Dean Forest Steam Railway

Dean Forest Railway - ‘The Friendly Forest Line’

The beautiful and historic Royal Forest of Dean offers many attractions to visitors.

The Dean Forest Railway – run almost entirely by volunteers- is based at near Lydney in Gloucestershire. It offers visitors the chance to soak up the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch railway operated by steam trains – and the occasional heritage diesel or diesel railcar.

There is a large free car park at Norchard Station on the B4234 together with a gift shop, museum and café. The round trip from Norchard Station to Lydney Junction and Parkend is over 8 miles long and takes around an hour and a half. If you prefer, you can break your journey, explore the area and catch a later train back. Lydney Junction is a few minutes walk from Lydney main line station and about a mile from the recently restored Lydney Harbour on the Severn. Lydney has shops and a children’s park with lake, whilst at Parkend there are real ale pubs, cycle-ways and walks. So there is plenty to see and do while you are at the Railway.

The Railway also runs events suitable for all the family such as the ever popular Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine, Halloween Ghost Trains, a Jazz evening and Santa Specials. To dine out with a difference there is the luxury ‘Royal Forester’ dining train service on certain Sundays and Supper Trains run on some summer evenings.

It was in 1971 that the society running the line started steam locomotive services between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean.

Based at Norchard on the B4234 road .

The society hold many events which include - A Thomas the Tank day, Drive a ‘Loco’ day.

With a round trip of over 8 miles there is plenty to interest visitors travelling in the beautiful area of the Royal Forest of Dean.

Opening days vary so check these out before you travel. For further information of events and bookings there is a recorded telephone information service on 01594 843423 or the General line telephone 01594 845840. See website.

Dean Forest Railway, Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ET