railcar in the off peak, or the complete returntrip. The railway journey gives views of the dramatic setting ofthe River Dee not otherwise available from the local roads,notably the A5. The line remains close to the river for most of itslength, crossing via the Dee Bridge approximately one mileupstream. All along the route it offers lovely scenery, runningpast sheep pastures and pheasant-filled fields with great views ofthe mountains.

The railway’s aim to extend to Corwen was boosted when aTransport & Works Order was granted in August 2010.However, the project is subject to grant aid from the WelshAssembly Government and is now seen as being completed in

Llangollen Railway

two phases. The first phase will allow for a temporary platformon the outskirts of Corwen with a shuttle service from Carrog.The second phase will include a terminus nearer to the town,which will be used by all trains from Llangollen.

Both phases will allow the Llangollen Railway to access adifferent sector of the North Wales tourist market. A large carpark at Corwen will enhance facilities for coach parties, but notuntil 2012 at the earliest, and subject to raising matched funds forgrant aid of £500,000.

The distance from Llangollen to Carrog is 7½ miles, with Corwenbeing two miles further along the A5 road. Because of accessproblems at Llangollen, coach drivers can use Carrog as theirstarting point. Groups can pre-book an escorted tour of theworkshops at Llangollen, where a Grange class locomotive –none of which survived the scrap man – is being built fromscratch to a 65-year-old design. Entire trains may be charteredfor exclusive use with either steam or diesel power, and anEdwardian Auto Train with GWR Pannier tank engine is alsoavailable.


A train trip can be combined with boat trips on the LlangollenCanal from Llangollen Wharf. The Llangollen Canal, includingPontcysyllte aqueduct, received World Heritage status in 2009.The Vale of Llangollen, Dee Valley and Chester are close.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light RailwayImagine trundling along a rural branch line on open verandahcarriages, as the train stops for the crew to open level crossinggates or to shoo stray sheep off the line. This may sound like theAustralian Outback, but in fact this is rural Wales.

Wildlife is very much part of the appeal of this line in centralWales, which even has its “own” resident heron as well as lots ofpheasants. It is easy to reach, located just across the border lessthan 20 miles beyond the A5 dual carriageway at Shrewsbury. Itoffers ample parking for coaches at both ends of the eight-mileroute, with many coach operators dropping off at WelshpoolRaven Square for passengers to enjoy a 50-minute train ride toLlanfair Caereinion.

The route parallels the busy A458 trunk road, but runs througha valley below as it negotiates farm tracks and then runsalongside a river. Soon after leaving Welshpool, it negotiates aviaduct and river bridge, climbs steep gradients and steamsserenely through beautiful countryside. As the train runs through

the Powis Estate, guinea fowl, pheasant and deer can be seen anda wide variety of wild flowers. From the open verandahs of itsunusual Hungarian and Austrian carriages you will see thebeautiful mid-Wales countryside roll slowly by as you travel intothe delightful Banwy Valley.

Your train will be hauled by a historic steam locomotive such asThe Earl and The Countess, supplied new to the railway in 1902.It takes a leisurely 50 minutes to cover the eight-mile journey,with the fireman leaving the engine at level crossings to guard thetrain’s passage with a red flag. Llanfair Caereinion is the westernterminus and headquarters, and here the visitor can see thelocomotive works and engine shed. There is always a member ofstaff on hand to answer questions, and also a buffet.

“The Welsh Marches bordercountry is very scenic, andShrewsbury is brimming

with history...”The passenger service commenced in April 1963, and the W&Lwas only the second stretch of line previously owned by BritishRailways to be taken over and operated by a preservationcompany (the first being the Bluebell Railway in Sussex).


The Welsh Marches border country is very scenic, andShrewsbury is brimming with history and interesting shops. Therailway is easily visited en route to the coast.

Gwili Steam RailwaySituated three miles north of Carmarthen on the A484, thisstandard gauge railway is a living reminder of a Great WesternRailway branch line in South Wales. It was voted one ofCarmarthenshire’s Top Attractions in 2009.

The first train ran at Easter 1978 and since then it has developedinto one of the principal tourist attractions in the area. The tripdown memory lane starts at Bronwydd Arms Station, and thetrain follows the route originally taken by the Carmarthen toAberystwyth line to a delightful halt at Danycoed.

Special events include Sunday lunch trains, evening dining trainswith live music, Murder Mystery and cabaret evenings. A roundtrip takes approximately one hour with a stop at Llwyfan Cerrigon the return, a delightful picnic site alongside the river withabundant wildlife. Visitors can inspect the preserved TravellingPost Office before taking a trip on the Miniature Railway.


Carmarthen is just off the A40 trunk road leading into south-west Wales, close to the National Botanic Garden and within easyreach of the resort of Tenby.

Pontypool and Blaenavon RailwayYou can now travel directly to the Big Pit coal mining museum bysteam train – an appropriate way to travel bearing in mind thatthe prosperity and major industries of South Wales all dependedon King Coal. The new branch to Big Pit is operated by thePontypool and Blaenavon Railway, which operates within theBlaenavon World Heritage Site and offers a 45-minute round tripfrom its base at Furnace Sidings just outside Blaenavon toBlaenavon and the Whistle Inn.


Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway


The return journey from Blaenavon High Level Station featuresfearsome gradients which really make the locomotives work.New for 2011 is the branch from Furnace Sidings to Big Pit,allowing passengers to take the train right to the doorstep of theNational Mining Museum of Wales. The railway’s main facilitiesand car park are located at Furnace Sidings, whilst BlaenavonHigh Level is very convenient for the Heritage Town. FurnaceSidings is an excellent base to explore as other attractions areclose by including Cordell Museum in Blaenavon, and theironworks made famous by the BBC Coal House series.

“You can now travel directly tothe Big Pit coal mining museum

by steam train...”The railway runs from April until October with a mix of steamand heritage diesel services, and holds a variety of eventsthroughout the season. These include: June 25, Blaenavon WorldHeritage Day; July 9/10, 1940s Weekend; August 28/29,Annual Transport Rally; and September 16-18, Autumn SteamGala - “Industrial Steam of South Wales” guests, plus home fleet.


Apart from the National Mining Museum of Wales where youcan actually descend to the coal face, you are close to the BreconBeacons.

West Coast Railways – the CambrianWest Coast – operator of the long-established Jacobite touristtrain in the Scottish Highlands – also operates a regular steam-hauled train over the national rail system along the west coast ofWales. The Cambrian runs from the market town of Machynllethto either Porthmadog or the seaside resort of Pwllheli, offering aday out along one of the most scenic stretches of coast in thePrincipality.

The Cambrian passes over the famous Barmouth Bridge. In 2011the service will run from 25th July - 29th August (Monday -Friday).

SCOTLAND

Scotland remains one of the most popular touring destinations inBritain, so why not build a steam railway into your next tour?Although there are only a few heritage lines in Scotland, they areeasily combined with some of the country’s top attractions andyou can also book groups on the longest established and mostregular steam service in Britain passing over the nationalnetwork.

Bo’ness & Kinneil RailwayEasy to reach from both Edinburgh and Glasgow – and themotorway network of central Scotland – this is also home to theScottish Railway Exhibition and the Scottish RailwayPreservation Society, which runs main line excursions. It is closeto the M9 and less than an hour from either city or from Stirling,Perth and Dundee.

The railway’s main base is at Bo’ness, a once thriving port on thebanks of the Forth. The train travels along the shore of the RiverForth with views of the majestic Ochil hills, before it climbs atree-lined gradient passing beautiful woods, wild flowers andwaterfalls and arrives at Birkhill. Watch out for wildlife in therural surroundings of the line, as the woodlands are a pleasantcontrast to the open foreshore and many wild animals can beseen, including squirrels and deer. As the train leaves the woodsand turns inland it crosses the route of the Roman Antonine Wall.

“At Bo’ness visit the ScottishRailway Exhibition, a museum

dedicated to Scotland’srailways...”

Alight at Birkhill to experience the Fireclay Mine or take a strollin the ancient woodlands of the Avon Gorge. Beyond Birkhill,travel on the newly opened section of line across the River Avonviaduct to Manuel, beside the main Edinburgh to Glasgowrailway line. This stretch of line opened in 2010, thanks to thehard work and dedication of the volunteers who run the railway.

Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

At Bo’ness visit the Scottish Railway Exhibition, a museumdedicated to Scotland’s railways. Have a go at operating a railwaysignal and points, climb aboard and get close to historiclocomotives, and take the time to sort some letters in theTravelling Post Office. Allow at least one hour to visit the ScottishRailway Exhibition, for a comprehensive explanation of the rolerailways played in developing heavy industries as well asconnecting the Lowlands and Highlands. It showcaseslocomotives, carriages and wagons, as well as models anddisplays that tell the history of railways in two purpose-builtexhibition halls.


With Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling nearby, you’re spoilt forchoice. You’re also very close to the Falkirk Wheel with itsdramatic boat lift, and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots atLinlithgow Palace.

Strathspey RailwayThe longest established heritage railway attraction in theHighlands is right in the heart of the region’s tourism atAviemore, close to the Cairngorm Mountains and just off the A9trunk road linking Perth and Inverness. Trains share Aviemorestation with ScotRail services, running in a north-easterlydirection towards Speyside.

It operates over nearly 10 miles of the former Highland Railwayline from Aviemore to Broomhill, via the pretty station at Boat ofGarten where services commenced in 1978. The StrathspeyRailway has been used for filming Monarch of the Glen, withBroomhill doubling as Glenbogle Station, Dr Finlay’s Casebookand the BBC’s Street Doctor series.

Visitors enjoy a nostalgic train ride in restored carriages usuallyhauled by a steam locomotive, with Caledonian Railway no. 828,turned out in a highly attractive deep blue livery, having returnedto service in 2010.

Plans to extend the line to Grantown-on-Spey are now welldeveloped with fund raising continuing. The Strathspey RailwayCharitable Trust is a separate company which acts as thepromoter, fund-raiser and constructor of the extension toGrantown-on-Spey, in the heart of Scotch malt whisky country. Abridge has been donated by Network Rail and delivered to Boatof Garten, for the crossing of the River Dulnain.

Most trains have buffet services, and dining trains with a fullthree-course menu operate on two evenings a week in thesummer, plus Sunday lunch (the Highlander and the Clansman).There is plenty of free coach parking at the railway’s Aviemore

base (a separate entrance on the opposite side from the ScotRailstation), where there is also a gift shop and toilets.


Around Aviemore you will find numerous attractions includingthe Cairngorm Funicular Railway, for spectacular views.Distilleries within easy reach of Grantown-on-Spey includeCragganmore, Glenfarclas and Cardhu.

Keith & Dufftown RailwayNorth-east Scotland is one of the hidden tourist gems of the UK,a rarely visited area redolent with history and renowned for thefriendly welcome given to visitors. It’s a land of mountain andglen, open moorland, deep forests, lochs and rolling farmlands;dotted with castles, cut by fast flowing rivers and home to half thedistilleries in Scotland.

Hidden away in the hills of the old Scottish County of Banffshireand taking advantage of this enchanting landscape is the Keith& Dufftown Railway, the volunteer-run “Whisky Line” whereyou can enjoy the scenery and wildlife from its comfortable dieseltrains that evoke the quiet nostalgia of the 1960s branch line. Re-live those days as you enjoy a 22-mile round trip between the oldmarket town of Keith and the malt whisky capital, Dufftown.The line’s Diesel Multiple Units date from the 1960s and offergreat views including out of the front and back of the train.

“You can combine your train ridewith a visit to one of the local

distilleries or castles.”The “Buffer Stop” restaurant at Dufftown Station providesmorning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas, all freshlyprepared on the premises. The restaurant car is fully licensed soyou can enjoy a glass of wine or a dram with your lunch. Car andcoach parking is available at all stations and there are disabledfacilities and wheelchair access to Dufftown and Keith Townstations, and wheelchair access to the “Buffer Stop” restaurantand on most trains.

You can combine your train ride with a visit to one of the localdistilleries or castles. Group bookings and coach parties arewelcome, and charter trains are available on days when no publicservice is running. Special arrangements and distillery visits areorganised during the Spring and Autumn Whisky Festivals.


Strathspey Railway

Keith & Dufftown Railway

KEITH & DUFFTOWNRAILWAY

Experience Malt Whisky Country by Train��Open Easter to the end of September��Saturday & Sundays plus Fridays in Jun, Jul & Aug.��Special events and Whisky Festival trains.��22 mile return journey takes 90 minutes.��Enjoy wooded hills and valleys, lochs and castles and the

rolling countryside of Banff in our heritage DMU’s.� Group bookings at special rates are welcome on all services.��Charters trains are available throughout the year.��The Buffer Stop Restaurant at Dufftown Station is open

between 10am and 4pm on operating days, freshly preparedrefreshments and light meals.

��Special arrangements can be made for small parties or charters.

For further details visit our website atw w w . k e i t h - d u f f t o w n - r a i l w a y . c o . u kor call Rod Furr on 01340 821181(summer weekends)

KEITH & DUFFTOWNRAILWAY



Apart from distilleries (such as Glenfiddich and Strathisla), thereare numerous castles including Craigellachie and Drummuir.Keith is a pleasant market town and regional centre.

Isle of Mull Railway Please note that this a short narrow-gauge line linking the ferryterminal at Craignure with Torosay Castle closed at the end ofthe 2010 season, and is no longer operational. Despite extensionof its lease by two years, the proposed sale of the Torosay CastleEstate and closure of the castle to the public negates the purposeof the line. It may be re-constructed in future on a completelydifferent site.

The paddle steamer Waverley Here’s something completely different – powered by steam, butnot a heritage railway. Operated by Waverley Excursions, it sailson day, afternoon and evening cruises from a wide variety ofports in Britain including its home base of Scotland.

The 2011 season includes Easter sailings from April 22-May 3from Glasgow to a wide choice of west coast ports, includingvery scenic voyages to Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre,Islay, Oban, Mull, Fort William, Skye, Mallaig and Kyle ofLochalsh. In July and August the Waverley will return to its baseon the Clyde for a series of cruises “Doon the Watter” to explorethe islands of Arran and Bute.

“The 2011 season includes Eastersailings from April 22-May 3

from Glasgow to a wide choiceof west coast ports...”

The Waverley also operates from many ports in England duringthe summer season. In the Bristol Channel you can visit seasideresorts, charming harbour towns, World Heritage coastlines orcruise under famous bridges. Sail along the Jurassic South Coastand round the Isle of Wight, or along the River Thames.

The Waverley


Built in 1946 for the London and North Eastern Railway, theWaverley has been joined by a second historic ship, the Balmoral,which operates some cruises in the Bristol Channel. In November2010 the Balmoral won £50,000 from ITV’s People’s Millionsprogramme to restore the lounge.

West Coast Railways - The JacobiteWest Coast is the largest operator of steam-hauled special trainson the national railway system including the most regular steamexcursion of all, The Jacobite. The 42-mile journey between FortWilliam (depart 10.20) and Mallaig (arrive 12.25) in the ScottishHighlands is very scenic, being part of the West Highland lineand passing over the famous 21-arch concrete GlenfinnanViaduct featured in the Harry Potter films.

For 2011 it operates daily on Mondays to Fridays from May 16to October 28, and also on Saturdays and Sundays from June 25to August 28. The route offers wonderful views down Loch Shiel,where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clans in 1745, and youalso catch glimpses of the villages of Lochailort, Arisaig andMorar, plus the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. Thesouthern tip of Skye is visible as the train passes Arisaig beforearrival at Mallaig, a ferry port for the Isle of Skye. Herepassengers have over an hour and a half to take in the atmospherebefore returning at 14.10 (arriving Fort William at 16.20).There’s time to view the fishing port or enjoy fish and chips, andone-way tickets can be booked for groups continuing toArmadale on Skye by Caledonian MacBrayne ferry.

“West Coast is the largestoperator of steam-hauled

special trains on the nationalrailway system...”

West Coast also operates regular steam-hauled excursions southof the border, including the Cambrian (Machynlleth toPorthmadog and Pwllheli in Wales), and the Scarborough SpaExpress from York to Scarborough.

IRELANDThe Irish rail network of today is a pale shadow of what it wasuntil the 1950s, when mass closures of unprofitable lines wipedout most cross-country routes. At one time it had over 500 milesof narrow gauge railways, all now closed – but the spirit of thepast is kept alive at several narrow gauge and full-sizedattractions on both sides of the border.

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) is the onlyprovider of mainline steam hauled trains in Northern Ireland andthe Republic of Ireland. The RPSI has built an enviable collectionof 10 steam locomotives, a growing collection of preserved diesellocomotives and more than 40 railway carriages since itsinception in 1964.

For over 40 years it has developed Ireland’s only steamlocomotive restoration base in Whitehead, County Antrim, acentre of engineering excellence, which it opens for tours onselected summer Sundays or by appointment. A full programmeof mainline steam trains from Dublin and Belfast is available fromwww.steamtrainsireland.com. Highlights in 2011 will include aHeritage Weekend of enthusiast oriented steam and dieselexcursions from Dublin; family steam trains at Easter, Halloweenand Christmas; mid-summer excursions from Dublin; the Steamand Jazz trains from Belfast; and the late-summer Portrush Flyer.

“The RPSI has built an enviablecollection of 10 steam

locomotives, a growing collectionof preserved diesel locomotives

and more than 40 railwaycarriages since its

inception in 1964.” 2011 will see the return to steam of the UK’s only inside-cylindermogul, ex Dublin and South Eastern Railway Beyer PeacockNo.461 following a major overhaul. No.461 will augment 1879vintage Sharp Stewart J15 0-6-0 tender locomotive No.186, theoldest mainline steam locomotive in action in the British Isles.Although the mainline carriage fleets in Belfast and Dublin datefrom the 1950s and 1960s, work also continues on the RPSI’svintage carriage fleets in Dublin and Whitehead. 2011 will seethe return to traffic of ex-Midland Railway corridor 1st/3rdNo.68, augmenting former Ulster Transport Authority DiningCar No.87 which returned to traffic last year. Both carriages areused, along with HRA C&W award winning brake van No.81 ondemonstration steam trains at Whitehead open days.

With easy access via air and sea, RPSI excursions are uniquelyfamous for a warm Irish welcome, on board Guinness and achance to savour Ireland’s finest scenery from a lovingly restoredsteam train. Visit us and sample the broad gauge.

Downpatrick & County Down RailwayThis is Ireland’s only full-sized heritage railway, the gauge in Irelandbeing 5 ft 3 in – a few inches wider than in Britain. Built on thetrackbed of part of the Belfast and County Down Railway, whichran to Newcastle, the old line was closed and abandoned nearly 60years ago but more than two miles of track have now been re-laid.

West Coast Railways – The Jacobite


Steam locomotives from the 1920s and 1930s, or diesels from the1960s, convey their passengers in 50- to 100-year-old carriagespast rebuilt railway buildings and into the County Downcountryside. Trains operate from Downpatrick to the terminusat Inch Abbey, crossing the River Quoile on its way to thepeaceful remains of the 12th Century monastery. In 2010 therailway and the Environment and Heritage Service teamed up toprovide something special for visitors – a living-history “monk”who greeted passengers and provided them with a talk about theruins of the abbey. It is hoped that the monk will return this year!

The railway runs through the beautiful countryside of theDownpatrick Marshes, with totally different aspects at eachseason of the year. The best views of Downpatrick Cathedral arefrom the railway, and St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, is reputedto be buried beside it. From mid-June until mid-September trainsrun on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm till 5pm, when travellersmay enjoy the comfort and experience of rail travel at its mosttraditional.


The Down County Museum, St Patrick Centre and QuoileCountryside Centre are all nearby.

Ulster Folk & Transport MuseumAt this leading attraction just outside Belfast the past truly comesalive – you can touch it, smell it and even taste it in the streets,houses and villages of an Ulster from centuries gone by. The IrishRailway Collection is part of a very extensive site and iseffectively the national railway museum of Ireland, with exhibitsfrom both sides of the border.

It tells the story of over 150 years of railway history, the earliestexhibit being a carriage from Ireland’s first line, the Dublin andKingstown Railway. The star attraction is Maedb, the largest andmost powerful steam locomotive to be built and run in Ireland,which hauled expresses on the Dublin to Cork route. Ireland’smany narrow gauge railways are also covered, including exhibitsfrom the once extensive County Donegal system.

The Road Transport Galleries feature horse drawn carriages,electric trams, shiny red double-decker buses, fire-engines,motorbikes, vintage cars and sports cars… even that troubledicon of the Irish motor industry, a De Lorean sports car. There arealso exhibits devoted to aviation and shipbuilding, includingTitanic.

Most of the folk museum is outdoors, set in 60 rolling acresoverlooking Belfast Lough. Buildings taken from their originallocations across Ulster have been painstakingly re-erected, in verypicturesque locations. There are whitewashed cottages withthatched roofs, stone farmhouses, churches, a school, a forge, acorn mill and many other buildings you would associate withrural Ulster life.

“At this leading attraction justoutside Belfast the past truly

comes alive...”What else is in the area?

You are only a few miles from Belfast, with its excellent museums,shopping and nightlife.

Headhunters Barber Shop & RailwayMuseum All railways disappeared from rural County Fermanagh morethan half a century ago, but the past is kept alive at a barber’sshop with a “rail” difference in the county town of Enniskillen.The unusual association between the barber’s shop and the Irishrailway theme was inspired through the family's interest in localrailway history, and it now has one of the largest collections ofIrish railway memorabilia on display. The journey starts at thereconstructed Railway Booking Office where the ticket collectorinvites you to step on board and enjoy the nostalgia, socialheritage and artifacts associated with the railways which operatedthroughout Fermanagh and the Border Counties until theirclosure in 1957.

The exhibition lovingly recreates working environments such asthe Station Master’s Office, Station Booking Office and RailwaySignal Box, while showcasing uniforms, signalling instruments,signs, lamps, tableware, timetables, tickets and photographs fromthree railway companies – The Great Northern Railway (Ireland),The Sligo Leitrim & Northern Counties Railway, and TheClogher Valley Railway.


Enniskillen Castle Museums and the Waterbus to Devenish Islandare in town, and nearby are Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre andNational Trust Properties at Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom.

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

62

Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway Providing a link between the historic town of Bushmills and thebasalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site, therailway has been built to the Irish narrow gauge of 3 ft and runsfor two miles along the trackbed of the former Giant’s CausewayTram. The locomotives and rolling stock were once used atdefunct Shane’s Castle Railway near Belfast, and in 2010 aspecially built diesel locomotive and three new carriages carryingup to 90 passengers entered service.

“Apart from the Causeway itself,visit Bushmills Distillery (Ireland’s

oldest, from 1608) and theattractions of the Antrim coast.”

The new locomotive and carriages have been designed to recreatethe passenger experience of the original electric tram, providinga nostalgic journey linking Bushmills to Northern Ireland’s mostfamous tourist attraction.


Apart from the Causeway itself, visit Bushmills Distillery (Ireland’soldest, from 1608) and the attractions of the Antrim coast.

The Lartigue Monorailway & MuseumThis is a unique form of rail travel – a highly unusual short lineand museum in Listowel, County Kerry which is not aconventional railway, but a system built in the Victorian era whenengineers were trying out all kinds of innovations to link ruralcommunities at low cost. The original steam-powered monorail(designed by Frenchman Charles Lartigue) ran for nine milesbetween Listowel and the seaside resort of Ballybunion.

Operating from 1886 to 1924, it carried passengers, livestock andfreight along a rail supported on A-shaped trestles. During itslifetime it was an object of much interest, curiosity andamusement. Nowadays, visitors can take a short journey on afull-scale diesel-powered replica of the original monorail, andvisit the museum to watch a film of the original Lartigue and seemodels, displays and memorabilia of the Lartigue and main-linerailways.

“This is a unique form of railtravel – a highly unusual shortline and museum in Listowel,

County Kerry...”What else is in the area?

Listowel is a picturesque small market town in north Kerry in thesouth-west of Ireland. Also visit the Kerry Writers Museum,Listowel Castle and nearby attractions including the FoynesFlying Boat Museum.

Fintown Railway This is the only operational railway in County Donegal. Setamidst spectacular scenery overlooking Lough Finn, the three-mile line is a restored section of the County Donegal Railwaywhose steam or petrol-driven trains once carried passengers andtheir livestock on meandering journeys to town and market untilroad transport took over.

The railway runs through scenery full of tradition, myth andfolklore, and alongside the clear waters of Loch Finn. Donegal oncehad 200 miles of narrow gauge railway operated by the CountyDonegal and Londonderry & Lough Swilly railway companies,and this line brings a little of that atmosphere back to life.


The railway is within easy reach of Donegal Town (where DonegalRailway Centre operates a museum) and the rugged west coast.

Waterford and Suir Valley Railway A heritage narrow gauge railway running along a few miles ofthe abandoned Waterford-Dungarvan line from Kilmeadan insouth-east Ireland, this allows visitors to experience the beauty ofthe Suir Valley. You take in panoramic views of the river, rollingfarmland and mountains as you run along the banks of the RiverSuir with views of Mount Congreve Gardens, and a recentlydiscovered Viking settlement.

The rolling stock includes a restored Simplex locomotive, whichhad an arduous working life in the peat industry and was alsoused in excavating the Channel Tunnel. It now pulls two partiallyopen carriages travelling at 15km per hour and can accommodateup to 90 passengers, with a journey time of approximately40 minutes.


Mount Congreve is one of Ireland’s finest stately homes.Waterford is famed for its crystal.

Other RailwaysIreland has several other small, mainly narrow gauge heritagerailway attractions. These include the Cavan and Leitrim, Tralee& Dingle and West Clare Railways, and the home base of theRailway Preservation Society of Ireland at Whitehead, near Larnein County Antrim.


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Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Avon Valley RailwayBitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HDTel: 0117 932 5538 • Fax: 0117 932 5935E: [email protected] W: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Main periods of operation: Steam trains operate Sundays from Easterto end of October, plus Bank Holidays, Tuesdays to Thursdays duringschool holidays and Wednesdays in June and July. Diesel servicesoperate on some Saturdays.

Coach parking facility: Available on station forecourt

Principal Group Rates: 50p discount per ticket

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 20 Max: 60

Catering available for Groups: Cream Teas, snacks, lunches(pre booking essential)

Conference Facilities available: (5 – 40 person capacity): Cateringprovided. Mobile & static facilities.

Bala Lake RailwayThe Station, Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd LL23 7DD Tel: 01678 540666E: [email protected]: www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Roger or Bobby Hine

Main periods of operation: Easter to end September except someMondays & Fridays

Coach parking facility: At Llanuchllyn, roadside at Bala

Principal Group Rates: £4.40 single, £7 return


Catering available for Groups: Cold filled rolls, tea, coffee, cakes. Caféseats 48 maximum.

Bluebell RailwaySheffield Park Station, East Sussex TN22 3QLTel: 01825 720800 • Fax: 01825 720804E: [email protected]: www.bluebell-railway.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Customer Services

Main periods of operation: Every weekend & daily May-October. Somedates require advance booking.

Coach parking facility: At Sheffield Park Station

Principal Group Rates: £10.00 Adults or £5.00 Children; Groups 10+;If booking 3+ dates: £9 Adults £4.50 Children

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 10 Max: none

Catering available for Groups: Licensed restaurant at Sheffield Park Station.

Bodmin & Wenford RailwayBodmin General Station, Lostwithiel Road, Bodmin,Cornwall PL31 1AQTel: 0845 125 9678 • Fax: 01208 77963E: [email protected] W: www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Rachael Wilson or Richard Jones

Main periods of operation: Selected dates January-May, daily 21 May-9 October 2011, selected dates October-December

Coach parking facility: FREE parking available for coaches at BodminGeneral Station

Principal Group Rates: Freedom of the Line (All Day Rover) Ticket

Groups of 25+: Adult - £9.20, Child - £4.00, Senior Citizen - £8.40

Groups of 10-24: Adult - £10.35, Child - £4.50, Senior Citizen - £9.45


Catering available for Groups: Lunches, Cream Teas etc. Please contactus to discuss your individual requirements.

Bo’ness & Kinneil RailwayUnion Street, Bo’ness, West Lothian EH51 9AQTel: 01506 825855 • Fax: 01506 828766E: [email protected]: www.srps.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Margaret Haynes

Main periods of operation: Weekends 2 April - 30 October, most daysin July & August

Coach parking facility: Plenty of free parking for both cars and coaches

Principal Group Rates: Discount of 10% for groups of 12-39 payingpassengers, 20% for groups of 40 or more(excludes some special event days)


Catering available for Groups: The Station Coffee Shop at Bo’ness offersa range of catering from teas, coffees & home baking to full meals.

Buckinghamshire Railway CentreQuainton Road Station, Quainton, Nr Aylesbury HP22 4BYTel: 01296 655720 • Fax: 01296 658569E: [email protected]: www.bucksrailcentre.org

Contact name for Group Bookings: Group Booking Organiser

Main periods of operation: Easter to end October with steam trains onSundays, Bank Holiday Mondays and Weds in school hols. Full eventsprogramme listed on website

Coach parking facility: space for 10 coaches in main car park close toentrance

Principal Group Rates: 10% reduction for groups of 15 and 20%reduction for groups of 25 or more


Catering available for Groups: Everything from just a coffee stop to fullroast meal available by prior arrangement. Hot meals & snacks as partof daily operation.

Bure Valley RailwayAylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BWTel: 01263 733858 • Fax: 01263 733814E: [email protected]: www.bvrw.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Judith Harvey

Main periods of operation: Daily 2 April – 30 October 2011

Coach parking facility: Dedicated free coach parking at both Aylsham& Wroxham Stations

Principal Group Rates: Single Train: £7.50 Adults £4.50 Children (5-16), Return Train: £11.00 Adults £6 Children (5-16), Single Train &Cruise: £13.50 Adults £9.50 Children (5-16), Return Train & Cruise:£16.50 Adults £11 Children (5-16)


Catering available for Groups: 80-seater cafe at Aylsham Station whichis open daily and serves a wide range of hot & cold snacks, drinks &full meals. In addition, a special 2-course group lunch is available byprior arrangement.


APPENDIX OF HERITAGE RAILWAYS



Chinnor & Princes Risborough RailwayStation Approach, Station Road, Chinnor, Oxon OX39 4ERTel: 07979 055366E: [email protected] W: www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Don Williams

Main periods of operation: Open some Saturdays, every Sunday andBank Holiday from 20th March until 30th October (Halloween).

Train Times 10.15, 11.45, 1.15, 2.45 and 4.15. Saturdays and Sundaysduring December for Santa and Mince Pie Specials.

Coach parking facility: Yes - Maximum 1 coach per train

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount 8-15 and 20% discount 16+


Catering available for Groups: On-board catering for 44 passengers inRMB coach.

Churnet Valley RailwayKingsley & Froghall Station, Staffordshire Moorlands ST10 2HATel: 01538 750755 Fax: 01538 758496E: [email protected]: www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Admin Office

Main periods of operation: Weekends April – end September. EveryWed, July & August, plus all Bank Holiday Mondays

Coach parking facility: Cheddleton Station & Froghall

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount when pre-booked


Catering available for Groups: By arrangement on trains & stations.

Colne Valley RailwayYeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZTel: 01787 461174 Fax: 01787 462254E: [email protected]: www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Evan Bailey

Main periods of operation: April to October

Coach parking facility: Yes

Principal Group Rates: Contact railway for information

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 15

Catering available for Groups: Max 60 Sidings Buffet(railway carriage hence max no.)

Crich Tramway Village -National Tramway Museum Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DPTel: 01773 854321 • Fax: 01773 854320E: [email protected]: www.tramway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Laura Greaves


Coach parking facility: Free - close to entrance

Principal Group Rates: Adult - £9, Senior - £8, Child - £5


Catering available for Groups: Booked in advance.

Dartmouth Steam Railway & River BoatCompanyQueen’s Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6AFTel: 01803 555 872 • Fax: 01803 664 313E: [email protected]

W: www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Sarah Roach

Main periods of operation: April - October. Santa Specials in December.

Coach parking facility: No coach park but two minutes away frommulti-storey car park

Principal Group Rates: Please call for a timetable or visit our website


Catering available for Groups: Cafe at Paignton & Kingswear.

Dean Forest Railway Company LimitedForest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ETTel: 01594 845840 E: Enquires through DFR website W: www.dfr.co.uk

Contact name for group bookings: Mrs Lynne Wentworth

Main periods of operation: March to early November & December forSanta Specials

Coach parking facility: Large FREE car & coach park at Norchardstation on the B4234 just north of Lydney.

Principal Group Rates: 15% discount offered for groups of 20 or more.The discount applies to reductions on standard rate fares which applyto normal running days. We DO NOT give group discounts on specialdays, i.e. DOWT and Santa Specials. Refer to the DFR website for daysof operation & timings or see the 2011 publicity brochure.

Standard Fares for 2011 season: Adults £11.00. Senior Citizens £10.00.Children, five & above, £5.00. Special event day reductions are subjectto negotiation before the day of the visit.


Payment: A deposit is required, but full payment can be made on theday BUT before travel, for all members of the group.

Catering available for Groups: Light buffet facilities are available,which offer Light Lunches, Salads, Sandwiches, Cakes, Hot Pasties,Potatoes, Soup, Hot & Cold drinks and Ice creams. When booking, toassist catering requirements, please indicate the number of persons whomay require use of these facilities.

Coach drivers can opt to receive a free return trip on the railway or aredeemable £5 voucher for use in the buffet on the day of the visit.

Didcot Railway Centre Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7NJTel: 01235 817200 • Fax: 01235 510621E: [email protected]: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Michael Bodsworth

Main periods of operation: Daily from 29 May to 12 September

Coach parking facility: nearby

Principal Group Rates: Admission depends upon events etc:Adult £5 - £10, Child £4 - £10 and Seniors £4.50 - £9



APPENDIX OF HERITAGE RAILWAYSCatering available for Groups: Luncheon, tea & refreshments availableat Centre and on special trains by arrangement.

Conference Facilities available: (15 – 100 person capacity) Cateringprovided. Great Western Steam train with special salons (max. 50).

East Anglian Railway Museum Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DSTel: 01206 242524 • Fax: 01787 224473E: information@ earm.co.ukW: www.earm.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Karen Nelson

Main periods of operation: All year except Christmas Day & BoxingDay

Coach parking facility: At front of station

Principal Group Rates: £3.60 Adult, £3.15 Senior, £1.80 Child

Steam days: £7.20 Adult, £6.30 Senior, £3.60 Child


Catering available for Groups: By prior arrangement only. Light meals,drinks, ice creams.

East Lancashire Railway Bolton Street Station, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EYTel: 0161 764 7790 (10am – 4pm) • Fax: 0161 763 4408E: [email protected] W: www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Passenger Services Manager

Main periods of operation: Weekends throughout the year, andWednesday to Friday between April & September. Please see ourwebsite for further details

Coach parking facility: Drop off and pick-up points in front of stationsand weekend coach parking available if advised in advance.

Principal Group Rates: Various discounts available for groups,depending on size of party. Please contact our Passenger ServicesManager for further details.


Catering available for Groups: Catering available on train or in ourrestaurant by prior arrangement. Ranges from small buffets to fulldining packages.

East Somerset Railway Cranmore Railway Station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet,Somerset BA4 4QPTel: 01749 880417E: [email protected]: www.eastsomersetrailway.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Group Bookings Co-ordinator -Chris Brown

Main periods of operation: Weekends April-September plus selectedweekdays in summer


Principal Group Rates: Group Adult rate: £7.50Group Concession rate: £6.50


Catering available for Groups: Whistlestop Café or on-train catering(selected dates, pre-booking required).

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Wirksworth Station, Station Road, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4FBTel: 01629 823076E: [email protected]: www.e-v-r.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Anton Shone

Main periods of operation: mid April to end of October

Coach parking facility: Ample free parking at Wirksworth Station

Principal Group Rates: All line £9.00 Adult; £5.00 Child

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min:10.

Catering available for Groups: Lunches & Afternoon teas available forup to 80 covers in air conditioned former Gatwick Express coaches.

Conference Facilities available: (2 – 20 person capacity): Cateringprovided in Buffet Car or in room.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton,North Yorkshire BD23 6AFTel: 01756 710614 • Fax: 01756 710720W: www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Stephen Walker

Main periods of operation: All Year

Coach parking facility: Ample - up to 30 spaces at Bolton AbbeyStation

Principal Group Rates: Adult £7.60 Return / £5 Single Concession £7Return/£4 Single


Catering available for Groups: 2 Cafes plus Buffet Cars

Conference Facilities available (70/80 person capacity): Cateringprovided and special Wine & Dine Service available.

Exbury Gardens Railway The Estate Office, Exbury, Southampton, Hants SO45 1AZTel: 023 8089 1203 • Fax: 023 8089 9940E: [email protected]: www.exbury.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Nigel Philpott, Commercial &Marketing Manager

Main periods of operation: 19 March - 6 November 2011 Gardensopen at 10am

Coach parking facility: Free parking for up to x 50 coaches,hard-standing

Principal Group Rates: £8 per person for Gardens; £3 per person forSteam Railway, if booked in advance. Groups constitute 15 or morepersons. Gardens entrance required to purchase railway tickets. Specialoffer 19 March - 5 June - Pay Gardens and Railway entrance and receivea FREE return ticket for autumn colours between 1 Sept - 21 Oct.

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min:15

Catering available for Groups: Group lunches available – visit Exburywebsite for full details. “Railwayman’s Package” also available – seeExbury Group Organiser Manual for info

Conference Facilities available: (20 – 100 person capacity) Cateringprovided.



Ffestiniog Railway Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF

Tel: 01766 516024 • Fax: 01766 516005

E: [email protected]

W: www.festrail.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Samantha Hughes

Main periods of operation: Daily 27 March – 30 October 2011. Winter

timetable has a limited service but runs most weeks.

Coach parking facility: Coach parking available at Porthmadog

Harbour Station, Blaenau Ffestiniog (Council)

Principal Group Rates: Porthmadog – Blaenau Ffestiniog

Single – Adult £7.75, Concession £7.75, Child £3.90

Return – Adult £15.50, Concession £13.95, Child £7.80


Catering available for Groups: At seat buffet service, pre-booked

catering for groups available either on train or at station restaurant.

Foxfield Railway Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge ST11 9BG

Postal Address: PO Box 1967, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8YT

Tel:01782 396210 / 07983 950 237


W: www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Richard Barnett

Main periods of operation: Easter to October and December

Coach parking facility: Tarmaced carpark for 6 coaches

Principal Group Rates: POA, substantial discounts on our 'turn up and

go fares'


Catering available for Groups: On-site cafe provides home cooked

meals & desserts to suit requirements.

Conference Facilities available (12 – 36 person capacity): Catering

provided. Details on request.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire RailwayThe Station, Toddington, Gloucestershire GL54 5DT

Tel: 01242 621405


W: www.gwsr.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Colin Fewell

Main periods of operation: Open April-December – every Sat, Sun,

Bank Hols & selected weekdays during school holidays.


Principal Group Rates: On application


Catering available for Groups: At Toddington Station (or on trains by

prior arrangement).

Great Central Railway Great Central Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire

Tel: 01509 230726 • Fax: 01509 239 791


W: www.gcrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Booking Office

Main periods of operation: Weekends throughout the year: selected

weekdays during the summer. Also special events.

Coach parking facility: On-street parking at Loughborough; car park at

Quorn (weekends)

Principal Group Rates: 10% reduction on groups of 15 or over. Coach

drivers & guides travel for free.


Catering available for Groups: Snacks, Griddle Car (all-day breakfasts,

afternoon teas etc) through to luxury dining services.

Great Orme Tramway c/o Conwy County Borough Council, Library Buildings, Mostyn Street,

Llandudno LL30 2RP

Tel: 01492 879306 • Fax: 01492 574040


W: www.greatormetramway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Susan Kent/Julie Jones

Main periods of operation: 26th March - October 31st 10am to 6pm

daily (5pm during March & October)

Coach parking facility: Dedicated coach parks within the town, drop

off point at Prince Edward Square near the Pier

Principal Group Rates: £5.80 for adults, with a 10% discount for

groups of 10 or more, each tram car takes 48 people


Gwili Steam Railway The Railway Station, Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthen,

Carmarthenshire SA33 6HT

Tel: 01267 238213


W: www.gwili-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Jeremy John

Main periods of operation: Open daily between 4th April and 31st

October 2011. “Thomas” event over Easter Weekend 2011.

Coach parking facility: Plenty of parking. Coaches welcome

Principal Group Rates: Adult £8.00, OAP £6.00, Children £1.00 and

under 2 free. Dogs welcome and free! 10% reduction for groups –

drivers & couriers free. Different fares for Thomas and all other special

events.


Catering available for Groups: Strawberry teas, cream teas, light

lunches, teas & coffee, bacon rolls.



Isle of Man Steam Railway Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, TransportHeadquarters, Banks Circus, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5PT Tel: 01624 663366/662525 • Fax: 01624 663637E: [email protected]: www.iombusandrail.info, www.gov.im/dccl

Main periods of operation: Mid March to early November 2011

Coach parking facility: Douglas: set down point, limited parking byprior arrangement. Castletown: set down/pick-up only by station.Coach park in Main town. Port Erin: coach spaces reserved in adjacentpublic car park.

Principal Group Rates: Contact 01624 697473 for details.


Catering available for Groups: Douglas & Port Erin

Isle of Wight Steam Railway The Railway Station, Havenstreet, Nr Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 4DSTel: 01983 882204 • Fax: 01983 884515E: [email protected] W: www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk Contact name for Group Bookings: Liz King

Main periods of operation: Trains run on most days during March,April & May, then daily from early June until early October, then onselected days in October, November and December.

Coach parking facility: Free coach parking available on tarmachardstanding, in part of main car park at Havenstreet Station

Principal Group Rates: Adults £8, Child (5-15) £4


Catering available for Groups: The licensed Refreshment Rooms areideal for a warming meal, a light bite, or a scrumptious cream tea!

Conference Facilities available: (10 – 60 person capacity) Cateringprovided.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8NJ Tel: 01535 645214 • Fax: 01535 647317E: [email protected] W: www.kwvr.co.uk

Main periods of operation: Every weekend throughout the year & dailyfrom the beginning of July till the end of August

Coach parking facility: Oxenhope & Ingrow Station

Principal Group Rates: Phone for further details


Keith & Dufftown Railway 1 Hedge Road, Garmouth, Moray IV32 7NU orDufftown Station, Dufftown, Moray AB55 4BA Tel: 01343 870429E: [email protected] W: www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Rod Furr

Main periods of operation: Weekends from Easter to end of Septemberplus Fridays in Jun, Jul & Aug

Coach parking facility: At Dufftown Station & Keith Town Station

Principal Group Rates: Discount off normal fare depending on size ofgroup. Return journey discounts of 50p per person for group of 10+,£1.00 per person for groups of 20+. Charter trains available on noneservice days, ring for details.

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min:10 Max:75

Catering available for Groups: Morning Coffee, Light Lunches orAfternoon Teas. Limited to approx 30 in any one sitting unless specialarrangements made. Special arrangements required for other events,details on request.

Kent & East Sussex Railway Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden,Kent TN30 6HETel: 01580 765155 • Fax: 01580 765654E: [email protected]: www.kesr.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Sales Office

Main periods of operation: Please refer to timetable. Daily service 27thJuly – 4th September 2011

Coach parking facility: Ample and free at Tenterden & NorthiamStations

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount on standard fares for 20+


Catering available for Groups: Both at Tenterden Station and on train,cream teas, ploughman’s lunches, fish & chips.

Conference Facilities available: (50 person capacity) Catering provided.See website for details.

Kirklees Light Railway Park Mill Way, Clayton West,Nr Huddersfield HD8 9XJTel: 01484 865727 Fax: 01484 866333E: [email protected]: www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Graham Hurd or Stuart Ross

Main periods of operation: Weekends & Whitsun through toSeptember

Coach parking facility: Large free car & coach park

Principal Group Rates: 15-29 Persons: Adult £5.50, Concession £5,Child £4

30+ Persons: Adult £5, Concession £4.50, Child £4. On non-operatingdays, there is a minimum charge of £120

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 15 Max:Contact for details

Catering available for Groups: Cafe & tearoom serving drinks and hot& cold food.



Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Haverthwaite, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL Tel: 015395 31594 Fax: 015395 30503 E: [email protected] W: www.lakesiderailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Karen Maher

Main periods of operation: 9th April - 30th October 2011


Principal Group Rates: £3.25 per adult single journey


Catering available for Groups: Excellent Station Restaurant atHaverthwaite serving morning coffee, homemade scones, localspeciality homemade meals & cakes.

The Lartigue Monorailway & MuseumJohn B. Keane Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)68 24393 E: [email protected] W: www.lartiguemonorail.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Martin Griffin

Main periods of operation: Open May to September – Open daily from1 pm to 4.30 pm. Open for group bookings outside of these hours(Please allow 2 days notice).


Principal Group Rates: Adults: 5.00 EUROChildren (Aged 12 & under) 2.50 EURO

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: 10 or more

Catering available for Groups: Light Refreshments

Conference Facilities available: Yes (for small groups)

Launceston Steam Railway Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8DATel: 01566 775 665E: [email protected]: www.launcestonsr.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Jonathan Mann

Main periods of operation: 2nd - 9th April, 30th May – 4th June,Sunday – Tuesday in June (from 6th June), daily except Saturdays 4thJuly – 24th September, 24th – 29th October. Trains hourly from 11a.m.to 4p.m.

Coach parking facility: Free coach & car park

Principal Group Rates: 15 persons or more: Adults £5.50 (if an adultgroup contains a few children, these will be £4 each) Child Groups (3 -16years; under 3 free): 15 Children or more: £4 each, 1 adult travels freefor every 6 children. Train ride + Cream Tea: Adults £8; Children £6


Catering available for Groups: By arrangement

The Lavender Line RailwayIsfield Station, Isfield, Nr Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5XBTel: 01903 761455E: [email protected]: www.lavender-line.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Marion Taylor

Main periods of operation: Every Sunday throughout the year.Mondays to Friday during February & October half term schoolholidays.Wednesdays & Thursdays during August.

Coach parking facility: Yes - room for several coaches on site. There isalso turning room.

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount on entrance fees & discounts oncatering depending on what is required.


Catering available for Groups: Buffet on site serving hot & cold foodand drinks.

Leighton Buzzard Railway Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 4TNTel: 01525 373 888E: [email protected] W: www.buzzrail.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Traffic Manager

Main periods of operation: Sundays & Bank Holiday weekends; 13thMarch – 30th October plus extra days during school holidays andsummer months. See website for full information.

Coach parking facility: At Page’s Park Station

Principal Group Rates: Adult £6.40, Seniors £4.80, Child £3.20.Charter train hire also available - ask for details.


Catering available for Groups: At Page’s Park Station

Conference Facilities available: only when railway is not operating(10 – 30 person capacity). Catering provided.

Llanberis Lake Railway Gilfach Ddu, Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TY Tel: 01286 870549 Fax 01286 870549E: [email protected]: www.lake-railway.co.uk

Contact name for group Bookings: Osian Tomos or David Jones

Main periods of operation: Open from mid-February to earlyDecember, Tues/Weds throughout, then Daily from Easter to endOctober (except Sats in April, May, Sept, Oct & Fris in Oct)

Coach parking facility: free coach park at Gilfach Ddu station for 12+coaches, shared with Welsh Slate Museum

Principal Group Rates: Adult /senior return £5.90; child return £3


Catering available for Groups: Self service café at Gilfach Ddu stationfor lunchtime meals, light snacks & afternoon teas; seating for 60+

Llangollen Railway The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SNTel: 01978 860 979 Fax: 01978 869247E: [email protected]: www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Main periods of operation: Weekends January to Easter. Full runningEaster to Middle of October


APPENDIX OF HERITAGE RAILWAYSCoach parking facility: Market Street Car Park, Llangollen

Principal Group Rates: Groups of 10 or more – up to 20% discount.Groups of 35 or more - Adults & Seniors £7 each, Children £4 each.


Catering available for Groups: Afternoon teas & menu selectionsavailable can be served in Victoria’s Tearoom or onboard by priorarrangement.

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross, Parracombe, Devon EX31 4RATel: 01598 763487 E: [email protected] W: www.lynton-rail.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Robin Horne

Main periods of operation: Easter to end October, December SantaSpecials


Principal Group Rates: £3.50 per person, tickets valid all day


Catering available for Groups: Tea-rooms with snacks, sandwiches,cakes and beverages.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway The Esplanade, Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EQ

Tel: 01598 753486


W: www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Ceri Hughes or Ashley Clarke

Main periods of operation: Mid February to beginning of November

Coach parking facility: Not onsite but nearby in Lynton, BottomMeadow Carpark & Lynmouth, Lower Lyndale Car park, there iscoach parking, which at the time of writing is free for Coaches

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount on normal rates for pre bookedgroups

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: 10

Catering available for Groups: Nearby in the Towns of Lynton &Lynmouth

Manx Electric Railway Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, TransportHeadquarters, Banks Circus, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5PT Tel: 01624 663366/662525 • Fax: 01624 663637E: [email protected]: www.iombusandrail.info, www.gov.im/dccl

Main periods of operation: Late March to early November 2011

Coach parking facility: Douglas – adjacent highway on reserved spaces.Laxey – nearby reserved coach spaces on public parking off MinesRoad. Ramsey – none nearby.

Principal Group Rates: Contact for details – fares to be finalised.


Catering available for Groups: Laxey only

The Mid Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’ The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JGTel: 01962 733810 Fax: 01962 735448E: [email protected]: www.watercressline.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Tony Gibbs/Karen Butler

Main periods of operation: Weekends January to November, PublicHolidays, Half Terms & selected mid week days from May toSeptember.

Coach parking facility: Free coach parking by prior appointment.

Principal Group Rates: Adult - £14, Child (2-16) - £7, Child under 2 -FREE, Family (2A + 2C) - £35. Discounted group rates apply to partiesof 15 persons +. We also operate multi-destination packages with localattractions such as Jane Austen’s House and Milestones Museum.


Catering available for Groups: Please contact Reservations on 01962733810 to discuss your particular requirements. Our Cream Teas onthe trains are very popular!

Conference Facilities available: (10 – 90 person capacity. Cateringprovided. Steam train trip & driving experience can be included.

Midland Railway, Butterley Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3QZTel: 01773 747674 • Fax: 01773 570721E: [email protected] W: www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk

Contact name for group Bookings: Alan Calladine

Main periods of operation: Weekends throughout the year & weekdaysin school holidays

Coach parking facility: At Butterley Station (Free)

Principal Group Rates: Small groups attract a 10% discount, largergroups need to contact the railway for details.


Catering available for Groups: Dining Trains available & static cateringin two buffets.

Mid-Norfolk Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1DFTel: 01362 690 633 • Fax: 01362 698 487E: [email protected]: www.mnr.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Stephen Smith

Main periods of operation: March - December weekends, May -October plus Wednesday. July - August plus Thursday, Bank Holidays.

Coach parking facility: Dereham

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount pax. 20% - 20-60 pax based onfull return fares. Above 60 pax is negotiable.


Catering available for Groups: Tearooms at Dereham Station up to 100.



Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket IP14 6PWTel: 01473 890 622E: [email protected]: www.mslr.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Chris Baddeley

Main periods of operation: Easter to end of September


Principal Group Rates: 10% discount on standard rates


Catering available for Groups: Snacks rather than full hot meals

North Bay Railway, Scarborough Station Building, Northstead Manor Gardens, Burniston Road,Scarborough YO12 6PFTel: 01723 368 791 • Fax: 0871 244 9484E: [email protected]: www.nbr.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: David Humphreys

Main periods of operation: 2nd April to end of October. Weekends allyear. February - school half term. Between Christmas & New Year.

Coach parking facility: Ring for details

Principal Group Rates: £1.70 per person - return

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 12 Max: 100+

Catering available for Groups: Glass House Cafe/Bistro at PeasholmPark Station (see www.glasshousebistro.co.uk).

North Norfolk Railway (The Poppy Line) The Station, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8RATel: 01263 820 800 Fax: 01263 820 801E: [email protected]: www.nnrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Cherrill Butterworth or VinnyBlake

Main periods of operation: 1st April - 31st October plus Santa Specials,December weekends

Coach parking facility: Public coach parking close by SheringhamStation. Parking at Holt Station by prior arrangement.

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount for groups of 20-200


Catering available for Groups: Lunch or dinner trains may be hired byprior arrangement. Sheringham Station Buffet open to groups, but notexclusively.

Conference Facilities available: (10 – 50 person capacity) Cateringprovided. Facilities in Railway Institute but static carriage alsoavailable.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AJTel: 01751 472508 • Fax: 01751 476970E: [email protected]: www.nymr.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Customer Services / Gerry Bacon

Main periods of operation: 26 March - 30 October 2011

Coach parking facility: Not at stations but coach park in PickeringEastgate Car Park or Goathland in village.

Principal Group Rates: Prices on application. 20% discount for pre-booked parties of 20 or more but not applicable 1st July - 31st Augustor special events.


Catering available for Groups: Tearooms at Pickering, Goathland &Grosmont. Tea hut at Levisham.

Peak Rail Matlock Station, Matlock DE4 3NATel: 01629 580381 • Fax: 01629 760 645E: [email protected]: www.peakrail.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Claire Statham / Steve Slinn

Main periods of operation: March - December

Coach parking facility: Free

Principal Group Rates: 10% for 10-30 visitors. 15% for 30+ visitors


Catering available for Groups: Buffet on station & on train.

Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway 13A Broad Street, Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9NDTel: 01495 792263/01874 730775E: [email protected]: www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Norman Clymer

Main periods of operation: April - October + December

Coach parking facility: Yes - up to 20

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount


Catering available for Groups: Part of the Blaenavon World Heritagesite, close by Big Pit, The Iron Works & Blaenavon’s World HeritageCentre (all free). At the head of the Eastern Valley of South Wales in aunique industrial landscape surrounded by mountains and the birthplace of Britain’s industrial Revolution.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SWTel: 01229 717171 • Fax: 01229 717011E: [email protected]: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: David Jenner

Main periods of operation: Daily trains from 2nd April to 30thOctober inclusive, most winter weekends plus daily 26th December to2nd January 2012

Coach parking facility: Ravenglass - dedicated free parking spaces forall pre-booked coaches – close, level access to the trains & otherfacilities

Principal Group Rates: Steam to the Hills, (full line return journey) -£8.50 per adult; One Happy Family, (a day on the railway & a day


APPENDIX OF HERITAGE RAILWAYSwith Ullswater ‘Steamers’, our sister attraction) - £11.50 per adult;Steam on the Wild Side, (a full line return journey on the railway & avisit to the neighbouring attraction of Muncaster Castle) - £13 peradult; Steam and Smugglers (a full line return journey and a visit toWhitehaven’s Rum Story exhibition) - £12.00.

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 20 (negotiable)

Catering available for Groups: Purpose-built visitor centre includes theEskdale Room which is always available for groups to use. In housecatering team offer Cumbrian flavours with flair – from a snack to abanquet, all options available.

Conference Facilities available: (up to 75 person capacity). Cateringprovided.

Ribble Steam Railway Chain Caul Road, Preston PR2 2PDTel: 01772 728800E: [email protected]: www.ribblesteam.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Booking Clerk

Main periods of operation: Sundays & Bank Holidays in April.Weekends: May-September. Summer & Half Term midweek services –check website for details.

Coach parking facility: On site. Free car parking. Disabled facilities

Principal Group Rates: 10% discount on all groups


Catering available for Groups: Buffet with light refreshments.

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL Tel: 01797 362353 • Fax: 01797 363591E: [email protected] W: www.rhdr.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Sandra Refault / Lesley Maxim

Main periods of operation: Weekends except November, Daily 27thMarch to 31st October 2011

Principal Group Rates: Single Hythe to Dungeness £7.91. Dayrover -£11.90

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 20 Max:Unlimited with reservation

Catering available for Groups: Full self service restaurant service &snacks/sandwiches at New Romney & Dungeness. Open allrunning days.

Seaton Tramway Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQTel: 01297 20375 E: [email protected]: www.tram.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Sue Bowman

Main periods of operation: Daily 12th -27th February, 2nd April-30thOctober; 26th December - 1st January 2012. Weekends: 5th - 27th March

Coach parking facility: Seaton-East Devon District Council Coach Park& own car park at Colyton

Principal Group Rates: Return Journey - Adult £7.90 , Senior £7.20 ,Children (3 -16) £3.60


Catering available for Groups: Devon Cream Tea £4.25, Buffet StyleLunch (min 8 people) £6.50 to include a drink, Two Course Lunch£8.50 to include a drink - further details on request.

Conference Facilities available: (12 – 30 person capacity). Cateringprovided.

Severn Valley Railway The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1BGTel: 01299 403816 • Fax: 01299 400839E: [email protected] W: www.svr.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Lisa Meredith

Main periods of operation: Open daily May - September. All schoolholidays and most other weekends. See website for full information.

Coach parking facility: Free parking at Kidderminster, Bewdley &Bridgnorth station

Principal Group Rates: For pre-booked groups of 15 or moreadults/seniors - £9.00 per person, single journey Kidderminster toBridgnorth. £13.30 per person, return journey.

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 15 Max: Nomax subject to prior arrangement

Catering available for Groups: pre-booked catering is available by priorarrangement at The Engine House at Highley & The Valley Suite atKidderminster Station.

Snaefell Mountain Railway Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, TransportHeadquarters, Banks Circus, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5PT Tel: 01624 663366/662525 • Fax: 01624 663637E: [email protected]: www.iombusandrail.info, www.gov.im/dccl

Main periods of operation: Late April to early October 2010

Coach parking facility: Laxey – nearby reserved coach spaces on publicparking off Mines Road. Bungalow – adjacent to station.

Principal Group Rates: Contact for details – fares to be finalised.


Catering available for Groups: Laxey & Summit

Snowdon Mountain Railway Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TYTel: 0844 493 8120 • Fax: 01286 872 518E: [email protected] W: www.snowdonrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Sue Vowell

Main periods of operation: Mid-March - End of October 2011

Coach parking facility: Drop off point at the station & third partyparking nearby

Principal Group Rates: For a full list of fares, please contact Sue Vowellon 0844 493 8120

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min:15

Catering available for Groups: Please contact us for further details.



South Devon Railway The Station, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0DZTel: 0845 345 1420 • Fax: 01364 647140E: [email protected]: www.southdevonrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Neil Smith

Main periods of operation: End of March – end of October

Coach parking facility: Free at Buckfastleigh

Principal Group Rates: Adults from £5.70


Catering available for Groups: Our Refreshment Rooms atBuckfastleigh are open every day and serve a range of hot & coldmeals.

South Tynedale Railway The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3JBTel: 01434 381696 • Talking Timetable: 01434 382828W: www.strps.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Neil Holmes

Main periods of operation: Good Friday 22nd April - 30 October2011. Every day from 16th July - 31st August 2011.

Coach parking facility: Car park adjacent to station

Principal Group Rates: Discounts for 10+ on application


Catering available for Groups: At stations: limited. On train: Buffetcarriage – 20 seats.

Strathspey Railway Aviemore Station, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore PH22 1PYTel: 01479 810725 • Fax: 01479 812220E: [email protected]

W: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Laurence Grant


Coach parking facility: At Aviemore and Broomhill Stations

Principal Group Rates: Single Aviemore – Broomhill: £5.50. ReturnAviemore-Broomhill-Aviemore: £9.50

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 20Max: 150

Catering available for Groups: Tea or coffee and shortbread at table.Full meals available. Contact the caterer at [email protected]

Swanage Railway Station House, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HBTel: 01929 425800 • Fax: 01929 475208E: [email protected]: www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Reservations (01929 475207)

Main periods of operation: February until December, Daily April untilend October.

Coach parking facility: Yes at Norden P&R, free if booked in advance.Swanage - coach drop-off adjacent to station

Principal Group Rates: Norden to Swanage (or vice versa) Party Adultreturn £8, Party Child return £6, Party Adult single £5.50, Party Childsingle £4 Norden to Corfe Castle - Party Adult return £1.50 (saving of25% per person) Party Child return £1 (saving of 30% per person)


Catering available for Groups: Buffets in Swanage, Norden & on-train.Wessex Belle dining train also available. Groups should be booked inadvance

Talyllyn Railway Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9EYTel: 01654 710472 • Fax: 01654 711755E: [email protected]: www.talyllyn.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Ed Lund

Main periods of operation: 2 April - 30 October

Coach parking facility: Yes (Free)

Principal Group Rates: Tywyn - Abergynolwyn: Single: £6.50, Return:£9.50


Catering available for Groups: By prior arrangement

Conference Facilities available: (35 person capacity). Cateringprovided.

Tanfield Railway Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 5ETTel: 0845 463 4938 (Groups: 0191 384 7888) • Fax: 0191 387 4784E: [email protected]: www.tanfield-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Dave Holroyde

Main periods of operation: Every Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday,plus Wed/Thu in school summer holidays

Coach parking facility: Hardstanding on site

Principal Group Rates: £5 per head


Weardale Railway Stanhope Station, Station Road, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland,Co. Durham DL13 2YSTel: 01388 526203 (only available on operating days)E: [email protected]: www.weardale-railway.org.uk

Main periods of operation: We operate all year round. See the websitefor special events, Santa Specials & Mince Pie Specials, updates onservice and dates specific engines are operating.

Coach parking facility: Contact the railway

Principal Group Rates: Contact the railway

Catering available for Groups: Station buffet serving hot & cold drinks,light snacks, sweets & ice cream.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway Stiffkey Road, Wells Next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1QBTel: 01328 711630 (8am to 5pm only)W: www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Lt. Cmdr Roy Francis

Main periods of operation: 9th April - 29th October. 7 days a week,timetable service – see website

Coach parking facility: Coach Park about 300 yds from WalsinghamStation, NR22 6BT

Principal Group Rates: 10% reduction on all fares


APPENDIX OF HERITAGE RAILWAYSNumber of passengers required for Group Rate: Min: 20 Max: 50

Catering available for Groups: Limited catering facilities and drinksvending machine at Wells Station. Good facilities in both Wells &Walsingham.

Welsh Highland Railway, Caernarfon Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NFTel: 01766 516024 • Fax: 01766 516005E: [email protected]: www.festrail.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Samantha Hughes, Victoria Towersor Rebecca Whalley

Main periods of operation: Most days 27 March - 30 October 2011plus TBC 27 December - 2 January 2012

Coach parking facility: Drop off / Pick up at Caernarfon, Waunfawr(Pub Car Park), Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Pont Croesor or Porthmadog.

Principal Group Rates: Caernarfon – Beddgelert: Single - Adult £9.50,Child £4.75. Return - Adult £19.00, Child £9.50. Caernarfon - PontCroesor Single: Adult £12.50, Child £6.25. Return - Adult £25.00,Child £12.50. Porthmadog to Caernarfon Single: Adult £13.50, Child£7.25. Return: £27.00, Child: £13.50


Catering available for Groups: Refreshment trolley service &pre-booked catering available for groups.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway The Station, Llanfair Caereinion, Powys SY21 0SF Tel: 01938 810441 • Fax: 01938 810861E: [email protected]: www.wllr.org.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Kevin Heywood

Main periods of operation: Weekends from Easter until end of October& most days in June, July, August, early September & October halfterm

Coach parking facility: At Welshpool & Llanfair Caereinion Stations

Principal Group Rates: £6 Single or £8.50 Return. Further discountsfor children


Catering available for Groups: Our tea room serving snacks & lightrefreshments is available at Llanfair Caereinion Station.

Wensleydale Railway 1 Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton,North Yorkshire DL7 9ARTel: 01677 425805 • Fax: 01677 427029E: [email protected]: www.wensleydalerailway.com

Contact name for Group Bookings: Amanda Pearson

Main periods of operation: 12th February 2011 - 31st December 2011(not always daily - please see website)

Coach parking facility: At Leeming Bar & Redmire. Nearby at Bedale& Leyburn

Principal Group Rates: Depends on journey. Between £9.00 for full linereturn to £4.20 single from Leeming Bar to Leyburn


Catering available for Groups: Light refreshments.

West Coast Railways Jesson Way, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9URTel: 01524 737751/53 • Fax: 01524 735518E: [email protected]: www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Michael Townley

Main periods of operation: May - October

Coach parking facility: Fort William

Principal Group Rates: 10% Discount

Number of passengers required for Group Rate: 10

Catering available for Groups: Light Refreshments

West Somerset Railway The Railway Station, Minehead TA24 5BGTel: 01643 700384 • Fax: 01643 706349E: [email protected]: www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

Contact name for Group Bookings: Commercial Dept.

Main periods of operation: Selected dates Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov &Dec. Daily: early April to early October.

Coach parking facility: Free at Bishops Lydeard Station. In town atMinehead. See website for other stations.

Principal Group Rates: Adults - £12.60, Seniors - £12, Children - onapplication. Further discounts on Mondays & Fridays (except BankHolidays)


Catering available for Groups: On application

Conference Facilities available: (8 – 16 person capacity - BishopsLydeard. 12 person capacity - Minehead). Catering provided.

The information contained within this Appendix hasbeen provided separately by each of the railways thatare listed. The publisher cannot be held responsiblefor any omissions where railways did not submittheir relevant details at the time of going to press.


INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

BALA LAKE RAILWAY ....................................................51

BEAMISH..........................................................................43

BLUEBELL RAILWAY.......................................................27

BODMIN & WENFORD RAILWAY...............................19

BO'NESS & KINNEIL RAILWAY ....................................59

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE..................10

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY................................................29

CHINNOR & PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY .....10

CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY.........................................8

COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY ............................................29

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE ........................................33

DARTMOUTH STEAM RAILWAY &

RIVERBOAT COMPANY................................................15

DEAN FOREST RAILWAY........OUTSIDE BACK COVER

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY ......................................41

ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY ...........................35

EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY.........43

EXBURY GARDENS & STEAM RAILWAY....................25

FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS .......53

FOXFIELD RAILWAY ........................................................8

GLOUCESTERSHIRE & WARWICKSHIRE

RAILWAY ..........................................................................37

GREAT ORME TRAMWAY ............................................53

HEAD OF STEAM - DARLINGTON RAILWAY

MUSEUM ..........................................................................43

ISLE OF MAN RAILWAYS.................................................4

ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY...............................21

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY .................45

KEITH & DUFFTOWN RAILWAY .................................59

KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY .................................27

LAKESIDE AND HAVERTHWAITE RAILWAY ...............8

THE LARTIGUE MONORAILWAY & MUSEUM...........4

THE LAVENDER LINE......................................................6

LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY.................................25

LLANBERIS LAKE RAILWAY..........................................51

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY.................................................6

LYNTON & LYNMOUTH CLIFF RAILWAY.................10

MIDLAND RAILWAY, BUTTERLEY ..............................37

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM...................................45

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY (THE POPPY LINE)....31

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY ...................47

RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY/ULLSWATER

'STEAMERS' ....................................................................41

RIBBLE STEAM RAILWAY ................................................4

SEATON TRAMWAY.......................................................19

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY...........................................33

SNOWDON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY.............................55

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY.............................................17

SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY......................................41

STEAM - MUSEUM OF THE GREAT WESTERN

RAILWAY ..........................................................................10

SWANAGE RAILWAY ......................................................25

TALYLLYN RAILWAY......................................................55

TANFIELD RAILWAY.......................................................47

WEARDALE RAILWAY......................................................6

WELLS & WALSINGHAM LIGHT RAILWAY...............31

WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY...............................................4

WEST COAST RAILWAYS .........INSIDE FRONT COVER

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY .........................................15

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