In 2025, Britain celebrated 200 years of the railway. A history which has given us iconic locomotives, beautiful journeys, and countless connections. It has inspired literature and movies and has changed the world for the better.
Preserving this history honours those who built the indispensable systems we rely on today. If you’re interested in visiting a heritage railway, CrossCountry explores the best steam train experiences in England.
Southwest England
Avon Valley Railway, Bristol
The Avon Valley Railway is a charity that works to restore the beauty and nostalgia of steam travel to the Avon Valley. The restoration began back in the 1970s, and they’ve been running services ever since. Head to Bitton station, an impressively restored Victorian train stop where the steam locomotives depart from. The whole experience is unforgettable, from the delicious station buffet to the charming museum.
If you're travelling to Avon Valley Railway's Bitton station from Bristol Temple Meads, you can take a connecting train to Keynsham and then continue by local bus or on foot. For visitors travelling from further afield, CrossCountry provides convenient rail connections to Bristol from cities across the UK, including Birmingham and Newcastle, making it easy to begin your railway experience day.
Bodmin Railway, Cornwall
Bodmin Railway takes visitors on thrilling steam and diesel train rides from Bodmin Parkway to Boscarne Junction. You’ll traverse Cornwall’s stunning countryside, crossing a viaduct over the River Fowey and getting a chance to stop at the serene Cardinham Woods.
You can easily reach Bodmin Parkway by train with CrossCountry from places like Penzance and Plymouth. If you’re holidaying in the Southwest and looking for some great free things to do in Cornwall, the Camel Trail is a fantastic walk that can be accessed as soon as you alight at Boscarne Junction; it takes you along an old railway line and is packed with history.
Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company, Devon
The Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company is a great way to see some of Devon’s best sights. On board a shiny steam locomotive, you’ll travel to Kingswear from Paignton, where a ferry will be waiting to transport you across the River Dart to Dartmouth. Here, you’ll spend a couple of hours enjoying the town before hopping back on the ferry to Kingswear and travelling back to Paignton by train.
At Christmas, the Train of Lights arrives in town, taking passengers on a dazzling journey through festive art installations and spectacular light displays. It's widely regarded as one of the UK's best festive train experiences.
Queens Park station is Dartmouth Steam Railway’s main station, and it’s located right next to Paignton station, making it super convenient to hop off your modern CrossCountry train straight onto a vintage steam train.
South Devon Railway, Devon
South Devon Railway looks to revive the beauty of train travel between the 1930s and 1960s. You’ll travel from Buckfastleigh, Totnes Riverside, or Staverton through the gorgeous Devon hills. There are lots of experiences on offer at South Devon Railway, including driving a real steam or diesel locomotive! However, if you prefer the comfort of being a passenger, be sure to enjoy an afternoon cream tea or a hearty Sunday roast in the restaurant car.
The closest mainline train station to South Devon Railway’s Totnes Riverside is Totnes station. You can reach Totnes on a CrossCountry service from key locations like Exeter St Davids, York, and Birmingham New Street.
Dean Forest Railway, Gloucestershire
The Dean Forest Railway runs through the beautiful Forest of Dean, zipping past ancient woodland and wildlife. There are so many possibilities when visiting the Dean Forest Railway. You could enjoy cream tea and watch the world go by. Alternatively, you could solve a murder mystery on board the train, hear tales from the forest, or learn how to signal on the railway. There’s a great deal of fun to be had when you combine a heritage railway with one of the UK's best forests.
Dean Forest Railway is less than five minutes' walking distance from Lydney station, making it extra efficient to travel there with CrossCountry. We operate trains to Lydney from key stations such as Cardiff Central and Nottingham.
The Midlands
Battlefield Railway, Leicestershire
The Battlefield Line is a small heritage railway that runs on the former Ashby and Nuneaton joint railway. The vintage steam and diesel engines run from Shackerstone station, where you’ll find an interesting museum, a charming Victorian tearoom, and a souvenir shop. Throughout the year, the Battlefield Line holds special events, such as special luncheons aboard the train and a model railway show.
The closest mainline stations to Shackerstone station are Hinckley, Atherstone, and Nuneaton. There are limited transport options directly to the Battlefield Line, making taxis the most reliable option for onward travel. CrossCountry runs trains to Hinckley and Nuneaton from Leicester and Birmingham New Street.
Severn Valley Railway, West Midlands
The Severn Valley Railway is one of the best-known and longest-running heritage railways in the UK. You can travel along miles of restored railway in a period-style carriage, taking in the stunning views of the Severn Valley and enjoying a tip-top afternoon tea or a tasty Sunday lunch. The main route takes visitors from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, and there’s plenty of opportunity to combine your visit with a great day out. For example, you could visit the riverside village of Arley, where you’ll find an arboretum abundant with rare trees and ornate gardens.
The closest mainline station to Severn Valley Railway is Kidderminster. The station is highly accessible by train, with most major routes connecting seamlessly through Birmingham New Street.
If you are travelling from Cambridge, you can take a CrossCountry service to Birmingham New Street and switch to a connecting train to Kidderminster. Similarly, if you are coming from certain northern stations, like Leeds or Sheffield, catch a CrossCountry train into Birmingham New Street, where you will find frequent onward connections.
Northern England
East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire
The East Lancashire Railway operates heritage steam and diesel services across 12 miles of Lancashire countryside. The ELR has been operating since the 1840s, and until 1966, was a crucial link to Manchester from Bury. Today, the heritage railway offers journeys back in time with its amazing roster of locomotives, including one that looks very much like Thomas the Tank Engine!
These days, you can catch a tram from Manchester to Bury. From Manchester Piccadilly, walk ten minutes to Market Street, then catch the Yellow or Green Line to Bury; the East Lancashire Railway is a six-minute walk from there.
Stephenson Steam Railway, Tyne and Wear
Stephenson Steam Railway is a commemoration of more than 200 years of Northeast railway history. It runs along two miles of former coal wagonways to Percy Main and makes for a great day out in North Shields. Amidst their collection is Billy, the third oldest locomotive in the world at over two hundred years old! Stephenson Steam Railway is part of North East Museums, who also manage lots of other great free attractions in the Northeast, including South Shields Museum & Art Gallery and the Discovery Museum in Newcastle.
To visit Stephenson Steam Railway, take a CrossCountry train to Newcastle station, catch a bus to Silverlink-Kingfisher Way, and walk for four minutes.
Southern England
Watercress Line, Hampshire
The Watercress Line, also known as the Mid Hants Railway, offers thrilling steam train journeys through the Hampshire countryside, promising beautiful scenery and a relaxing ride. It’s named as such because of its past transporting watercress to produce markets around the UK; the perishable nature of watercress meant it needed a quick mode of transport! You can either depart from Alresford or Alton; both will result in a fulfilling day's adventure in a charming South Downs market town.
The closest mainline train station to the Watercress Line is Winchester, which you can reach with CrossCountry. From Winchester, there will be taxi and bus services available to take you to your destination.
Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire
Didcot Railway Centre is a living museum dedicated to Great Western Railway history, featuring restored locomotives, heritage trains, and interactive exhibits. On a day out here, you can explore the 1932 Engine Shed, with all its preserved locomotives, ride the steam trains along the centre’s demonstration lines, and enjoy some refreshments at the café.
The closest mainline railway station to Didcot Railway Centre is Didcot Parkway. If you’re travelling from Birmingham, catch a CrossCountry train to Oxford, and there will be connecting services with an alternative provider from there. Similarly, from York, you can travel to Oxford and make the same change.
If you’re planning a steam train journey, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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