Swindon & Cricklade Railway

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 (Tadpole Lane, SN25 2DA) is the main visitor centre, with car parking, the Whistle Stop Cafe (from 10:30am on running days), picnic area, shop, and museum. Phone 01793 771615 – unstaffed outside weekend running days.

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.

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.