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Railways & Transport

Colne Valley Railway

Yeldham Road

View on Google Maps

Photo: Colne Valley Railway - (Castle Hedingham)

About Colne Valley Railway

Step aboard historic trains for a scenic journey through the Essex countryside, then explore detailed miniature railways. Onsite parking, restaurant and picnic areas make it perfect for a family day out.

What's nearby

  • Colne Valley Miniature Railway next door

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

Good to know

Parking

  • ✓Free car park

Accessibility

  • ✓Accessible parking
  • ✓Accessible entrance
  • ✓Accessible toilet
  • ✓Accessible seating

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

Photos

Photos via Google

Opening hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What visitors say

Casey H

I can't speak highly enough of the lovely people who spend their time keeping this wonderful piece of railway heritage going. I have visited for the Christmas events twice and this year for their Easter event. My little one loves it! The chap in the signal tower was very kind and patient with my child, showing him how things work and encouraging his curiosity. The carriage cafe is lovely, it's a limited menu (mostly things like sausage rolls and jacket potatoes) so best to keep that in mind. But it's a lovely stop for a hot chocolate whilst you're walking round. The gentlemen who can be found in the model railway room are always wonderful to talk to and have great stories to tell. I dare say we will be back every year, at the very least for the Christmas event when the site is lit up with fairy lights.

· via Google

Susannah Hughes

Lovely little railway. Reasonably priced and a really relaxing few hours in the countryside. Its veru short but that is great for the younger children. The HST buffet was awesome and the seating very comfy. Model railway, museum, carriage exhibitions, signal box and the buildings were all well preserved and lovely to visit. Shop is well stocked and all the volunteers friendly.

· via Google

Kev Mclean

Went for a late opening Christmas special. Have been before on daytime visits for steam and diesel days. Station and approaches were lit by lashings of fairy lights with unlimited rides on the diesel railcar. There was food and hot drinks available on the HST restaurant cars. All in all a great visit for a couple of hours

· via Google

Jeffrey Soley

Visited on Saturday 05th July 2025, HST Day, Colne Valley Railway. 5 HST Class 43 Power Cars on this small preserved railway. First time visit. Easy to find and decent car parking adjacent to the entrance. The ticket office incorporates the entrance, shop and small refreshment options, inc a seating area outside adjacent to both the outdoor model and small narrow gauge railway, which unfortunately wasn't open today due to a flood on the track. As this was a special HST power car running day there was one set of 2 power cars and a coach set inc a buffet car selling food on board. As the line is quite short, the service ran up and down without stopping at every pass of the single station. After a ride, we explored the rest of the site, inc the Museum, Signal Box (which was operating and the signalman was giving briefings on how the signals work). Attempted to use the advertised Woodland walk, but it was completely overground, which was disappointing as this was an open day and it's listed on the site map as a feature. Today's visit was a lovely chance to see the railway, and if you enjoy HST power cars, this is the place to come. What other locomotives and DMUs run on other days isn't clear, but worth a visit either way and as ever, the volunteers are the lifeblood of these railways. At £13 a ticket very reasonable to.

· via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Visitors say this heritage railway offers engaging train driver experiences, a captivating model railway, and well-preserved World War II exhibits. They also highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are often volunteers, making visits memorable. Guests mention the relaxed atmosphere and the delicious Victoria sponge cake available.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham Station, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Colne, CO9 3DZ Get directions
Category
Railways & Transport
Guest rating
4.5 / 5 (326 reviews)
Suitable for
Ages 0-12
Setting
Indoor & outdoor
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Castle Hedingham