1 / 3Ribble Steam Railway & Museum
📍 Ashton-on-Ribble, North West
A 1.5-mile heritage line in Preston featuring Furness Railway No.20 — the oldest standard gauge locomotive remains operating in Britain — alongside a museum with restored engines, a cafe, gift shop, and children's playground.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A brilliant day out at the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum! 🚂 The staff and volunteers are so friendly and passionate, and the train rides are great fun for all ages. The museum has lots to see, with beautifully restored engines and fascinating local history. The café and gift shop are lovely touches too. Perfect for families, railway fans, or anyone looking for something a bit different to do in Preston.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for railway enthusiasts of any age and families with children who connect with the scale and sound of real steam engines. The 30-minute ride suits children aged 5 and over; younger toddlers may find the static museum sections less engaging. Workshop tours are recommended by frequent visitors as a highlight beyond the train ride itself.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →927 Google reviews
Michael Bailey Estate Agent Powered By Keller Williams
5 months ago
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A brilliant day out at the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum! 🚂 The staff and volunteers are so friendly and passionate, and the train rides are great fun for all ages. The museum has lots to see, with beautifully restored engines and fascinating local history. The café and gift shop are lovely touches too. Perfect for families, railway fans, or anyone looking for something a bit different to do in Preston.”
Ethan Peake
7 months ago
“An absolute little gem of a railway, that is home to a collection of wonderful and historic locomotives and rolling stock, including Furness Railway No. 20 - the oldest standard gauge locomotive still operating in Britain. The line is about 1.5 miles long, so a 3 mile round trip, and takes about 30 minutes. There's also a cafe and gift shop, as well as the wonderful museum on site. Thoroughly recommend.”
Mark Stephan
6 months ago
“Really enjoyable afternoon, excellent museum with a good array of Locomotives and wagons. A nice cafe and friendly, helpful volunteers. We were on the fish and chips excursion ( bought as a birthday gift ) hauled by a steam Locomotive. Would certainly visit again.”
Brian Witcombe
6 months ago
“Very friendly and helpful staff, and quite a nice ride of about 25 minutes "out and back". Although standard gauge, usually only tank engines are run. A guided tour of the workshop is available and well worthwhile.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Ribble Steam Railway runs a 30-minute round trip on a 1.5-mile track through the historic docks, hauled by locomotives including Furness Railway No.20 from 1863. The on-site museum displays beautifully restored engines and rolling stock. Volunteer guides offer workshop tours and share deep knowledge of each locomotive's history. Special excursion days include fish and chips trips, Peppa Pig meet-and-greets, Steampunk Saturdays, and Royal Saloon dining experiences.
