Founded by the Dean Forest Railway Society in 1970, the Dean Forest Railway runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines, which were first built as a tramroad over 200 years ago.
The current railway line is approximately 4 1/2 miles long, running from Lydney Junction Station (close to the mainline railway station and a short walk from the harbour) at the south end of the line to Parkend (a small forest village) at the north end of the line. The main station of the railway is located at Norchard, on Forest Road, in the middle of the line, where you will find a large, free car park and our shop, museum and café.
We run our steam train services on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-March to early November, plus our Santa Specials in the run up to Christmas and our Mince Pie Specials after Christmas up to New Year’s Day. We also run lots of evening specials, including our Evening Fish & Chip Suppers, Dining Trains, Murder Mysteries and Gin Trains.
We pride ourselves on offering a friendly service, and giving you a relaxing journey through the beautiful, scenic forest.
What's Running
Current operational loco fleet
-
Hunslet Shunter 'Salty' -
08 Shunter 'Gladys' -
Class 14: D9555 and D9521 -
Class 108 Diesel Multiple Unit (2 car and 3 car) -
152 - 'Rennes' Austerity (Running from May 2017) -
3806 'Wilbert' Austerity (Currently out of service) -
5541 Prairie
Kids
Perfect experience for children
Children will find a trip on our railway a far different experience to that of the modern railway travel.
The sights and sounds of the steam train, the compartment carriages, and the leisurely pace will keep them happy for the day!
Whilst on the trip, why not purchase one of our fun ‘Explorer books’? These are fun-packed activity books with quizzes and themed activities and are available in the shop or the booking office.