Discovering 200 years of railway transport

200 years of the passenger railway

2025 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern engine-powered passenger railway. 1825 saw the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and the appearance of George Stephenson’s iconic, Locomotion No.1. Goods and passengers were taken from New Shildon to Stockton-upon-Tees, at a heady speed of 12mph (20kph), amid much public excitement and attention, and on arrival the train was greeted by a 21-gun salute. The railway age had truly arrived.

Relive the age of steam at England's heritage railways

Below is a collection of heritage railways that still transport passengers using steam engines, although you won’t find any from 1825. Most are from the late 19th-century and the 20th century up to the 1950s, when steam started to be replaced by diesel. Some railways also run diesel engines, but the majority are steam. Heritage railways are almost entirely run by volunteer enthusiasts, and make a perfect family day out. All of those featured below have been quality assessed by VisitEngland, ensuring a great visitor experience.

Audley End Miniature Railway Ltd, Essex

Starting off small, Audley End's miniature railway is perfect for small children. The track weaves one and a half miles through Capability Brown gardens and is full of natural wonder, as well as hidden teddy bears. There’s also a Fairy and Elf Walk for the little ones, a gift shop and the Signal Box Cafe.

Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire

Situated in 25 acres adjacent to Didcot Parkway Station, Didcot Railway Centre is the living Museum of the Great Western Railway. It has a unique collection of steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and small relics based around its 1930s engine shed. From Brunel’s Broad Gauge to modern trains running past, the Centre is home to 200 years of railway history. Visit the Refreshment Room for hot and cold food and get a souvenir in the gift shop.

East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire

This award-winning heritage railway is just 30 minutes from Manchester City Centre by car and public transport. It runs steam and diesel trains along a 12-mile, 7-station route through town and country, and also hosts plenty of events and experiences, from a Day Out with Thomas to Orient Express style luxury dining experiences.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Derbyshire

All aboard Derbyshire's longest heritage railway for a scenic journey into the past between Wirksworth and Duffield. There's a variety of steam and vintage diesel trains operating, which means you'll be assured of a fun family day out. Why not book on to one of the popular Derbyshire Countryman dining services, or can even try your hand at driving a locomotive?

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Gloucestershire

This line was built between 1900 and 1906 to improve through-services from Birmingham to Bristol and the West Country. It also carried fruit from the farming areas in the Cotswolds and Vale of Evesham to the rest of the nation. It closed in 1976, reopening as a heritage line in 1984. Nowadays visitors can enjoy views of classic Cotswolds countryside and the novelty of a steam train while taking a 25-mile round trip between Laverton, Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse.

Great Central Railway, Leicestershire

Apparently, the Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, mainline heritage railway. This means that trains can pass each other, as they did in the days of mass, steam-powered transport. Run by tireless volunteers, the railway has a busy timetable that includes Santa Specials, and excellent meals in the restaurant car.

Hopetown Darlington, Co Durham

In 1825, Locomotion No. 1 became the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger-carrying train on a public railway - the Stockton and Darlington Railway, not far from this 7.5 acre attraction. Entry is through the 1833 goods shed, which features an artisan café, coal themed shop and a railway-themed digital media experience. In the 1853 Carriage Works, you'll find the Exhibition Hall and The Stores, containing over 30,000 railway heritage items. In the Darlington Locomotive Works you have the chance to see live engineering in action. There's also a rail-themed adventure playground.
 

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight

Located at Havenstreet village, mid-way between Ryde and Newport, this museum railway offers unlimited travel on its steam trains, alongside a tea room, gift shop and well-presented Discovery Centre. There are four stations on the 10-mile line, with Havenstreet as the main stop. All four stations are beautifully presented, but only Havenstreet has an actual vintage station, restored by volunteers.

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Kent

Stretching 10½ miles (17km) between Bodiam and Tenterden, this is a picturesque line and one of Kent’s top tourist attractions. This was Britain's first light passenger railway, and trains ran from 1900 until 1954. It reopened in 1974 and now you can journey through attractive countryside and get the full steam travel experience aboard beautifully restored coaches drawn by magnificent locomotives.

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, Lincolnshire

British Rail closed the last section of line in 1980, so a preservation society was formed to restore it. What visitors see today is a real achievement, and a testament to the time and effort put in by dedicated volunteers. This is the only standard gauge heritage steam railway in Lincolnshire, and like all the railways on this list, is a pleasure to visit and travel on.

North Norfolk Railway (The Poppy Line), Norfolk

Running from Holt to Sheringham, the North Norfolk Railway continues the tradition of rail that began in 1844 when the passenger railway first opened. Today a group of passionate volunteers run a number of beautifully preserved engines up and down the line, but you don't have to just be a passenger. A number of experiences are available where you can work the signals or even drive the train. This railway passes through some of the most delightful countryside East Anglia has to offer.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Cumbria

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as 'La’al Ratty'. Located in the Lake District National Park, the heritage steam engines transport passengers from Ravenglass, the only coastal village located in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to Dalegarth for Boot some 210ft above sea level. If you really like it you can actually have a self-catering stay in one of the two converted Pullman coaches.

Ribble Steam Railway, Lancashire

There's a lot going on at this heritage railway, not least the sheer amount of locomotives on site. More than 20 steam engines, and 11 diesel and electric locomotives. There's also a museum and a tea rooms, and a workshop where volunteers restore the engines. A train journey will take you on a three mile return trip, over the dock swing-bridge and alongside the diverted River Ribble. 

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Kent

This popular railway runs for 13 ½ miles from the picturesque Cinque Port town of Hythe, through the family-friendly seaside village to Dymchurch, then towards the railways headquarters at New Romney, finally reaching the National Nature Reserve of Dungeness. It has 7 stations, including some by the sea, so you can take a steam train to the beach. The New Romney station is also home to one of the largest model railways in the England.

Seaton Tramway, Devon

Set in Devon’s Axe Valley, this tramway is a great day out for nature lovers, as well of fans of vintage transport. Three narrow-gauge heritage trams run between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton, alongside the River Axe estuary, and through two nature reserves. The trams are newly built but modelled on old trams which have been made here since the 1950s. 

Severn Valley Railway, Worcestershire

Opening in 1862, the Severn Valley Railway lasted just over 100 years before it was closed in the Beeching Cuts. Soon a club was started to save the line, which is now one England's leading standard gauge steam railways, with one of the largest collections of locomotives and rolling stock in the country. Services operate from Kidderminster and Bewdley to Bridgnorth through 16 miles of picturesque scenery along the River Severn. There are plenty of events and an Engine House Visitor Centre.

West Somerset Railway, Somerset

At the longest standard gauge heritage railway in the UK, visitors will enjoy a 20-mile trip through stunning Somerset countryside and coastline, stopping at 10 stations. Once a country branch line of the old Great Western Railway it was closed in 1971, but quickly reopened as a private concern and is now home to a good number of steam and diesel locomotives. Today the railway carries over 200,000 passengers a year, making it one of the largest attractions in South West England.