Open Day at Blythburgh Station, Nr Halesworth
Blythburgh Station, Station Road, Blythburgh, Suffolk, IP19 9LQ
Open Day and Model Railway Show as part of “Railway 200” & National Heritage Open Days
Free entry to site, free tea, coffee and home-made cake.
The unique narrow-gauge Southwold Railway only operated for 50 years – from 1879 to 1929: track and rolling stock were scrapped in WWII. But at Blythburgh much of the station remained under the ground, and we have excavated it and are gradually restoring it.
After 5 years of work by our dedicated volunteers – with materials funded by donations – the station is looking a lot like its old self. Our demonstration goods train will be ‘hauled through the power of the sun’: the 89-year-old battery-electric locomotive is charged by solar panels. We are working towards carrying passengers – meanwhile you can enjoy the view from our first coach, in its siding. We are also hoping to extend the railway westwards, if local objections can be managed.
Re-instated main line track, platform, and goods sidings. Re-discovered 1880 station holly hedge, now dis-entangled from fly-tipping and brambles, and again flourishing. Narrow-gauge goods wagons. Award-winning restored original railway Goods Shed – the only remaining building from the historic railway. Landscaped live steam model railway. Display of found artefacts from the 30s and 40s. Guided tours by our dedicated volunteers. Trackbed walks to east and west. Heritage railway display, refreshments, railway book sale, and railway films in the Village Hall.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 September:
- 10.30-15.45
Location & directions
Blythburgh Station, Station Road, Blythburgh, Suffolk, IP19 9LQ
- Directions:
- Off A12, opposite White Hart pub. Note – car parking near the church. Halesworth Hoppa bus provided from Halesworth Middle Car Park (Saxons’ Way) at 11.00 and 13.00, returning from Blythburgh at 13.30 and 16.00
- Contact on day:
- James Hewett
- Telephone number:
- +447379789665
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Parking for Blue Badge holders only – outside Village Hall. All other parking In field adjacent to Blythburgh Church (signposted). Light refreshments (tea, coffee, home-made cake) in the Village Hall – and all free!
Additional information
Parking for Blue Badge holders only – outside Village Hall. All other parking In field adjacent to Blythburgh Church (signposted). Light refreshments (tea, coffee, home-made cake) in the Village Hall – and all free!
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
