Miniature Railways
Discover the Enchanting World of Miniature Steam and Diesel
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
The World's Smallest Public Railway
Since 1927 the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been an integral part of the landscape of the Romney Marsh. Known as "Kent's Mainline in Miniature", the RHDR was the dream of millionaire racing driver Captain John Edwards Presgrave ("Jack") Howey and Count Louis Zborowski.
The railway was constructed during the 1920s and opened on 16 July 1927. Tragically, Count Zborowski was killed in a motor racing accident at Monza before the project was completed, leaving Howey to continue alone.
The world famous one-third full size steam & diesel locomotives power their way along the 13½ miles of track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, terminating in Dungeness; a National Nature Reserve. The railway operates on 15-inch gauge track - exactly one-third the size of standard gauge railways.
Hythe → Dymchurch → St Mary's Bay → Romney Warren → New Romney → Romney Sands → Dungeness
The Railway is probably best known for its superb fleet of one-third full size steam and diesel locomotives, all of which have been built to run safely at speeds of 25mph on rails only 15 inches apart.
In 1940 the railway was taken over by the military during World War II, and a miniature armoured train was used on the line. It was also used extensively during the building of PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) which fuelled the Allied invasion force.
Other Notable Miniature Railways
Welsh Highland Railway
The UK's longest heritage railway runs 'coast to coast' from beneath the castle walls in Caernarfon for 25 miles to Porthmadog. The scenery is stunning as the line travels through the valleys and villages around Snowdon.
Fairbourne Railway
The 12 ¼ inch gauge track Fairbourne Railway has been running from Fairbourne village to the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, connecting with the ferry to Barmouth for over 100 years.
Littlehampton Miniature Railway
Two 4-6-4 steam locomotives and eight open coaches were ordered, and the line opened in 1948. This uses the unusual 12¼" gauge and is the oldest of only six such railways ever built in the country.
Rhyl Miniature Railway
Rhyl Miniature Railway is Britain's oldest running miniature line, running a mile round Rhyl's Marine Lake.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Snowdon Mountain Railway has been carrying passengers to the summit of England and Wales' highest mountain since 1896. It is truly one of the most spectacular train journeys you'll ever take!