Britain's Heritage Railway Directory
The UK's Heritage railways directory always you to search, research and the plan and enjoy some of Britain Glorious Locomotive living History.
Browse UK heritage railways
Use the directory to explore standard gauge heritage railways, narrow gauge lines, preserved steam railways and railway museums by name, country, gauge or location.
Find the right day out
Looking for family railway days out, couples railway experiences or steam train gifts? Start with a railway card, then follow the guide links to plan the visit.
Search by location instead
Searching for heritage railways near me or steam train rides near your nearest city? Use City Search to start with place rather than railway name.
Start with the locomotive
Looking for Flying Scotsman, Sir Nigel Gresley, Tornado, Class 37 or Class 47? Use Legendary Locomotives when the engine is the reason for the day out.
Railway directory or City Search?
Use this directory when you know the railway name or want to browse by railway type. Use City Search when you want to find heritage railways near a town or city. Use Legendary Locomotives when a famous steam engine, diesel class or bookable locomotive experience is the starting point.
What is a heritage railway?
A heritage railway is a preserved or tourist railway where visitors can usually enjoy historic trains, restored stations, steam or diesel running days, railway museums, special events or railway-themed days out.
What is the difference between a heritage railway and a preserved railway?
The terms are often used together. A preserved railway usually describes a saved historic line, locomotive or railway site, while heritage railway is the visitor-facing term often used for the public day-out experience.
How do I find heritage railways near me?
Use this directory if you know the railway name, or use Rail Away Days City Search to find heritage railways, steam train rides, family train days out and railway gifts near your nearest city.
What if I want to find a famous locomotive instead?
Use Legendary Locomotives if you want to start with an engine or class, such as Flying Scotsman, Sir Nigel Gresley, Tornado, Class 37 or Class 47, then follow the guide, bookable experience or official source link.
Are heritage railways good for families?
Yes. Many heritage railways offer family-friendly train rides, cafés, museums, themed events, Santa trains, Halloween trains and school-holiday activities. Always check facilities, dates and ticket details before travelling.
Can you buy railway gifts or experience days at heritage railways?
Some railways and experience providers offer steam train gifts, family tickets, cream tea trains, train driving experiences and railway gift vouchers. Maroon cards in this directory highlight Rail Away Days pages with bookable experience routes.
Do heritage railways run steam trains all year?
Not always. Steam and diesel services are often seasonal, event-led or limited to selected operating days. Check the official railway website before buying tickets or travelling.
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