7 min readEnjoy a day out a local heritage steam railway, or take the family along to a miniature railway!
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Bristol has its place at the centre of UK railway heritage, with Isambard Kingdom Brunel engineering the Great Western Railway between London and Bristol, which opened in 1838. There are numerous other steam railways and heritage lines in and around the city, as well as some fun attractions and days out for train lovers.
Bristol has several fun train rides for you to enjoy, from harbourside routes to journeys through the countryside and along the coast. Get on board with our suggestions below!
Avon Valley Railway
Enjoy a fun day out on this heritage railway between Bristol and Bath, a three mile stretch of track dating from the mid 1800s, closed in the 1960s and lovingly restored in the 1970s. There are numerous events hosted on the steam trains and at the Victorian station in Bitton throughout the year, from Murder Mystery dinners, afternoon teas, and fish and chip nights to beer festivals and family events.
Look out for special trips with Santa at Christmas, and even special appearances from Thomas the Tank Engine! Train enthusiasts can also book a Footplate Ride, where you can join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.
Image - Avon Valley Railway
Bristol Harbour Railway
Take a steam train ride on the Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed to Brunel's SS Great Britain at selected weekends throughout the year and enjoy harbourside views with some cheerful toots from the steam locomotives as you go! You can buy tickets on the day from the ticket office by the M Shed platform. When the two Bristol-built steam locomotives, Henbury and Portbury, aren't making harbour trips, you can see them in the West End Foyer of M Shed or in the sidings next to Wapping Wharf.
Bristol Harbour Railway was built by the Great Western Railway in the 1870s and was closed after running for more than a century. It was then handed over to the museum and has run as a heritage railway ever since - see if you can spot other segments of the Harbour Railway on your travels, with some sections remaining in Bathurst Basin next to The Ostrich pub, and behind St Mary Redcliffe Church.
Image - Bristol Harbour Railway
Temple Meads Station
This iconic building has been at the centre of Bristol's railway heritage since 1840. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the station takes its name from the land it was built on, which was owned by the Knights Templar in the 12th and 13th centuries. The striking main building is Grade I listed, and is built in a gothic style. Inside you'll find a trove of features including its huge curved roof, carved staircases, old signage and benches.
The station is a popular spot for trainspotters, with hundreds of services passing through each week, including special steam and luxury services such the English Riviera Express. You can also catch sleeper services from Bristol Temple Meads to Cornwall, Edinburgh Waverley or London Paddington.
Image - Temple Meads Station
Bristol and Bath Railway Path
This 13 mile cycle route is one of the best-loved in Bristol, meandering through suburbs and countryside. As a former railway line between Bristol and Bath, the path is also dotted by old station buildings and platforms in Mangotsfield and a Victorian signal box and platforms in Warmley. Half way along the route in Bitton you'll come to the train station for Avon Valley Railway, where you can watch the trains and enjoy some refreshments.
Image - Bristol and Bath Railway Path in Mangotsfield
Severn Beach Line
Take the train from Temple Meads out to Severn Beach on this historic railway line, where you can enjoy unrivalled views of the city's suburbs and along the River Avon out to the coast on the Severn Estuary. Stop off along the route to visit popular areas such as St Marks Road in Easton (Stapleton Road station), Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft (Montpelier station), Chandos Road in Redland (Redland station) or Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road (Clifton Down Station). You can also enjoy scenic walks along Severn Beach at the end of the line, with views of South Wales and the two impressive Severn bridges.
Image - Severn Bridge
Clifton Rocks Railway
This cliffside railway in the Avon Gorge first open on 11 March 1893, with nearly half a million customers in the first 12 months! The top station is located on Sion Hill, next to the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin, and the entrance and signage are still visible. The bottom station is still visible at on Hotwell Road.
Clifton Rocks Railway operated for 40 years before closing in 1934. The tunnel was then used by both the Civil Defence Committee and BBC during the Second World War. There are plans for the railway to be turned into a museum for visitors, and tours are occasionally available on selected dates.
Image - Clifton Rocks Railway
Ashton Court Miniature Railway
Open on selected Sundays and school holidays throughout the year, this volunteer-run miniature railway in Ashton Court Estate is very popular with local families. Look out for their Santa Special in December!
Image - Ashton Court Miniature Railway
Strawberry Line Miniature Railway at Avon Valley Adventure Park
Both little ones and adults can take a ride on these scale steam and diesel locomotives around a 400m loop or track, with two routes available. The railway is included in the price of your ticket at Avon Valley Adventure Park, where children can also get up close with animals, drive Mini Jeeps, visit Dinosaur Valley or run around in the adventure playground. Visit at Christmas to ride the special Elf Express.
Image - Avon Valley Adventure Park
Longleat Railway
This miniature railway is actually older than its home Longleat Safari Park! Enjoy the views of woods and the lake from the train, and see if you can spot a sealion. Tickets for the railway are included in the price of your ticket to Longleat, along with the drive-through safari, boat safari, hedge maze and Adventure Castle.
Image - Longleat Railway
Ghost train at The Grand Pier
If you're after a spookier experience, head to The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare for the Ghost Train located in their House of Horrors - who knows what ghouls you'll meet on your way round?
Image - The Grand Pier
Further Afield
East Somerset Railway
This heritage railway runs for one mile between Cranmore and Mendip Vale in Somerset. Various driving and dining experiences are available throughout the year, as well as family events and historic talks.
West Somerset Railway
Take a trip along this 20 mile stretch of the old Great Western Railway through beautiful Somerset countryside and along the coast. The railway runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, with stops in the scenic villages of Dunster, Watchet and more.
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
Weave through the Forest of Dean on this narrow gauge railway, with journeys taking 30 minutes. There are a number of steam and diesel engines operating on the railway, with the option to adopt your favourite! Families can also explore the Treetop Adventure, Twilight Village and Warren Adventure tunnels. Perrygrove is open every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday year-round, and daily in local school holidays, as well as bank holidays.
Dean Forest Railway
This heritage steam railway runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines and is just over four miles long, running from Lydney in Gloucestershire to Parkend. Services are available on Wednesdays and weekends from mid March to the start of November, plus their Santa Specials in December. You can also book Fish & Chip Suppers, Dining Trains, Murder Mysteries and Gin Trains.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
Step aboard steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway on this 28-mile round trip, enjoying scenic views of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills. Shorter trips and platform tickets are also available, and the railway runs special events and experiences throughout the year.
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