8 of the UK’s Most Charming Steam Heritage Railways

The UK is home to over 100 heritage railways, each rich in fascinating history. While many of these railways now use diesel or electric locomotives, there are still a number of heritage railways that continue to offer the authentic experience of riding aboard a steam engine.

1. Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland

Otherwise known as the ‘Hogwarts Express,’ the Jacobite Steam Train is widely considered one of the greatest train journeys in the world. Starting at Fort William, this 84 mile round trip takes you through charming villages, incredible sites such as the River Morar and Loch Morar, then ends at Mallaig.

The train is featured in the Harry Potter films as the 'Hogwarts Express' where witches and wizards climb aboard Platform 9¾ for a spellbinding journey to the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The real-life journey is equally as magical, as yo head across the famous Glefinnan Viaduct, arguably the most iconic feature of the journey.

Find out more on booking the most enchanting train in the world Jacobite Steam Train, head to the website.

Nearest campsite: Glencoe Club Site

2. Severn Valley Railway, Shropshire and Worcestershire

Climb on-board a vintage steam train and experience the beauty of the English countryside in style. Located in the counties of Worcestershire and Shropshire, the railway runs through the stunning Severn Valley and for most of the journey overlooks Britain’s longest river, the River Severn.

After a nine-year building project the railway officially opened in 1862. The present-day Severn Valley Railway (SVR) was established in 1965 to preserve the line as a heritage railway. Since then, the SVR has become a popular tourist attraction and continues to offer unforgettable steam train rides.

You can choose where to start your journey, with three separate locations on offer: Kidderminster, Bewdley or Bridgnorth. For more information on booking a trip on the SVR head to the Severn Valley Railway website.

Nearest campsite: Wolverley Club Site 

3. North Yorkshire Moors Railway, North Yorkshire

With both enjoyment and education at its heart, a rail journey through the North Yorkshire Moors has never been more exciting on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The railway stretches over 24 miles of North Yorkshire and showcases its incredible natural beauty. The route begins in the bustling town of Pickering and runs all the way through to Whitby.

he North Yorkshire Moors Railway was first opened in 1836 and initially operated as a horse-drawn carriage line. By 1865, the railway began using steam locomotives. In modern day, it is one of the busiest heritage lines in the world. Visitors from all over gather to enjoy an unforgettable journey through the moors. If you’re a potterhead, make sure to plan a stop at Goathland Station, where the last scene of the first Harry Potter is filmed and is otherwise known as "Hogsmeade Station". 

For more information visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website.

Nearest campsite: Slingsby Club Site

4. Bluebell Railway, Sussex

Travel through time on the Bluebell Railway, a heritage railway line located in Southern England that primarily runs between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead in West Sussex. The Bluebell Railway passes through the stunning Sussex countryside and if you visit in spring you will see why this railway is named what it is, as the journey is dotted with plenty of cheerful bluebells along your journey.

The volunteer-run Bluebell Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, with their first services running in the 1960s. Nowadays, you can hop on the train and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Meet railway staff dressed in period clothing, visit vintage carriages or even opt for a truly decadent experience by booking in for an afternoon tea on the train!

For more information on riding bluebell railway including how to get there, fares and timetables head to their website.

Nearest campsite: Slindon Club Site

5. Bala Lake Railway, Snowdonia (Eyri)

Bala Lake Railway (Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid) is a 9 mile narrow gauge steam train which offers return journeys alongside the glistening Bala Lake and through the enchanting Snowdonia National Park. You will start and finish your journey at the charming village of Llanuwchllyn.

After facing decline during the rise of road transport, The Bala Lake Railway Preservation Society restored the track and acquired steam locomotives from 1972 to 1975. On August 10th 1975, the railway was reopened to the public and has been offering steam train rides along the shores of Bala Lake since.

Bala Lake Railway is now the perfect day out for both families and couples. The attraction has plenty of facilities, including on-site car parking, refreshments, a gift shop, toilets and picnic tables. Dogs are also welcome to ride the railway for a small fee!. For more information check out the website.

Nearest campsite: Bala Club Site

6. Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Yorkshire

Explore the West Yorkshire countryside in style on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. This heritage railway line is a glowing example of heritage railways and well-known for its feature in beloved classic The Railway Children (1970). Visitors can embark on an unforgettable journey on both heritage steam and diesel trains from Keighley to Oxenhope through the incredible Brontë country.

Officially opening on April 13 1867, the railway from Keighley to Oxenhope served the mills and people of the Worth Valley for nearly a 100 years. As road transportation became more popular, and railways were a less necessary form of transport, British Railways announced they would be closing the Worth Valley branch. 

The Valley Railway Preservation Society negotiated with British Railways to operate a preserved steam railway on the line. Over the years, volunteers worked hard to restore the railway’s infrastructure and get it to an operational condition. 

Nowadays, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway operates as a successful heritage railway. To see further details on taking a journey on this well-loved railway, head to their website.

Nearest campsite: Sheriff Hutton Club Site 

7. Ffestiniog Railway, Gwynedd

The Ffestiniog Railway stretches for 13 ½ miles through the stunning North Wales countryside, winding through the glorious Snowdonia National Park. The journey starts from the harbour in Porthmadog, venturing to the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. On this train ride you can kick-back and take in the incredible scenery, including ancient oak woodlands, mountains, rivers and castles.

The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world today and is steeped in fascinating history. First conceived in 1820’s as a means for transporting slate from quarries to the port of Porthmadog for export, it quickly became a vital link in the slate industry. Similar to other heritage railways history, the increase in road transport resulted in the railway being no longer necessary. A preservation society was formed in 1951 to protect, restore and operate the railway. 

The railway is now a thriving attraction that takes you on a journey back in time to the golden age of steam railways. For more information on booking a trip on the Ffestiniog Railway see their website.

Nearest campsite: Bala Club Site

8. Downpatrick and County Down Steam Railway, Northern Ireland

Take a seat on the Downpatrick and County Down Steam Railway and let the steam train take you on a journey back in time. The railway takes you through the stunning countryside of County Down, St. Patrick’s Country, over the Quoile River, and then under the Down Cathedral.

Stop off at Inch Abbey on the way, which is located on the north bank of Quoile River. Learn the fascinating history behind the abbey, which was originally founded by John De Courcy to redeem himself for the destruction of Erenagah Abbey.

Head to Downpatrick and County Down Steam Railways website to book today.

Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park Campsite