Bluebells Steam Event Day - Sunday 4th May 2025

The first Steam Event Day of the year saw the Steam Locos in action - Helga, Victory and Zambezi with the diesels Bredgar and Milstead assisting the steam.  No V11 came out at the very end of the day for testing and didn't pull passenger carriages. The woodland was full of Bluebells and the weather held gifting a dry day that wasn't too hot! It's that one time of year we see an incredible spread of wild Bluebells through the woodland and alongside the track.

The Garrett traction engine, Ruston and Hornsby steam roller and a visiting Aveling and Porter steam roller which was once owned by Bill Best Snr (Founder of Bredgar Railway) and then by one of the volunteers here at BWLR - paraded the field, a fabulous sight. The American fire truck was out and some brave souls chose to climb the ladder for the most awesome view of the downs.

The Sittingbourne Carnival Queen and Princesses also visited as they love the Bluebells and seeing the Vintage Bean car which is their Royal transport for the Sittingbourne Carnival in August!

We had a new collection of train themed activities for the kids in the field which went down well and Bob Vine was back again in the engine shed with his fantastic ball bearing runs for the kids to get hands on - thank you Bob!

All in all it was a great first day back - thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who visited to welcome in the season!

Easter Diesel Trains and Treasure Hunt

Pay per ride diesel trains and a Brand-New treasure hunt … ‘I’m Slightly Well-Known, GET ME OUT OF HERE!’

  • A super fun alternative hunt at Easter time –

Mid-week trains, Wednesday to Friday 9th-11th and 16th -18th April

Tea room open 9am-3pm,  Trains running 11am – 1.45pm

£4 per adult,  £3 per child aged 4-16yrs,  FREE for children 0-3 yrs

  • A great value outing to keep the kids busy in the Easter holidays.

The Woodland hunt is suitable for all ages and is included in your train ticket! £3 entry for those not riding the train.  Just turn up – no booking required.

Diesels run every Wednesday throughout the month.

New Year Steam Up - January 25th 2025

Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway save, restore and operate a wide variety of industrial steam locomotives, tractors, farm equipment and industrial heritage. In 2025 we celebrate 50 years of operation and 200 years of rail travel.  This event had a limited number of tickets and we hit our maximum (car parking in winter!).

Bill Best explained the position of industrial steam locomotion in the history of the railways and the industrial revolution, gave the visitors a guided tour of our collection. The talk will included the history of our steam locomotives, as well as the 1870 steam beam engine and water pump, tractors and rolling stock. Ongoing restoration and repairs were explained including Garforth station footbridge first erected in C1900, now at Bredgar for restoration and erection on site. The talks are aimed at education and celebration of our railway heritage. Visitors were able to ride in carriages pulled by one of the steam locomotives – Eigiau and Helga were in steam,  two diesels were out as well as the traction engine and steam roller.

Becky H said on Tripadviser  “Visited today for the Steam Up. Had a lovely time being able to see the workshop and having informative talks and demonstrations. The train rides were lovely and the tea shop is a must visit. Had a great few hours spent here and would recommend for people to support this wonderful railway”.  *****    Thanks Becky, glad you enjoyed the day.

One of our younger visitors – George aged 10, has a YouTube channel and has put up several clips from this event.  Worth a look.

One clip seems to have gone viral !!!

Christmas Steam Days 2024

We had two wonderful weekend visits from Santa in 2024.  The first weekend was a bit wet and windy but the woods were safe and quite sheltered.  The bonfire kept everyone warm and the grotto was cosy.  Father Christmas had his naughty and nice list and, remarkably, all the visiting children were in the nice list, unlike a  few of the grown-up’s!  More photos here

A great time was had by all and we really appreciate the feedback and online reviews:

A massive thank you to all the team today. The event was amazing and Father christmas was lovely x so much thought in to the whole event with great food and amazing toasting marshmallows on a fire and great arts and crafts excellent value for money and a great time had by all xx .  Charlotte Power-McCleod

A great event 100% we had a great time we stayed right to the last train back .  Ivor Hodge

May 2021 Open Day

Our first Open Day of the year under Covid restrictions dictated we could not run passenger trains, so we ran demonstration goods trains instead.

It was good to see old and new faces at the railway again.

The Tearoom and outside Tearoom were busy all day.

Everyone seemed to have a good time.

Previous years Open Days

A sample of photos from previous years Open Days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1940's day 2nd June 2019

1940's day 2nd June 2019 saw a 1940's police station set up and 2 original police cars.  A car chase took place with after passengers in our 1923 Bean car shouted abuse at the police.