Heritage Railways

Vast Range of Heritage Steam & Diesel Operating Through the Sussex Countryside

The Bluebell Railway is a famous heritage line in East and West Sussex, well known for its collection of steam locomotives and perfectly preserved stations. It was one of the very first railways in the UK to be saved by volunteers. Visitors can travel through beautiful countryside in vintage coaches while exploring stations designed in different historical periods. There are regular events, footplate experiences, and a museum at Sheffield Park packed with engines on static display including the famous Terrier 'Stepney'. It's a wonderful place for railway enthusiasts.

Recommended Locations:

Although there are many, I'll limit it down to just three.

West Yorkshire's Local Treasure

This heritage railway in West Yorkshire runs from Keighley to Oxenhope, with beautiful scenery and classic stations along the way. It's well-known for being featured in the film The Railway Children and still keeps its vintage charm style. Steam and diesel locomotives - mainly retired LMS and BR engines - bark through towns and hills, making the journey feel like a trip into the past. It is perfect for tourists visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park (as it is nearby) and train enthusiasts.

Recommended Locations:

Not many, just recommend trainspotting at Oxenhope and Keighley Station.

A Beautiful Line Running Through Unique Landscapes

The Spa Valley Railway travels between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, passing through some of Kent's most appealing landscapes including the High Rocks - an unusual rock formation. You can ride on steam or diesel trains with well-preserved rolling stock. It's a great day out and worth a look at their website.

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A Railway Used to Transport Watercress

The Mid-Hants Railway, nicknamed the Watercress Line, is a preserved railway in Hampshire stretching from Alton to Alresford. In the past, it was used to carry fresh watercress from farms to markets in London, but now it carries passengers on steam and diesel-hauled services. The journey offers amazing countryside views and stops at well-looked after stations. You can visit the locomotive sheds at Ropley or just enjoy a day out on this spectacular heritage line.

Recommended Locations:

I haven't been there much yet, so limited recommendations.

From Town to Castle

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a classic heritage line in the southeast of England, running 10.5 miles from Tenterden to Bodiam Castle. The route takes you through peaceful countryside, past farms, fields, and small villages. Main fleet consisting on mainly J94s in the Longmoor Military Railway (LMR) Blue Livery. While there, check out Bodiam Castle.

Recommended Locations:

This heritage railway runs through the North York Moors National Park, built in 1835 by railway pioneer George Stephenson. It connects Pickering to the coast at Whitby through dramatic high moorland scenery, passing through time-warp village stations perfect for cream teas and hearty walks.

It's pretty wizard all around, so no surprise to see Goathland Station double as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films!

West Somerset is the longest heritage railway in England at 20 miles, running through stunning Somerset countryside and coast. This true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, offering ten stations in twenty miles through rolling Somerset countryside.

The UK's only double track, main line heritage railway between Loughborough and Leicester. It's the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other at speed - just as it was when steam ruled the rails. Four beautifully restored stations each represent different periods in railway history.

Wales has more than its fair share of heritage railways, but one of the most popular is the Ffestiniog which goes on a 13.5 mile route from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.