Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester (22) |
Aln Valley Railway (2) |
Alton Bus Rally & Running Day (1) |
Amberley Museum (3) |
Amerton Railway (2) |
Anvil Arts, Basingstoke (1) |
Apedale Valley Light Railway (11) |
Bala Lake Railway (14) |
Barrow Hill Roundhouse (12) |
Battlefield Line (6) |
Blaenavon's Heritage Railway (7) |
Bluebell Railway (18) |
Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway (3) |
Bodmin Railway (6) |
Branch Line Society (8) |
Brecon Mountain Railway (2) |
Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway (10) |
Bridgeton Bus Garage (Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust) (5) |
Bridgeton Bus Garage and Routemaster Association Joint Event (2) |
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre (5) |
Caledonian Railway (3) |
Chasewater Railway (9) |
Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (2) |
Cholsey & Wallingford Heritage Railway (2) |
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend (1) |
Concert Hall Lighthouse, Poole (1) |
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne (1) |
Crewe Railwayana Auctions (2) |
Crich Tramway Village (4) |
Dartmouth Steam Railway (1) |
Dean Forest Railway (9) |
Didcot Railway Centre (7) |
Direct Rail Services (1) |
East Anglian Railway Museum (8) |
East Lancashire Railway (16) |
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (5) |
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (8) |
Epping Ongar Railway (8) |
Excursions by Rail (1) |
Fairbourne Railway (3) |
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (13) |
Friends of King Alfred Buses (1) |
G Live, Guildford (1) |
GBRf (2) |
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (59) |
Great Central Railway (28) |
Great Central Railway (Nottingham) (14) |
Greater Anglia (1) |
Hall for Cornwall, Truro (1) |
Hastings Diesels Limited (2) |
Hopetown, Darlington (5) |
Imberbus (1) |
InterCity (3) |
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (15) |
Keith & Dufftown Railway (4) |
Kent and East Sussex Railway (17) |
Lappa Valley Railway (2) |
Leighton Buzzard Railway (7) |
Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway (2) |
Liverpool Philarmonic Hall, Liverpool (1) |
Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway - Cynheidre Heritage Project (1) |
Llangollen Railway (10) |
London Bus Museum (4) |
London Transport Museum (6) |
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (2) |
Manx Heritage Transport Festival (6) |
Merseyside Transport Trust (2) |
Mid-Norfolk Railway (14) |
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway (7) |
Middleton Railway (8) |
Midland Pullman (27) |
Moors Valley Railway (6) |
MTVS Train a Vapeur du Beauvaisis (1) |
Nene Valley Railway (4) |
New Theatre, Peterborough (1) |
North Norfolk Railway (19) |
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (8) |
Northampton and Lamport Railway (5) |
Northampton Transport Heritage (6) |
Paddle Steamer Waverley (121) |
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Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth (1) |
Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (1) |
Railway Touring Company (38) |
Regent Theatre, Ipswich (1) |
Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton (1) |
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham (1) |
Royal Hall, Harrogate (1) |
Saphos Trains (28) |
Scottish Railway Preservation Society Railtours (6) |
Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, Lathalmond, Fife (2) |
Settle Carlisle Railway Development Trust (1) |
Severn Valley Railway (24) |
Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (15) |
Spa Valley Railway (9) |
Statesman Rail (9) |
Statfold Country Park (12) |
Swanage Railway (35) |
Swindon & Cricklade Railway (6) |
Symphony Hall, Birmingham (1) |
Talisman Railwayana Auctions (2) |
Talyllyn Railway (31) |
Tanfield Railway (7) |
Telford Steam Railway (4) |
The Dome, Doncaster (1) |
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Bluebell Railway events
There are 18 entries
- Sat 16 May 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Sun 17 May 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Sat 27 Jun 2026 Bluebell Railway (Model Railways) More...
- Model Railway Weekend
Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June 2026
'For 2026 we are pleased to announce that the event will be bigger, broader, and more exciting than ever before.'
Hi all, my name is Stepney and this year is my 150th year!
I am a small Terrier locomotive. I live and work at the Bluebell Railway. I have had all sorts of fun and adventures here at the railway and now it's my big birthday.
Some of you will know when the Rev W Awdry visited the Bluebell Railway many years ago and then wrote a story about me and the preservation work of a Heritage Railway. That was very exciting! In his book he wrote about me visiting the Island of Sodor and making lots of new friends.
Please come and visit me during our model railway weekend, meet some of my friends, some very old and some not so old. For more information sign up to our newsletter and social media channels - there are exciting things to tell you about later in the year!
We are pleased to announce that Ffarquhar Branch will be joining us at the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend this June.
This is a rare opportunity to see one of the most influential and historically important model railway layouts in Britain.
The Ffarquhar Branch is a model railway of outstanding historical importance, created by the Rev. W. Awdry, author of The Railway Series. First built in 1955, it was designed from the outset as an exhibition layout, reflecting Awdry's lifelong passion for realistic railway operation and accurate modelling.
In 1968, the layout was comprehensively rebuilt into the form we see today. This redesign allowed it to fit more easily within Awdry's new home and, famously, into the boot of his new car, ensuring it could continue travelling to exhibitions. By this point, most of The Railway Series had already been written, so the layout was not created to develop the stories themselves. However, it continued to influence Awdry's work, later inspiring characters and events that appeared in his final book, Tramway Engines.
Although the layout dates from the mid-1950s, much of the rolling stock predates it. The model of Percy, for example, was built in 1948 to show the illustrator how this new character should appear during the preparation of Troublesome Engines. Similarly, the origins of Awdry's Stepney models lie in 1963, when they were constructed to demonstrate the locomotive's complex livery in three dimensions for illustration purposes.
The layout represents the terminus at Ffarquhar and its surrounding branch line, capturing the character of a lightly-built rural railway. It showcases Awdry's belief that model railways should operate as real railways do, combining visual charm with credible, engaging operation.
Today, the Ffarquhar Branch is carefully preserved by the Talyllyn Railway, and its appearance at the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend offers a rare opportunity to see a layout with direct links to both railway and literary history.
We are very grateful to everyone at the Talyllyn Railway for their support in making this special appearance possible.
The Ffarquhar Branch will be on display alongside a wide range of other layouts, traders, and attractions, all set within the unique living heritage environment of the Bluebell Railway.
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 28 Jun 2026 Bluebell Railway (Model Railways) More...
- Model Railway Weekend
Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June 2026
'For 2026 we are pleased to announce that the event will be bigger, broader, and more exciting than ever before.'
Hi all, my name is Stepney and this year is my 150th year!
I am a small Terrier locomotive. I live and work at the Bluebell Railway. I have had all sorts of fun and adventures here at the railway and now it's my big birthday.
Some of you will know when the Rev W Awdry visited the Bluebell Railway many years ago and then wrote a story about me and the preservation work of a Heritage Railway. That was very exciting! In his book he wrote about me visiting the Island of Sodor and making lots of new friends.
Please come and visit me during our model railway weekend, meet some of my friends, some very old and some not so old. For more information sign up to our newsletter and social media channels - there are exciting things to tell you about later in the year!
We are pleased to announce that Ffarquhar Branch will be joining us at the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend this June.
This is a rare opportunity to see one of the most influential and historically important model railway layouts in Britain.
The Ffarquhar Branch is a model railway of outstanding historical importance, created by the Rev. W. Awdry, author of The Railway Series. First built in 1955, it was designed from the outset as an exhibition layout, reflecting Awdry's lifelong passion for realistic railway operation and accurate modelling.
In 1968, the layout was comprehensively rebuilt into the form we see today. This redesign allowed it to fit more easily within Awdry's new home and, famously, into the boot of his new car, ensuring it could continue travelling to exhibitions. By this point, most of The Railway Series had already been written, so the layout was not created to develop the stories themselves. However, it continued to influence Awdry's work, later inspiring characters and events that appeared in his final book, Tramway Engines.
Although the layout dates from the mid-1950s, much of the rolling stock predates it. The model of Percy, for example, was built in 1948 to show the illustrator how this new character should appear during the preparation of Troublesome Engines. Similarly, the origins of Awdry's Stepney models lie in 1963, when they were constructed to demonstrate the locomotive's complex livery in three dimensions for illustration purposes.
The layout represents the terminus at Ffarquhar and its surrounding branch line, capturing the character of a lightly-built rural railway. It showcases Awdry's belief that model railways should operate as real railways do, combining visual charm with credible, engaging operation.
Today, the Ffarquhar Branch is carefully preserved by the Talyllyn Railway, and its appearance at the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend offers a rare opportunity to see a layout with direct links to both railway and literary history.
We are very grateful to everyone at the Talyllyn Railway for their support in making this special appearance possible.
The Ffarquhar Branch will be on display alongside a wide range of other layouts, traders, and attractions, all set within the unique living heritage environment of the Bluebell Railway.
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 18 Jul 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Sun 19 Jul 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Fri 07 Aug 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Bluebell on Parade Weekend 2026
Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 08 Aug 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Bluebell on Parade Weekend 2026
Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 09 Aug 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Bluebell on Parade Weekend 2026
Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026
Bluebell Railway
- Fri 04 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast!
Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar!
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 05 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast!
Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar!
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 06 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast!
Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar!
Bluebell Railway
- Fri 18 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Bluebell Railway Beer Festival 2026
Friday 18 September to Sunday 20 September 2026
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 19 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Bluebell Railway Beer Festival 2026
Friday 18 September to Sunday 20 September 2026
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 20 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Heritage Line Event) More...
- Bluebell Railway Beer Festival 2026
Friday 18 September to Sunday 20 September 2026
Bluebell Railway
- Fri 16 Oct 2026 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Giants of Steam 2026
Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2026
71000 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited.
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 17 Oct 2026 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Giants of Steam 2026
Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2026
71000 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited.
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 18 Oct 2026 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Giants of Steam 2026
Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2026
71000 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited.
Bluebell Railway