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Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm Saturday 9:30am - 5pm Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Dean Forest Railway

Name: Dean Forest Railway
Address: Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney, GL154ET, GB
Telephone: +441594845840
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.6

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Dean Forest Railway

A Heritage Railway in the Royal Forest of Dean Since 1970 - the Dean Forest Railway has been operating a Heritage Railway in the Forest of Dean.
(844)

It now operates over a 4.5mile stretch taking in some Beautiful scenery and some period stations. Steam locos operate regularly - alpngside some heritage railcars and diesels.

08/06/2026

Do you like meeting new people, getting your steps in and preserving the rich heritage of the Forest of Dean? If so, it sounds like you're a budding Ticket Inspector!

We have vacancies in our Ticket Inspector department and are on the lookout for new volunteers. Operating on all of our services, the majority of which are steam hauled, our Ticket Inspectors are at the forefront of our passenger experience, meeting and helping them enjoy their time on our railway.

Our team are on the hunt for volunteers able to cover our weekend services, which start at 1030am and finish at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You'd be joining an existing team of train crew, so we can guarantee you'll make new friends, and full training is provided.

Although you'll spend a most of the day wallking up and down our heritage trains checking tickets and helping passengers, there will be breaks where you can take a seat and watch the scenery drift past too!

If you're interesting in scheduling taster visit, please send this page a message or comment below “I'm interested” and we'll get in touch! 👇

04/06/2026

Our flagship diesel event, the 2026 Diesel Gala, returns in just over three months time on the weekend of 12th and 13th September 2026. Tickets are now available (link below), and behind the scenes we're busy arranging the visitors and attractions. But before we announce anything...what would you like to see? Let us know in the comments 👇

Discounted Early-Bird Advance tickets are now available here: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/diesel-gala/

The 2026 Diesel Gala is sponsored by Derails Model Railway Shop of Coleford. Check their website out here: https://derails.co.uk/

01/06/2026

Millions of tonnes of freight was extracted out of the Forest of Dean via rail and then shipped onwards either via rail at Lydney Junction or via sea at Lydney Docks. Therefore one of the best ways to experience the sights and sounds of how the DFR really would have been back in its heyday is to ride on a Goods train!

Approaching in just under two weeks time is our next Goods Train Day: Saturday 13th June will feature Class 73 'Sir Herbert Walker' and our Speedlink-Style Air-Braked Goods set. The large Queen Mary Brake Van will be provided for passenger accomodation.

Tickets are available here:

https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/diesel-hauled-goods-train/

27/05/2026

WE’RE HIRING – CAFÉ ASSISTANT
(Whistles Café, Dean Forest Railway)

We are looking for a friendly, organised and reliable Café Assistant to join the team at Whistles Café, Norchard Station, ASAP.
• Approx. 24 hours per week (typically Weds, Sats and Suns 08:30 – 16:30).
• £12.80 per hour
• Fixed-term contract until 31st December 2026

This is a busy, hands-on role in a fast-paced visitor attraction, so we need someone who is:
• Friendly and welcoming with good customer service skills
• Organised, tidy and reliable
• Able to stay calm and work efficiently during busy periods
• Happy to be on their feet all day and get stuck into cleaning, serving and general café duties

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING:
This role requires availability for WEDNESDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, plus Bank Holidays, occasional events, and our busy Christmas Santa Special period in December.

We are NOT looking for someone who can only do some of these days. If you are only available for certain days, fewer hours, or a different working pattern, unfortunately this role will not be suitable.

The full job description can be found on our website: deanforestrailway.co.uk/jobs
To apply, please send:
• Your CV
• A covering letter explaining your relevant experience, skills, and why you would like to work at Whistles Café

Applications without BOTH a CV and covering letter will not be considered.

Please send applications to: [email protected]

24/05/2026

⭐ “Absolutely fantastic evening… The actors were incredibly talented… It was such a good laugh and really fun.” – Lizzie G, Tripadvisor

⭐ “We had the most amazing time. The actors were amazing. The food and service were great…” – Tripadvisor Review

⭐ “We have been 3 times now… always such good fun. Highly recommend you give it a try.” – Tripadvisor Review

Our Murder Mystery evenings aboard the Dean Forest Railway have been receiving some fantastic feedback recently — thank you to everyone who has joined us! 🚂🔎

Now it’s time for our next mystery…

🤠 SATURDAY 6TH JUNE
🎭 “Doc Mortimer and the Last Duel”
🚂 A Wild West Murder Mystery Evening

Step aboard for an evening of intrigue, comedy and suspense as our talented actors bring the Old West to life on board the steam train. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal while you solve the mystery!

Perfect for:
✔ Friends & groups
✔ Date nights
✔ Celebrations
✔ Anyone looking for a unique night out

Fancy dress encouraged… but not essential! 🤠

🎟 Book now before tickets disappear into the sunset...
https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/murder-mystery/

21/05/2026

⚠️ 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 ⚠️

Due to unforseen circumstances, we are offering a mix of traction types this Sunday 24th May, with both Diesel and Steam locomotives operating our passenger train.

Class 09, 09106, will be hauling the 11:00 and 12:35 departures from Norchard and the Dean Forest Locomotive Group's 8750 Pannier Tank, 9681, will be hauling the 14:30 departure from Norchard.

Tickets can be pre-booked today:

https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/

Please note, the only day rover ticket available is the 'Diesel Day Rover', however this ticket would also be valid on the 14:30 Steam departure.

16/05/2026

Tomorrow sees the return of 'Shunter Sunday', where Class 09 09106 is be joined by newly repainted and returned to traffic Class 08 08888 'Postman's Pride', courtesy of Valley Rail Preservation, on our passenger stock. 08888 hasn’t worked a passenger service since 2024 (and even that was the only day that year). Crucially, the loco is not booked to work any further passenger workings during the remainder of 2026.

08888 and 09106 will work together for the majority of the day and offer a variety of double heading, top’n’tailing and solo working.

Tickets and timetable available from the links below:

Single Trip Tickets: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/diesel-train-ride/
Day Rover Tickets: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/heritage-diesel-train-ride/

13/05/2026

New Owners for Wilbert and Warrior

The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) has announced that two of its locomotives, no. 3806 ‘Wilbert’ and no. 3823 ‘Warrior’, have passed into new ownership. ‘Wilbert’ is now wholly owned by the supporting charity, Dean Forest Railway Society, while ‘Warrior’ has been sold to a private owner.

In February 2021, the Dean Forest Railway Society (DFRS) purchased 50% ownership of ‘Wilbert’ with the proceeds enabling the boiler to be returned to the Norchard base of the DFR. With the boiler being returned to the frames in early 2026, ahead of an expected cosmetic restoration, the DFRS proposed the purchase of the remaining share of the locomotive. This share has now been sold for a nominal fee, with the value of the locomotive being retained for the purposes of future restoration.

“Wilbert is a key part of Dean Forest Railway history, but unfortunately has been stored out of use for ten years. While a full restoration to working order is going to be an expensive undertaking sometime in the future, we look forward to having the locomotive cosmetically restored and back on display for the public to enjoy.”

Tim McLennan, Chairman, Dean Forest Railway Society

With a list of overhauls planned for 2026, particularly carriage repaints, it is expected that the cosmetic refresh of ‘Wilbert’ will be undertaken in 2027. This work is supported by Accurascale, who have committed a share of their revenue from their sold-out 00 gauge model to the project.

Meanwhile, ‘Warrior’ has been stored as parts across the Lydney Junction and Norchard sites for a number of years, with shed space at a premium. She has never run in preservation, but a sale to a private owner will see her restored to steam at the DFR in due course.

If you'd like to support the Society, we're always looking for new volunteers -
https://www.dfrsociety.org.uk/

Or help fund the projects with donations -
https://www.dfrsociety.org.uk/support-us

📷 WD 152 'Rennes' shunting 3806 'Wilbert' at Norchard

11/05/2026

𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝!

We've added new dates for our ever-popular Diesel Driving Experiences. Take command of one of our heritage diesel locomotives and drive the full length of our line and back, under the guidance of one of our qualified drivers.

Available slots are limited and selling out fast! Find out more and book your space here:

https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/diesel-driving-experience/

08/05/2026

The locomotive diagrams for 'Shunter Sunday' on the 17th May have now been published.

09106 and (a freshly painted and rather red) 08888 'Postmans Pride' will undertaking double heading, top'n'tailing and a little bit of solo work throughout the day. A downloadable copy of the timetable is now available on our website.

A reminder that 08888 is not currently booked to work any further passenger trains this year.

Single round trip tickets are available here: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/diesel-train-ride/

Day rover tickets are available here: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/heritage-diesel-train-ride/

Address

Norchard, Forest Road
Lydney
GL154ET

Opening Hours

Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9:30am - 5pm
Sunday	9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+441594845840

Website

http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/

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