Steam railways are a massive part of British history and culture.
The love of steam locomotion goes way beyond Thomas the Tank Engine, with many Brits of a certain age wishing they could ride on the footplate of Coronation Scot or Mallard.
UK heritage steam railways that preserve the nation’s steam trains contribute more than £400 million to the UK economy serving hundreds of thousands of visitors who want to explore the UK countryside by rail each year.
Here are 10 of the best steam railways in the UK for a whistlestop tour.
10 Best Steam Railways in the UK
For the British, the steam trains will never go out of style.
Here are 10 outstanding UK heritage railways where you can learn and experience the history of steam locomotion:
10. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway is Wales’ most famous heritage steam railway which takes you through the outstanding scenery of Snowdonia and the stunning northern Welsh coastline.
Steam along the UK’s longest heritage railway with over 25 miles of track in a luxury Pullman Carriage or travel along the 200-year-old narrow-gauge railway between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
9. Strathspey Railway
The Strathspey Railway is a Scottish steam railway that takes you deep into the Scottish Highlands.
This ten-mile railway runs between Aviemore to Broomhill, taking in the best of the Boat of Garten and River Spey. They are the railway of choice for getting to and from the Scottish Highlands.
8. Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company
Dartmouth Steam Railway is my favorite and one of the best ways to explore South Devon.
It runs from Paignton to Kingwear on the River Dart and even has steamboats that tour this magnificent estuary region.
7. South Devon Railway
South Devon Railway is the sister railway to Dartmouth Steam Railway as they were both saved from the infamous Beeching Cuts that devastated rail services in Devon in the 1960s.
South Devon Railway operates a 7-mile railway between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Journey through the Dart River Valley and stop off for amazing Devon attractions like the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, or Buckfast Butterflies.
6. Bluebell Railway
The Bluebell Railway is Sussex’s best-known heritage railway with an 11-mile journey between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.
It is great for exploring Sussex because you can hop on and off at beautiful Sussex towns like Kingscote and Horsted Keynes.
5. Bowes Railway
This Tyne and Wear steam railway boasts a rough and ready heritage having previously been a colliery railway.
The railway has a varied collection of locomotives and rolling stock, with a dedicated team that preserves, restores and builds replica steam engines like Stephenson’s rocket.
4. Isle of Wight Steam Railway
There are so many great reasons to visit the Isle of Wight but this heritage steam railway, running between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton is one of the best.
Having a shared station at Smallbrook Junction with the Isle of Wight’s Island Line makes it easy to switch to steam!
3. Cambrian Heritage Railways
If you’re near the historic market town of Oswestry you must take the time to enjoy a journey on their impressive collection of steam, diesel, and Diesel Multiple Units.
The railway operates between Oswestry and Weston Wharf, which has a period station, waiting room, toilets, cafe, picnic area, and an impressive display of railway artifacts.
2. Southwold Railway
This delightful narrow gauge railway runs between the Suffolk seaside resort of Southwold and Halesworth on the Great Eastern mainline.
This heritage railway is currently undergoing extensive restoration with the aim of it resuming regular services with its own trains. You can visit the Steamworks and travel on the miniature railway.
1. Avon Valley Railway
This famous steam railway has operated for over 150 years. It is just a small portion of the original Midland Railway connecting Birmingham and the South Coast.
Volunteers have done an amazing job of preserving this three-mile railway and its illustrious steam locomotives.
Best Steam Railways in the UK FAQs
What is the best steam train experience in the UK?
For me, Dartmouth Steam Railway is the UK’s best steam experience. It takes in seven miles of pristine Devon countryside between the charming seaside town of Paignton in Torbay and the historic estuary town of Dartmouth. In the summer, you can get to Dartmouth from any mainline station with a special ticket that includes a trip on the steam train and even includes a riverboat cruise.
Where is the longest steam railway in the UK?
The UK’s longest steam railway is The Welsh Highland Railway which runs between Porthmadog and Caernarfon. The runner-up is Somerset Railway which has a 20-mile stretch through the West Country.
Are there any steam trains in the UK?
Yes. The UK has preserved its steam heritage with over 150 heritage railways and more than 400 steam locomotives in service today. Steam trains cover more than 460 stations and 560 miles of track.
Which steam train reached 100mph first?
The Flying Scotsman was the first steam train to achieve a 100 mph speed. It broke the speed record on 30 November 1934 while running between Leeds and London. The Flying Scotsman continues to run to the present day.
What is the oldest running steam train in the UK?
The UK’s oldest running steam train is Furness Railway No.20, based at the Locomotion Museum in Shildon, County Durham, England. It is a 0-4-0 tender locomotive that was built in 1863 for the Furness Railway and purchased for overhaul in the 1990s.
What is the fastest steam train ever?
The world’s fastest steam train is LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard, which achieved speeds of up to 203 km/h (126 mph) in speed tests in the 1930s when the train was just 4 months old. It was built in 1938 in Doncaster by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and achieved its record speed while being operated by Joseph Duddington and fireman Thomas Bray.
Where will the Flying Scotsman be in 2024?
After its centenary year and over 2 million miles in 2023, the Flying Scotsman will continue to tour the UK on journeys that include:
– Bristol to Plymouth
– London to Great Yarmouth
– York to Carlisle
– London to Edinburgh
Can you learn how to drive a steam train?
Yes. This is an amazing, premium experience offered by most of the major steam railways in the UK. It is an expensive one or multi-day experience that gives you the opportunity to go on the footplate and learn how to operate a steam train. Expect to spend upwards of £360 to drive a steam train.
Rounding Up
Steam trains were made for the idyllic British countryside. I enjoy exploring the UK and learning about its amazing steam heritage by visiting these important steam railways. They’re all over the country, so make a classic railway journey a part of your UK holiday.
