Ribble Steam Railway

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 and Museum’s volunteers keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well. Our 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.

Steam Train Rides
Climb aboard our 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.

Museum
Once upon a time the railways, ports, canals and roads were our main communication linking us with the rest of the world. Today our museum enables you to explore one of the largest collections of industrial locomotives in the country. Learn about the working history of our 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 our 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 our indoor railway, or become a real train driver with our ‘hands on’ interactive exhibits.

Exploration Centre
Take ‘A view from above’ and experience our museum like never before! Our 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.

Ribble Tearoom and Shop
Ready to relax? Follow the smell of freshly ground coffee and cooked bacon and sausage to our cafe. This space is perfect for relaxing during your visit. Visit our gift shop. Whether you’re looking to spend pocket money or buying a gift for a friend, our shop has lots of gifts and ideas to keep our loved ones happy.

Special Events
Dress up and treat yourself to a bit of vintage railway glamour with Alison’s Afternoon and Cream Teas, Victorian, 1920’s 1940’s passenger style!

Come and experience our annual Grown Up favourites in Steam and Diesel Galas, and Classic Cars. And gather your family, friends and children close together for our Third Saturdays and super Children’s Friendly Engines.

We have a whole host of new events happening throughout 2019 season. Please check our website to find out more and to book the Afternoon and Cream Teas.

Alison’s Speciality Afternoon and Cream Teas
Make a special memory with Alison’s Afternoon Tea in our vintage steam train carriages. Relax with a cup of tea, a glass of fizz and tempting cakes and sandwiches. Or for a lighter option, opt for Alison’s Cream Tea. A refreshing pot of tea and home made jam and cream scones. Simply delicious!

Alison’s Mother’s Day Cream Tea – March 31st
Alison’s Victorian Afternoon Tea – May 26th
Alison’s 1940s Afternoon Tea – June 16th
Alison’s Summer Cream Tea – July 21st
Alison’s 1920s Afternoon Tea – August 4th

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

Mr Ribble’s Family Playground and Summer Third Saturdays
Let your children blow off steam in our outdoor playground. Enjoy brilliant play pieces and picnic tables. Take time out, eat and watch the trains go by!

Check out our Third Saturdays free* family fun, drop-in events. July, August, and September, These are anything from storytelling, crafting or colouring or puppet making. *Free with entry Ticket.

Visiting more that once? Or wish to get more involved? You may want to consider becoming a member of our railway.

Membership:
Adult: £15 (1 year)
Family: £30 (1 year)
More membership options available on our website. https://ribblesteam.org.uk/membership/
Ask about volunteering. It’s a great way for all ages to meet new friends, learn or share skills and try something new.

FREE Parking - We have a large Free on site car park for all our visitors, on site adjacent to our visitor centre.

Site Accessibility

The entire site is on one level. The exploration Centre is accessible by a ramp. We welcome well-behaved pets 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. Our outdoor playground is accessible for wheelchairs and is a pleasant place for sensory stimulus. We have ramped access to our specially adapted train coaches for wheelchair users and their carers. 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