📍 lydney
Dean Forest Railway
Heritage steam railway in the Forest of Dean running along the Lydney valley with a museum.
✦ We visited
The kids loved watching the engine take on water and the museum at Norchard filled the gap between trains. Get the day rover and ride the whole valley line.
The Dean Forest Railway runs heritage steam and diesel trains through the Forest of Dean, along a restored line between Lydney Junction and Parkend in the Lydney valley. A day rover ticket lets families ride the full route and hop on and off at the stations, taking in woodland and riverside scenery from the carriages. The journey is the main event and the steam locomotives are a thrill for children.
Norchard is the main station, with a railway museum, engine sheds, a cafe and picnic areas, plus engines to look at up close. Special events run through the year, including a Santa special at Christmas, Thomas-themed days and gala weekends. It is a friendly, volunteer-run line with a relaxed feel, which suits families with young children well.
It suits all ages, with the ride enjoyable for everyone and train-mad youngsters in their element. It does not run every day, so check the timetable, and allow time to look round the museum and sheds at Norchard.
Good for: trains, history, outdoors. Ages: 0–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–11, 12+.
Good to know
Where does the Dean Forest Railway run?
It runs heritage steam and diesel trains through the Forest of Dean between Lydney Junction and Parkend.
Does the Dean Forest Railway run every day?
No, it runs on selected days in season and during school holidays, so check the timetable first.
Is there a museum at the Dean Forest Railway?
Yes, there is a railway museum and engine sheds at Norchard station to explore between trains.