Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway

The Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway (HSNGR) is at Blythburgh Station, the principal intermediate station on the historic Southwold Railway. The railway opened in 1879 and closed in 1929. The HSNGR demonstrates how much change has been made on this site, from complete dereliction in 2019, towards the restoration of this historic station for passenger use.

The passenger platform and running-in board have been rebuilt, with track and sidings laid alongside in the original railway’s unusual three-foot gauge, which was originally chosen to allow good-sized passenger stock providing a comfortable 8-mile journey. The 1879 station holly hedge has been re-found and saved, and the passenger-service signal shed rebuilt on its original foundations. The only surviving Southwold Railway building on the whole line, the Coal Shed, was saved from complete collapse and rebuilt in 2020-1 and now provides accommodation for the solar powered locomotive and displays of original artefacts.

The train staff which allowed passenger trains to use the line here has been reproduced from the original and is again used in what is locally known as ‘the ceremony of the keys’. The replica double-armed signal is again acting as a starter for trains.

Visitors can sit in the charity’s first passenger coach, under construction, and experience its features, and its relationship to the historically-significant passenger stock on the original railway.

On Open Days there is a model railway show in the adjacent Village Hall, railway films concentrating on passenger provision, displays of HSNGR’s achievements and plans to provide a passenger service along the original track bed, as well as refreshments. The solar-charged battery-electric locomotive, which will haul our first passenger train service once that is permitted, will provide demonstration trains and shunting.

For those just passing by, drop in and have a look at the recreation of the station for free and read the information boards about the railway and what is happening now, then walk across the road to the excellent White Hart pub and enjoy magnificent views across the Blyth Estuary.

For additional information about admission, opening hours, access, facilities and learning opportunities, please visit the museum’s website

For additional information about admission, opening hours, access, facilities and learning opportunities, please visit the museum website.

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