Suffolk Steam Trains and Railways

Suffolk Steam Trains and Railways
Suffolk lives and breathes history—and sometimes it huffs and puffs! Suffolk features many historic railways, and several lines still run with historic steam trains which are fully operational. Many operators of Steam Trains offer fantastic services, like the chance to drive a train, work in a signal house, wine and dine in a refurbished Pullman car, and enjoy miles and miles of Suffolk's finest countryside. Whether you're looking for a trip out for the family, or a special treat for the train enthusiast in your life, Suffolk Steam Trains and Railways can't be beatten!



Bressingham Steam and Gardens

A visit to Bressingham Steam and Gardens puts a smile on everyone's face!

Bressingham has been the home to the 6100 Royal Scot locomotive since 1969. 2008 sees its glorious return in full working order, 75 years after she went to the USA as the best of British engineering at ‘A Century of Progress’ exposition Chicago. 6100 covered 11,194 miles under her own steam in the five months she spent away. 6100 Royal Scot steams away at Bressingham during the summer, check the Bressingham Steam and Gardens display for details of the availability and steaming of this world famous locomotive.

You can take a trip on one of the four railways at Bressingham. The collection of working locomotives will take you round their magnificent gardens and woodland, or take a ride on the Victorian steam carousel. A trip to the locomotive sheds brings the power and the glory of mighty steam engineering up close. The National Dad’s Army collection lets you wander through Walmington-on-Sea looking at original props and vehicles from the series.

Ever wondered what it is like to drive one of our steam engines? Bressingham Steam and Gardens offers half day and full day courses, putting you in the driving seat of our trains, rollers or traction engines.

Whether you choose to explore one of Europe's leading steam collections, take a ride on Bressingham's famous Victorian 'Gallopers', journey over five miles of narrow-gauge steam railway, wander through beautiful gardens, or visit the only official "Dad's Army" exhibition in existence, you'll find something for everyone when you arrive at Bressingham!

Suffolk Steam Trains and Railways



Colne Valley Railway
Come and sample the atmosphere and take a ride on Colne Valley Railway, an award winning period country railway near Castle Hedingham in Essex (Suffolk fringe!). A really pretty line, currently one mile long, with relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. Come and visit the Garden Railway, Travelling Post Office Exhibition, large and varied collection of operational vintage steam, diesel engines and carriages and wagons that represent much of Suffolk's Railway Heritage.

Pullman Wine and Dine Services
Join us ride through history, travelling in luxurious Pullman coaches as they journey on a period country railway. A trip on Colne Valley Railway's wine and dine service is ideal for those special occasions, parties and family celebrations. Enjoy a three course luncheoan or a dinner served in opulent splendour aboard our beautifully preseved Pullman train.

Throughout the season, bookings are also available for murder mystery & magic dining services!

During the Summer you can ramble through the Farm Park and enjoy the 30 acres of peaceful, natural countryside by the River Colne. Apart from the wealth of traditional farm animals some regular sightings have included: Moorhens, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Herons and Dragonflies.

Check Colne Valley Railway for opening times and Special Events throughout the year, including A Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine



Bure Valley Railway

Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk and Suffolk's longest fifteen inch gauge line runs between the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 'Capital of the Norfolk Broads' with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.

The 18 mile round trip runs through the picturesque Bure valley countryside following the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture stopping occassionally at small country villages. The railway has its own 'Whistlestop Restaurant' at Aylsham station which sells everything from hot and cold drinks, light snacks to full meals (smaller portions also available for children).

Bure Valley offers excellent opportunities for those who enjoy walking and cycling. Walkers can join any of the Bure Valley Railway's scheduled services. There are also intermediate stations at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall for those walkers not able to walk the full nine miles between Aylsham and Wroxham. Cycles can be carried aboard scheduled Bure Valley Railway services, at a maximum single journey rate of £3.00 per cycle (subject to availability of space - please check beforehand). This means that you now have the option of walking or cycling in one direction and catching the train back.

Along with it's standard carriage fleet, there are also six specially designed coaches which can carry wheelchairs easily. Each has a special seating arrangement plus double doors on both sides and detachable ramps. The Bure Valley Railway is proud to be probably the first railway of any sort in the region to provide six carriages in which wheelchair-bound people of any age can be accommodated in comfort and security, along with their fellow passengers, friends and family.



Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Wetheringsett
Stowmarket
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, known affectionately as 'The Middy' was a classic case of a railway built late on in the great railway age that never paid its way. Indeed, it effectively went broke before it opened, but still managed to struggle on for 50 years! This fine example of quirky English history is remembered in Suffolk's only railway museum, also called the mid-Suffolk Light Railway Co., which is dedicated to keeping alive the memories of the Middy.

With all these options available, there's never been a better time to check out Suffolk Steam Trains and Railways. For more information please also see Suffolk in the Age of Steam.


There are also many other Activities in Suffolk, including fishing, walking, and birdwatching. Also, don't forget to check out What's on in Suffolk. There are also plenty of other Things to do in Suffolk and Days Out in Suffolk

Are you a fan of Suffolk steam trains? Please send all comments and reviews to us at suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.