Colne Valley Railway

Description

The Colne Valley Railway is a one mile long heritage railway located in North Essex, about 70 miles from London, and was formed in 1974 primarily as a home for steam locomotive number WD190. It has developed into a fully functional railway - when the site was bought there were no buildings at all.

Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied collection of operational vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our Railway Heritage is available to explore around.

Garden Railway
Visit our attraction for all ages. A few of our volunteers have developed a miniature railway in a Garden Environment. SM32 and G gauge trains run around 100 metres of track through a tunnel, stations and over bridges. Can you find Nessie?

7¼" Miniature Railway
This is a 7.25 inch gauge railway which gives passengers a ride over some 600 metres of line. The railway runs alongside part of the standard gauge line of the Colne Valley Railway and is open 12.00 until 16.00 most days when the main railway site is open (weather permitting), but opening is also subject to volunteer staffing constraints. The open carriages can seat both children and adults, a coach to cater for those of limited mobility is also available.

At the further end of the line from the boarding station, is a halt and turntable. Passengers are welcome to alight here and watch the locomotive being turned before reboarding and returning to our departure station. Each journey takes approximatley 8-10 minutes depending on the locomotive in use.

Model Railway
Two 00 gauge model layouts. Operated by Halstead Model Railway Club. Open only on special days. Call railways for dates.

Exhibition Centre
Open most operational Sundays and at special events. See how our railway has developed over the years, and the previous Colne Valley & Halstead Railway's early history.

Farm Park
Ramble through the Farm Park and enjoy the peaceful, natural setting by the River Colne. Apart from the wealth of traditional farm animals some regular sightings have included: Moorhens, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Herons and Dragonflies.

Along the riverbank many natural riverside mammals and reptiles have made their home. The water meadows attract many examples of traditional flora and fauna to observe. A peaceful haven and a complementary contrast to the adjacent industrial Railway.

Signalbox
This working Signalbox is open for visitors on all operational days.

'Sidings' Buffet Car
The 'Sidings' Buffet carriage is open every day the trains are running. A typical menu includes all day breakfasts, light lunches, cream teas, freshly made sandwiches, home made cakes and refreshments. Parties are catered for with menus to suit the occasion.

Station Shop
Open all operational days and at special events, stocking a wide selection of Thomas toys and Railway souvenirs.

Driver Experience Courses
Would you like to drive a real Steam Train? Make that dream come true at the Colne Valley Railway...
Actual "hands on" driving of a Steam Train. These Driving Experience Courses make an ideal Christmas, Birthday or Anniversary present, with attractive personalised Gift Vouchers which can include your own special message.

The Colne Valley Railway Pullman Train
Colne Valley Railway offers unique facilities for all occasions. Enjoy the atmosphere of past splendour. Travel in style in our finely restored Pullman coaches that once ran on the famous Golden Arrow, Bournemouth Belle and Flying Scotsman routes.