Swindon and Cricklade Steam Railway

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway re-creates the kind of railway that today's children may only have been told about by their fathers and grandfathers.

The railway presents a typical country branch line of fifty years ago - something long gone from much of today's railway map, but essential to the social and economic life of the country for upwards of a hundred years. With its locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings and ways of working, it recreates an essential aspect of daily life from the "pre-electronic" age.

Much more than a train ride!

Clearly, the four-mile round trip on a vintage train is central to any visit. But there is a great deal more to see and learn, all within the environment of a working railway.

Here, there are opportunities to "go behind the scenes" and find out what is needed to keep a heritage railway running.

Examples are the locomotive shed at Hayes Knoll, where engines are restored and maintained. Also to be seen at Hayes Knoll are historic passenger carriages being bought back to their original condition, so they can take their place in future passenger trains.

It is also possible to visit a typical signal box, and learn how trains were controlled before computer-based control systems came into general use.

Your Own Space

An unusual "classroom" is provided free for all schools visits - a specially-converted 1930s railway carriage from the Norwegian State Railways. This may also be used to consume packed lunches. Or, in fine weather, there are attractive opportunities to relax out of doors.

Management Visits are co-ordinated at the Railway by a retired Primary School teacher, working with an established team of volunteers.