We look forward to welcoming you to our ‘steam’ packed three day event
This event is a chance to see and ride behind special guest engines and our home-fleet locomotives.
Explore all of our heritage stations along the 10 mile line, get up close to some of our locomotives, find out more about our restoration projects and enjoy guided tours and various exhibits.
First Guest Locomotive:
We are delighted to announce that BR Standard 5 Class 73156 is our first visitor, courtesy of Great Central Railway and The Bolton Steam Locomotive Company.
She entered service in 1957 at Neasden and after just 11 years and approximately 325,000 miles of service, 73156 was with drawn and sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales.
Locomotive 73156 is one of 172 BR Standard 5MT engines bulit and one of just five preserved.
A BR Standard 5 was once a very familiar sight at the railway when 73096 was in service, so it will be great to see this much loved class of locomotive back at our railway.
Don’t miss this locomotive in action!
Second Guest Locomotive Announced:
We are pleased to share that the second visitor for our Spring Steam Gala is Furness Railway No. 20, courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust.
Built in 1863 by Sharp Stewart & Co. of Manchester, the engine then saw lengthy service at the Barrow steelworks before being saved for first static and then living preservation.
She is Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive, based in Preston at the Ribble Steam Railway.
Book your tickets now!
Third Guest Locomotive Announced:
We are pleased to share that Austerity Tank Engine 68067 is visiting for the Spring Steam Gala, 24th – 26th of April, courtesy of the Great Central Railway.
Originally built for the War Department, carrying the number WD 75091 it was later used by the National Coal Board (NCB) under the name ‘Robert’ before being sold for preservation in 1982.
After restoration at the Great Central Railway, it received its current number 68067 and a British Railways black livery.
Timetable
The timetable will be available 3 weeks before the event.
Open 9am to 5pm
Behind the Scenes Tour
Our Behind the Scenes Tour is a unique opportunity to get an insight into the craftsmanship and equipment needed to restore and maintain The Watercress Line’s steam locomotives and rolling stock. If you are interested in steam engines, you will benefit from seeing where we carry out specialist machining, locomotive assembly, boiler overhaul and carriage restoration.
Health & Safety
• Our workshops are a heavy engineering environment with uneven surfaces, steps and obstructions to be manoeuvred around. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate wheelchair visitors.
• Visitors must be able to climb steps, walk on rough surfaces and step over objects unaided.
• Robust footwear and clothing must be worn; flip-flops, sandals and open-toed shoes are not permitted.
• Pets, including assistance dogs, are not permitted in the workshops.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult. The route is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Please note, you need to buy a gala ticket to be able to go on these tours.
FREE
(This can be booked when you book your gala ticket.)
