Bala Lake Railway Competitors

Heritage Steam Railway and Educational Charity dedicated to preserving the history of railways on the Isle of Wight.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway was the first to be authorised under the Light Railways Act of 1896. As such it is of unique heritage importance; an exemplar of the construction and operation of a light railway and rich in social history given its use in agriculture and for the annual descent of hop-pickers to gather the harvest. As an educational charity we preserve, restore and operate the railway as a community exhibition and museum for the advancement of technical, historical and general education and for the permanent preservation, display and demonstration of steam plus other railway locomotives, equipment and relics of historical interest and educational value. We are home to the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum, the national collection recording the career of the promoter and manager of this line and fifteen other light railways from Shropshire to the Welsh Highlands and across the South of England. The Railway operates thanks to over 450 volunteers who give freely of their time to allow visitors to experience a heritage line in action. Our vision is to preserve our Railway as living history, making memories that matter.

The East Lancashire Railway, sited in Lancashire, is one of the UK’s premier heritage railways and is a major driver of local tourism, focusing on history, hospitality and preservation. Originally opened in 1846 to link a newly industrialised Lancashire with the wider world, the railway represented the region’s beating heart, ferrying workers and goods throughout Britain and across the globe. Thanks to hard work and dedication of an initially small group of volunteers this legacy lives on today. Winding 12 miles through the beautiful Irwell Valley, from historic Heywood, through bustling Bury and on to rural Ramsbottom and beyond, the railway now employs over 60 people while remaining true to its roots with a standing army of over 750 volunteers who are vital to the day to day running of the line. The railway welcomes over 2000, 000 visitors a year and is constantly growing and developing. The East Lancashire Railway is always looking for new ways to introduce people to adventures in the Irwell Valley, and takes pride in its close relationships with local businesses and attractions. It has worked on several joint marketing initiatives aimed at increasing footfall across the board, as well as increasing interest in Lancashire’s fascinating heritage. For more information visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk, for the latest vacancies visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/current-vacancies.aspx Winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020!