Four and half miles of open track… five stations… woodland walks, country pubs, the River Severn Estuary and Lydney Harbour await… the Dean Forest Railway takes you and the family on an epic journey of adventure and exploration. All aboard… you won’t want to miss this.
Your journey begins in the vintage village of Parkend. The train enthusiast will appreciate the fully restored, two platform station, which exudes all the charm of a by-gone era of train travel.
Parkend is home to an RSPB nature reserve, worth a visit to admire the beauty of our feathered friends. Families, friends and couples can enjoy an abundance of forest walks starting from the village. There are walks to suit all abilities, including leisurely strolls and something to get the blood pumping!
You can also take to the forest on two wheels! Cycle hire is available close to Parkend train station, and after a stint of peddle power, you can indulge in some much needed refreshment, sampling some local ales at the two nearby pubs.
You can connect with your spiritual side too, exploring Parkend’s magnificent parish church, adorned with religious artefacts and historical pieces that recount the community’s worship lifestyle throughout the ages.
Whitecroft station is a fully restored platform that re-opened in 2012. The village of Whitecroft is charming and alluring, with the community built around a traditional village hall that boasts spectacular recreational grounds. It’s an idyllic spot for a family picnic and great for a saunter, taking in some breathtaking countryside views.
The Miners Arms pub is located right next to the train station, where you can enjoy some traditional tavern refreshments following your tour of the village.
The main station on the Dean Forest Railway route, Norchard is home to a mesmerising museum that’s packed with memorabilia from days gone by. There’s a charming gift shop, where you can purchase souvenirs as a reminder of your adventure on the Dean Forest Railway.
From the station, you can journey deep into the forest for a spectacular woodland river walk, or you can enjoy a gentle line side saunter, viewing vintage steam trains and locomotives as they pass by on the tracks.
Before departing to your next destination, you can relax and refresh at the Norchard station café, which serves a selection of hot and cold snacks and beverages. You can keep the kids entertained too with train-related, craft workshops!
Experience town life at the heart of the Forest of Dean! Indulge in some retail therapy, exploring a range of local shops selling crafts and local produce. Lydney Town is home to Bathurst Park, a great place for families featuring a safe play area and wide open spaces to enjoy family games.
The park has its very own lake, which is great for a family walk and fun for a spot of stone skimming. The onsite coffee house is worth a visit too, where you can enjoy a range of artisan coffees, a traditional cup of tea and ice cream!
Close by, you can enjoy a family or couples’ round of Krazy Golf, while the Taurus Craft Workshop is definitely worth a visit, with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The end of the line is just a short walk from the historic, Lydney Harbour, a cornerstone of the River Severn’s heritage. Since Roman Times, Lydney Harbour has been a gateway for sea voyages to the rest of the world.
The harbour has a superb walk around the docks, which will allow you to gaze out across the River Severn, while appreciating the vast number of vessels entering and exiting the estuary.
The Dean Forest Railway is a fun-filled, action-packed way to explore the Forest of Dean in the fullest. Watch out for epic events throughout the year, including a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine, visits from the Paw Patrol crew and your chance to drive a full-size, steam locomotive! Choo Choo.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
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