Name: Swanley New Barn Railway
Rating: 5.0

Swanley New Barn Railway

New Barn Road, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7PW, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Swanley New Barn Railway is a volunteer-run miniature railway located in New Barn Park, Swanley, United Kingdom. Operated by the Swanley New Barn Railway Society, it offers a relaxed and traditional railway experience for families and visitors of all ages. The railway is maintained and run entirely by trained volunteers, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The narrow-gauge railway first opened in 1986 and now runs as a full circuit around the park with two stations — Swanley Parkway (car park) and New Barn Station. It operates on a 7¼ inch gauge track and boasts one of the largest locomotive and carriage fleets of its type, including steam and diesel engines such as Sir Goss, Western Enterprise, Mrs Darling, Kestrel, and Robert F Fairlie. Visitors can board at either station and enjoy scenic rides through the park, with children under 3, dogs, and luggage travelling free.

Ticket prices are £1.50 for a single journey between stations, £2.00 for a New Barn round trip, or £2.00 for a same-day return from Swanley Parkway to New Barn. All fares are per person, with tickets paid on exit when boarding from Swanley Parkway.

Swanley New Barn Railway offers a charming and affordable family attraction set in green park surroundings. Its volunteer-led operation, historic background, and varied locomotive fleet make each visit enjoyable and educational. With simple pricing and easy access, it is a lovely addition to a day out in Swanley’s New Barn Park.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Swanley Narrow Gauge railway openned as a private venture in 1986. This ran over half the present route, using 1 engine in a push pull system. The initial operators had massive plans, including to build a big boy steam engine.
The original track design also included a 30' turntable to be located between the signal box and the carriage shed. funds and other better ideas, like putting the turn table at the end of the station meant this turn table was never built. The big boy plan never proceeded either.
In 1987 the railway came under council control and was renamed Swanley New Barn Railway (the park was then called New Barn Park). By the end of 1987 the railway was changing control into the present operators the Swanley New Barn Railway Society after the then council were considering closing the railway due to the costs of operating the railway with paid staff.
In 1987 the railway was completed as a circuit with a 3 platform terminus one end and a Halt the other (adjacent to the main car park). The railway has improved every subsequent year to point that the early pioneers may well forget how far the railway and society have come along. With one of the largest engine and carriage fleets in 7 1/4" gauge and more on the way.