Ribble Steam Railway and Museum

Lancashire is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.  A place where many incredible things happened that shaped our lives, our society and our world.

Today in the heart of Preston's historic docklands, Ribble Steam Railway volunteers keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well.  This heritage attraction connects the story of the north's industrial railways, charting their rise and fall, offering the chance for generations to come together, to relax, learn and have some fun. 

Climb aboard a steam-powered, vintage passenger train, and travel along Preston's Dock and Riverside Railway Line.  Your urban train journey takes you across the Preston's Marina impressive swing bridge.  Following the River Ribble's grassy banks, you can explore unparalleled views of Preston's city skyline.  Enjoy unlimited daily rides on your three-mile return trip.  

Once upon a time the railways, ports, canals and roads were the main communication, linking us with the rest of the world.  Today the museum enables you to explore one of the largest collections of industrial locomotives in the country.  Learn about the working history of the locomotives, industry, Preston Docks and the local area.  

Take a break from today's digital age.  Imagine a time before email, Instagram, Whatsapp, Facebook and mobile phones.  Go inside the railway's Travelling Post Offices (TPO) to a time of night mail, when letters were the main way to communicate.  Discover industrial railways and the impact they had on our lives, from railway jobs and traditions, to the roles of women in industry. 

Let your children meet the Ribble family characters.  With hoots and whistles, take a mini adventure riding the indoor railway, or become a real train driver with the hands on interactive exhibits.  Take a view from above and experience a museum like never before.  A modern, new visitor space connects old and new.  Definitely adding some industrial grand design wow factor, to inspire children of all ages. 

Perfect for meetings, groups, activities and events.  Follow the smell of freshly ground coffee and cooked bacon to the cafe.  This space is perfect for relaxing during your visit.  Whether you're looking to spend pocket money or buying a gift for a friend, the gift shop has lots of gifts and ideas to keep loved ones happy.  

Dress up and treat yourself to a bit of vintage railway glamour with Alison's Afternoon and Cream Teas, Victorian, 1920s 1940s passenger style.  Experience the annual grown up favourites at Steam and Diesel Galas, and classic cars events.  Gather your family, friends and children close together for the third Saturdays and super children's friendly engines.  

Visit the workshop to see the design, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit rich, strong and deep within our roots.  Watch volunteers rebuild, repair and maintain locos and vintage coaches.  Learn how Ribble Steam Railway is keeping Preston Docks rail traffic alive today with museum, passenger trains and industrial/commercial freight traffic.  

Mr Ribble's Family Playground and Summer Third Saturdays allow your children blow off steam.  Enjoy brilliant play pieces and picnic tables.  Take time out, eat and watch the trains go by.  Check out third Saturdays free* family fun, drop-in events in July, August, and September.  These are anything from storytelling, crafting or colouring or puppet making.  *Free with entry ticket. 

You may want to consider becoming a member of the railway or volunteer.  It's a great way for all ages to meet new friends, learn or share skills and try something new. F

Free parking in large on-site car park for all visitors, adjacent to the visitor centre.  The entire site is on one level.  The exploration centre is accessible by a ramp.  Well-behaved pets are welcome to most areas, apart from the café and playground.  Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.  Ribble Steam Railway has full disabled facilities with easy access to all areas.  The outdoor playground is accessible for wheelchairs and is a pleasant place for sensory stimulus.  Ramped access to specially adapted train coaches for wheelchair users and their carers are available.  Disabled visitors and their carers are charged at concessionary rates.  There is car parking adjacent to the entrance, including disabled parking spaces right outside the doors.