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Dean Forest Railway
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Steam Galas, Diesel Days and Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends are some of the special days to be enjoyed at the Dean Forest Railway
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Dean Forest Railway- ‘The Friendly Forest Line’
In a narrow tree-lined valley just north of Lydney in Gloucestershire lies the Dean Forest Railway. Run almost entirely by volunteers it offers visitors the chance to soak up the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch railway operated by steam trains – and the occasional heritage diesel.
With the opening of the extension of the line to Parkend station by HRH Princess Royal in 2006, the round trip is now over 8 miles long. Parkend is a charming village in the Forest of Dean where visitors can stretch their legs with a gentle stroll or take a longer walk along forest trails - and visit real ale pubs. At the other end of the line is Lydney Junction Station which is a short walk from the main line Lydney station – and about a mile from the recently restored Lydney Docks on the River Severn. There are intermediate stations at St Mary’s and Lydney Town for shops and a children’s park and lake.
As well as its scheduled services, Dean Forest Railway also hosts a variety of special events to entertain all the family. Always popular are the 'Days Out with Thomas the Tank Engine' and 'Santa Specials', and the 'Halloween Ghost Trains' are only for the very brave! There are 'Scenic Supper Cruises' on some summer evenings, where fish n’ chips and real ale are served and - for rather grander fare in luxurious surroundings - the 'Royal Forester' dining train runs on certain Sundays. 'Diesel Dining Evenings' enable you to travel in the luxury of the dining train but with a less expensive 2 course ‘Traditional British’ supper.
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Santa's Specials and lots of other events can be enjoyed on the Dean Forest Railway
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Those interested in railway history are not forgotten as the Dean Forest Railway has a beautifully restored ex Great Western Railway ‘push pull’ train which will be used on the ‘Vintage & Heritage’ and ‘Branch Line Gala’ events this summer. For that special present, ‘Branch Line Experience’ days are held where you can drive & fire a locomotive and act as a guard and signalman – all under the expert eye of the railway’s staff.
Dean Forest Railway offers a 15% discount to groups of 15 or more with even better deals for Coach Tour Companies. Groups can book reserved accommodation on a normal service train or even hire their own luxury saloon coach (at extra cost). Visitors with disabilities are welcome – most facilities including the trains are accessible by wheelchair.
Dean Forest Railway is easily accessible from the M4, M5, M48 and M50. Situated on the B4234, there is a large free car park at Norchard Station together with a shop with an extensive range of gifts for all the family, free museum and café.
Opening days vary so check these out before you travel. More details about the Dean Forest Railway are on their website www.deanforestrailway.co.uk or phone the enquiry line on 01594 845840.
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