Ride England's premier 3-foot gauge narrow gauge railway and explore restoration projects preserving a historic 1879 railway link through Suffolk's beautiful Blyth Valley.

Southwold Railway Trust is dedicated to preserving and restoring the historic narrow gauge railway that once connected the seaside resort of Southwold to Halesworth between 1879 and 1929. This remarkable 3-foot gauge railway wound gently through the beautiful valley of the River Blyth, with intermediate stations at Wenhaston, Blythburgh, and Walberswick before closing suddenly in 1929. Visitors can explore the Trust's ongoing restoration projects, including the Heritage Train project, the replica locomotive No. 3 Blyth under construction, and the Peckett "Scaldwell" locomotive currently undergoing restoration at Southwold Railway Steamworks. The venue offers public open days where families can experience the railway heritage firsthand and learn about the engineering and restoration work involved in bringing this narrow gauge steam railway back to life after a 90+ year gap. Southwold Railway Steamworks serves as the Trust's office, shop, and restoration hub at Blyth Road in Southwold, making it the first tangible sign of the railway's re-emergence. The site is ideal for heritage enthusiasts, families interested in railway history, and those passionate about preserving Victorian-era transport infrastructure. Visitors can view galleries of historical and contemporary photographs, learn about the railway's past, and support ongoing volunteer-led restoration efforts.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Kevin Davies

3 months ago

Nice site and coming on well. Access up a slightly bumpy road at the moment but great progress so far 👍👍

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Bibi Bugg

a year ago

Little steam train was fun to be on. Good café. Wonderful restaurant ion work ongoing. Good stock and interesting layout.

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Philippa Millard

3 years ago

Came for one of the summer open days. Volunteers very knowledgeable. Had a ride on the miniature railway, paid £6 for 2 adults/2children, train does 2 laps of the track. There is also a shop,cafe and a few other exhibits that have been restored by the volunteers or waiting restoration. Lovely to see it open,look forward to going again in future and seeing the progress.

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Nicholas Saunders

4 years ago

The photos were taken at Blythburgh Station. A part of the same project. Restored engine shed. Excavated booking office. Explanatory signage.

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Michael Bloomfield

7 years ago

Fantastic little attraction run by wonderfully friendly volunteers. With train rides, a cafe, a tram, engine shed and lovely little gift shop it's a MUST for anyone interested in railways.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026