Ribble Steam Railway & Museum at Preston

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is an exciting and educational day out for the whole family. Located in Preston, Lancashire.

The railway is situated on a beach line that runs from Preston Station, across Strand Road to what was once the old Preston Docks. Visitors can explore the site and learn more about the industrial heritage of the area, as well as experience a real steam train ride.

The museum also hosts a variety of events, including special themed days, and educational activities. With something for everyone, the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is the perfect destination for a day out, with history, fun and excitement all rolled into one. You can check out the opening times by visiting their website: https://ribblesteam.org.uk

The History of the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

In the early 1970s, when the Ribble Steam Railway was established, local enthusiasts got together to preserve the industrial heritage of the area.

In 1976, a museum was opened to the public, and ever since it has become a popular tourist attraction in the area. A variety of locomotives and rolling stock are housed at the museum, many of which are over a century old.

Visitors can explore the site and learn more about the history of the region, in addition to seeing the locomotives in their original condition. There are also a variety of interactive displays and activities, designed to help people understand and appreciate the history of the Preston Dockland area, as well as a range of educational activities and displays.

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The Locomotives and Rolling Stock at the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum houses a wide range of vintage locomotives. Some of the older generation machines are included in the collection.

Steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, in addition to some unique experimental designs, are available. The rolling stock consists of a variety of coaches, wagons, and goods vans, as well as some specialist trucks like steam cranes and snowploughs.

All of the machines have been restored to their original condition, preserving their historic look. It is a great place when we want to take some decent pictures.

Visitors can see the machines in person as well as learn more about the area's history and how the railway network developed.

Special Themed Days at the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum also hosts around four special themed days throughout the year. It is usually 2 diesel events and 2 steam events. The event start in the Spring and are spread out with the last one in the autumn.

Tips for Visiting the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is the perfect destination for a day out, with history, fun and excitement all rolled into one. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to the museum:

Make sure to bring your camera to capture your memories of the museum.
Wear comfortable shoes, as some of the museum’s pathways can be uneven.
Check the museum's website for opening times and special events.
Bring a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy while you explore the museum.
Take advantage of the free educational resources available at the museum.
Allow plenty of time to explore the museum, as there is a lot to see and do.

How to Support the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is a registered charity and is run entirely by volunteers. If you would like to support the museum, there are a number of ways you can do so.

You can make a donation to the museum, which helps to fund the upkeep of the museum and its collection. You can also become a member of the museum, which gives you access to special members-only events, discounts and other benefits.

You can also volunteer at the museum, helping to maintain the museum and its collection. You can also help to spread the word about the museum, and encourage others to visit and support the museum.

Interesting Facts about the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is an interesting and educational day out, with a lot to explore and discover. Here are some interesting facts about the museum:

The museum houses a range of locomotives and rolling stock, many of which are over a century old.
The museum houses an extensive collection of railway books, which can be viewed by visitors.
The museum hosts a range of events throughout the year, including special themed days and educational activities.
The museum offers a range of activities for children, such as model making workshops and interactive displays.
The museum is a registered charity and is run entirely by volunteers.

How to get to the Ribble Steam Railway

Road Directions

To travel from the M6 to Riversway, you must use Junction 29 (if you are travelling Northbound) or Junction 31 (if you are travelling Southbound).

Make a turn towards the town centre after you have seen the signs for 'Riversway Docklands', then follow the brown signs for 'Steam Railway' to arrive at Riversway headquarters.

If you're using a Satnav, the postcode is PR2 2PD. The postcode is relatively new, so some older devices will only take you to the beginning of the road.

Just drive to the end of the road. The railway has lots free parking for visitors to the Ribble Steam Railway.

By Bus

Local Buses that stop nearby (within walking distance)

Preston to Fleetwood No. 74 stops near to McDonald's Riversway and runs an hourly service.

Preston City Centre No.100 stops nearby to McDonald's on Riversway.

Preston City Centre No. 75 stops close to Macro on an hourly service

How to contact Ribble Steam Railway

Call : Tel: 01772 728 800

website: https://ribblesteam.org.uk

Visit and Ride Prices

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff

Adult ticket (16 +)£9.50 per ticket

Children£6.50 per ticket

Children under 3 yearsFree

Concessions£7.50 per ticket

Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children)£28.00 per ticket

HTA members£2.50 per ticket

Museum access£9.50 per ticket

Opening times

1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 - Sat 10:30 - 16:00*
*On special Gala weekends times will vary - see website for details

Facilities at Ribble Steam Railway

Parking for disabled visitors
Cafe/restaurant on site
Toilets for disabled visitors
Facilities for visitors with dogs
Baby Bottle and Food Warming Facilities Available
Model Railway Layout

Locomotives on site:

Diesel Locomotives

Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0 DM D629 ‘Sparky’
Yorkshire 2677 / 1960 D2870
Thomas Hill 160V/1966 ‘Stanlow No. 4’
Sentinel 10283/1968 ‘Progress’
Sentinel 10282/1968 ‘Enterprise’
Sentinel 10226/1965 ‘Energy’ ex MSC DH23
North British 27653/1957 BICC
Hudswell Clarke D628/1943 ‘Mighty Atom’
Howard 965/1930 ‘Hotto’
Greenwood Batley 2000/1945 ‘Greenbat’
Fowler 4160001/1952 ‘Persil’
Fowler 0-4-0DM 21999/1937 “Fluff”
English Electric VF2160/D350/1956 ‘663’
English Electric EE788/1930
Diesel Railbus – 79960/1958
BR Class 14 D9539/1965
BR Class 05 D2595/1959
BR Class 03 D2148/1960
BR Class 03 03189/1960

Steam Locomotives

Peckett 1636/1924 ‘Fonmon’
Peckett 1925/1937 ‘Caliban’
Andrew Barclay 2343/1953 ‘British Gypsum No4’
Andrew Barclay 1833/1924 ‘Niddrie’
GWR 4-6-0 4979 Wootton Hall
Peckett 2003/1941 ‘John Blenkinsop’
L&Y Pug 1097/1910 ‘No. 19′ (L&Y Trust)
GWR 0-6-2T 5643
Furness Railway No.20
Sentinel 9373/1947 ‘St Monans’
Sentinel 8024/1929 ‘Gasbag’
RSH 7485/1948 ‘Agecroft No.2’
Peckett 737/1899 ‘Daphne’
Peckett 1999/1941 ‘North Western Gas Board’
Peckett 1935/1937 ‘Hornet’
LNWR Ramsbottom 1439/1865 (NRM)
Hunslet 3855/1955 ‘Glasshoughton No.4’
Hunslet 3793/1953 ‘Shropshire’
Hunslet 3696/1950 ‘Respite’
Hunslet 3155/1944 ‘Walkden’
Hunslet 1954/1939 ‘Kinsley’
Hawthorn Leslie 3931/1938 ‘Linda’
Grant Ritchie 272/1894
Borrows 53/1909 ‘Windle’
Borrows 48/1906 ‘The King’
Bagnall 2680/1942 ‘Courageous’
Avonside 1883/1922
Avonside 1810/1918 ‘M.D.H.B. No. 26’
Avonside 1568/1909 ‘Lucy’
Andrew Barclay 1969/1929 ‘JN Derbyshire’
Andrew Barclay 1950/1928 ‘Heysham No.2’
Andrew Barclay 1865/1926 ‘Alexander’
Andrew Barclay 1598/1918 ‘Efficient’
Andrew Barclay 1147/1908 ‘John Howe’

Conclusion

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is the perfect destination for a day out, with something for everyone. Visitors can explore the site and learn more about the industrial heritage of the area, as well as experiencing a real steam train ride.

The museum nestled by the River Ribble, also hosts a variety of events, including special themed days, and educational activities. With history, fun and excitement, the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is the ideal destination for a day out with the family.