Below is the latest news for 2026. The most recent additions are shown in RED. Last amendment: 2 August 2026
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
The railway opened its new extension, north to Farfield Lane on Saturday 18th July 2026. The new section runs from South Meadow Lane (37m 63ch) to Farfield Lane (38m 00ch). However, the section from Hayes Knoll (37m 21ch) to South Meadow Lane had not been in use for passenger trains for a number of years. At the south end of the line - the platform alongside the run-round loop at Swindon Mouldon Hill is currently out of use due to structural problems and a short platform has been built on the headshunt.
2 August 2026. Source: Site visit
Lavendon Narrow Gauge Railway
This private 7¼" gauge railway has sadly closed. The final open day was on Sunday 5th October 2025 and all the track was lifted during the week commencing Monday 6th July by Southern Miniature Railways Limited. The lifted track left the railway on Monday 13th July.
2 August 2026. Source: Report received
East Links Family Park Railway
The Park has reported that it will close on 31st August 2026 on the expiry of the site lease after 25 years. Therefore, the 2ft gauge railway will run for the last time on Monday 31st August 2026.
2 August 2026. Source: Park web site
Hopetown Heritage Railway
As part of a number of attractions, collectively known as Hopetown, train rides are available on selected dates. These commenced running on Tuesday 26th May 2026 from a temporary platform by the 1861 Shed. A more permanent platform will be constructed in due course. From the platform trains run north to Elmtree Street bridge and south towards the A1 Steam Trust Locomotive Works - a distance of 35ch.
25 June 2026. Source: BLN1495
Beer Heights Light Railway
Despite the announcement from Peco that this 7¼" gauge would not be open to the public during the 2026 there are three special weekends of operation on 23th/24th May, 18th/19th July & 15th/16th August. See www.pecorama.co.uk for more details.
5 May 2026. Source: Peco web site
Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway
A major milestone was marked on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026 when for the first time since 1929 it was possible to ride on part of the former 3ft gauge Southwold Railway. The Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Society have been working at Blythburgh at the site of the former station and have recreated a lovely well-presented little railway, albeit currently only 75 yards in length. Motive power is 4wBE (GB/1936) with one 4w covered coach. The foundations of the original station building have been uncovered and nicely presented. The former Coal Shed has been fully refurbished and acts as a loco shed. Future open days are: 17th May, 26th July & 13th September. 10.30 to 15.45 although trains may not start running until 11.00. Unfortunately, the Halesworth - Southwold No.99A bus, which passes Blythburgh, does not run on Sundays.
5 May 2026. Source: Site visit
Statfold Barn Tramway
The 3ft gauge tramway at Statfold Barn has not operated since August 2024. However, a new tramway is now being constructed close to the Mease Valley Light Railway, starting close to Oak Tree Halt where a new tram shed has been constructed.
18 March 2026. Source: Site visit
Beer Heights Light Railway
It was announced in November 2025 that Pecorama including the Beer Heights Light Railway will not reopen for the 2026 season. The 7¼" gauge railway last ran on Saturday 1st November 2025.
5 January 2026. Source: Peco web site
Anchor Express
This new 7¼" gauge railway opened on Friday 2nd May 2025. It is formed of a circuit of 200 yards in grounds at the rear of The Anchor Pub & Cafe on Main Street in Gunthorpe, Nottinghamshire. Motive power is a battery electric coach with a dummy leading locomotive.
5 January 2026. Source: Report Received
