Swindon & Cricklade Railway

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway is Wiltshire's only standard gauge heritage railway. Run entirely by volunteers, it offers steam and diesel train trips along a restored section of the former Midland and South Western Junction Railway. A popular family day out with a café, shop, and museum at Blunsdon station.

Heritage steam train on the tracks
Heritage steam and diesel trains at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Credit: Unsplash

Key Information

Website
swindon-cricklade-railway.org
Main station
Blunsdon – car parking, Whistle Stop Cafe, shop, picnic area
Journey
Round trip ~4.5 miles: Blunsdon ↔ Hayes Knoll (extension to Taw Valley Halt)

Steam and diesel trips

The railway runs scheduled steam and diesel services on open days. Round-trip journeys take you from Blunsdon to Hayes Knoll and back, with an extension south to Taw Valley Halt. Services typically run from around 10:30am, with the last train departing Blunsdon at about 15:30. Check the calendar and timetables for running days.

Locomotives

Motive power is provided by steam or diesel locomotives as available. The fleet includes ex-BR Classes 03, 08, and Class 73 electro-diesel E6003 'Sir Herbert Walker', plus industrial diesels. Steam engines in service have included Andrew Barclay, Hudswell Clarke, and GWR 5600 Class locomotives. The railway also hosts guest locomotives and runs special events such as Diesel Gala and Day Out with Thomas.

Blunsdon station

Blunsdon is the main visitor centre. It has car parking, the Whistle Stop Cafe (open from 10:30am on running days), a picnic area, and a shop selling railwayana and souvenirs. There is also a museum displaying railway and local history.

Hayes Knoll

Hayes Knoll gives visitors the chance to see restoration projects in progress in the engine shed. The railway is entirely built, run, and managed by volunteers – one of the first heritage railways to undertake complete reconstruction of a standard-gauge line with no legacy of track or buildings.

Special events

The S&CR runs events throughout the year including Day Out with Thomas (booking essential), Military Weekend, Diesel Galas, and Father's Day specials. The railway closes for annual maintenance – typically until mid-March – so check dates we are open before visiting.

Fares and booking

See fares on the website. Some events (e.g. Day Out with Thomas) require advance booking. For more heritage and family days out, see our guides to the STEAM Museum and family days out in Swindon.

Information correct as of February 2026. The railway has seasonal closures and event-specific timetables. Always check swindon-cricklade-railway.org for current opening times and running days before visiting.