Leighton Buzzard Railway

Discover 'England's Friendly Little Line' in Bedfordshire.
Travel from Page's Park to Stonehenge Works on a one-of-a-kind trip.
See the sights from your carriage, and get up close and personal with locomotives on display.
Enjoy seeing how the train will get moving again, hear more about the history, and enjoy light refreshments at one of the delicious eateries nearby.

Leighton Buzzard Railway in Bedfordshire is one of the last 2 foot (610mm) gauge light railways built for industrial use. Today, visitors can take this historic railway on a journey from Page's Park to Stonehenge Works. This is a day that's perfect for lovers of the London Transport Museum or Ruislip Lido's miniature steam railway.

The Leighton Buzzard Light Railway was originally built after World War I to serve sand quarries. In the 1960s the quarries switched to road transport and became the Leighton Buzzard Heritage Railway it is today. The locomotive fleet is over 60, one of the largest narrow-gauge collections in the UK. The steam locomotives were built between 1877 and 1936, whereas the diesel, petrol and battery electric were created from 1917 onwards. Several of the steam locomotives are the only of their type left in the country, so it's a truly incredible steam train experience being able to see them. It has Accredited Museum designation, awarded by Arts Council England.

The railway line's original train routes have now merged into one. Currently, the journey goes three miles, from Page's Park to Stonehenge Works. The first part of the journey is from Page's Park to Leedon Loop. Page's Park is the home of the booking office, souvenir shop, and the shed which is the operating base. Platform 1 stands next to Page's Park itself, which houses a children's play area, plus sporting, exercise and picnic facilities, as well as a community garden, all of which are worth seeing since you're in the area. There are quite a few large climbs on this part of the journey. Keep an eye out for croquet players, the old RAF headquarters, and the Marley's Bank descent. You'll then go onto Stonehenge Works, named after the brickworks which used to run parallel to the railway. Spot the Chamberlain's Barn quarry, the Whipsnade lion, and the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For something truly unique, see if you can spot Britain's biggest onshore wind turbine.

Both Page's Park and Stonehenge Works are fascinating to stop off in. Stonehenge Works displays the works yard, where some of the locomotives are on display. See the footplate crew topping up the passenger train locomotive with coal and water before you head back. Enjoy as one of the Ruston-Bucyrus 10RB excavators is turned on to demonstrate filling railway wagons with sand. There's also a mini Leighton Buzzard Steam Railway for families to enjoy. There's also a craft shop with handmade items on sale and some light refreshments. There's also a public footpath for Greensand Ridge if you want to explore before you return. At Page's Park, you can enjoy the 1940's themed Buzzrail Café with a variety of hot and cold food which you can book ahead (and get 10% off your meal). The Souvenir Shop sells everything from children's toys to special guide books, as well as other souvenirs and gifts.

Looking for an incredible Leighton Buzzard Railway event for your family? Maybe you'll enjoy an incredible VIP experience. You'll get to dispatch the train, drive the locomotive, and receive a variety of tours as well as hot drinks and food. You'll even get a certificate at the end of the day. Other events run all year, like Dinosaur Day, National Grandparents' Day, and Halloween Specials. If you're getting ready for Christmas, you might enjoy Santa's Steam Specials, where you'll get to meet Santa at Page's Park. Enjoy some Mince Pie specials, days where you get to enjoy festive treats on your ride around the tracks. There's also the particularly special Santa After Dark event to keep your eyes peeled for. Christmas events are announced in Autumn every year, so put the date in your diaries!

What to know before you go

The Leighton Buzzard Railway Timetable changes every day, so always check online before you go.
It is highly recommended you book before arrival.
The full ride is 85 minutes, but you'll be able to get off at Stonehenge's Works.
The train is wheelchair accessible, with specific wheelchair coaches.
Dogs are welcome but cannot sit on the seats.
Toilets are available on the train to one family at a time.
Baby changing facilities are available at Page's Park and Stonehenge Works.
Accessible restrooms are available at Page's Park.
The Guard will look after any buggies while you are on the train.

Getting there

The Railway is within easy reach of the M1 motorway, the A5 trunk road, and London Luton Airport.
Priority parking is available for disabled guests.
For trains, the closest stations are Leighton Buzzard Station, which is a 30 minute walk or a bus journey away, and Luton Station, which is a 50 minute bus drive away.
For buses, you'll need the D1 (Mon -Sat), F70 (Mon-Sun, limited Sunday service), F77 (Mon - Sat), or the 150 (Mon - Sun, limited Sunday service).
Route 6 of the National Cycle Network passes through Leighton Buzzard and bicycles can be left safely at the station when you arrive.