The Dean Forest Railway Society, which acts as a support organisation for the railway, was originally formed in 1970 to preserve the Lydney to Parkend branch line.Visits by HRH The Duke of Gloucester in 1983, the GW150 Exhibition Train and the Broad Gauge loco Iron Duke in 1985, and by various film crews and TV personalities all helped enhance Norchard's reputation.
The line opened to Shepton Mallet on Tuesday 9 November 1858.Extended to Wells in 1862.In1870 the line reached Yatton through the Cheddar Valley. Built as a broad gauge line it connected Whitham to Yatton passing through Wanstrow, Cranmore ,Shepton Mallet,&Wells. By 1892 it was converted to standard gauge. Known locally as "The Strawberry Line" as it carried the fruit grown in the Cheddar valley to the fruit markets of London.
The GWR is an all-volunteer steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, the GWR hosts a number of galas, enthusiasts' events and events for all the family throughout the year, including our popular Santa Specials, Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, Fish and Chips specials and dining trains.
The Moors valley Railway is a miniature passenger-carrying railway running largely next to a lake in the Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood in Hampshire U.K. All trains are normally steam hauled and a typical train will carry around 50 people for an approximately 15 minute long Journey. There is also a well-stocked shop with items such as Thomas the Tank Engine to Hornby and Lima.
Based on the site of Blunsdon Station between Swindon and Cirencester, the line uses part of the trackbed of the former Midland & South Western Junction Railway. Today, visitors can enjoy all the facilities they expect from a Heritage Railway centre. But it is worth remembering that everything they see has been re-created by the Society. Rolling stock, track, locomotives and building materials are all delivered by road.
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Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN25 2DA
TEL:(44) 01793 771615 (weekends only)
West Somerset Railway
Running between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead, the trains pass through the Quantock Hills before emerging on the Somerset coast. Our ten lovingly restored stations offer a range of things to do. Buffet cars are on most of the trains. A wonderful day out for old and young alike.
