Dean Forest Railway

In a narrow tree-lined valley just north of Lydney in Gloucestershire lies the Dean Forest Railway. Run almost entirely by volunteers 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.

With the opening of the extension of the line to Parkend station by HRH Princess Royal in 2006, the round trip is now over 8 miles long. Parkend is a charming village in the Forest of Dean where visitors can stretch their legs with a gentle stroll or take a longer walk along forest trails - and visit real ale pubs. At the other end of the line is Lydney Junction Station which is a short walk from the main line Lydney station – and about a mile from the recently restored Lydney Docks on the River Severn. There are intermediate stations at St Mary’s and Lydney Town for shops and a children’s park and lake.

As well as its scheduled services, Dean Forest Railway also hosts a variety of special events to entertain all the family. Always popular are the 'Days Out with Thomas the Tank Engine' and 'Santa Specials'. There are 'Scenic Supper Cruises' on some summer evenings, where fish n’ chips and real ale are served and - for rather grander fare in luxurious surroundings - the 'Royal Forester' dining train runs on certain Sundays. 'Diesel Dining Evenings' enable you to travel in the luxury of the dining train but with a less expensive 2 course ‘Traditional British’ supper.