Question 1

Whereabouts are you?

Accepted Answer

We're on Thornton Drive, off Station Road, Hesketh Bank, between Southport and Preston and right next to Booths supermarket.
 
Set your satnav to PR4 6SP.

Turn into Thornton Drive and drive a short distance between the new houses until you see our car park on the left.
 
Here's a map:

Question 2

When are you open?

Accepted Answer

We run every Sunday and Bank Holiday between April and the end of October.
 
We are also operating steam trains on Wednesdays during May and October half-terms, and on Wednesdays during August.
 
The first train is 11.30 and the last 4.30. Trains currently run about every 30 minutes.
 
See our Timetable page.

Question 3

Do we need to book?

Accepted Answer

Only for Santa Specials and Halloween trains. Otherwise just turn up. For some other special events we may offer booking, but it will be optional.
 
ALSO... you can now pre-book our ADVANCE ANYDAY tickets, at a discount from our standard fares. These are valid for any train, including on gala days, except for Santa Specials and Halloween trains. They have no expiry date. Click here to buy.

Question 4

How long is the ride?

Accepted Answer

It's fairly short, about a quarter of a mile, but you can ride as many times as you like on your ticket.

Question 5

Is the site suitable for the disabled?

Accepted Answer

The site is generally level, with a variety of hard surfaces and grassed areas There is a sloping tarmac path up from the car park. See our access statement for more details.
 
The toilets include facilities for the disabled.
 
At present we cannot take wheelchairs on our trains. However, we are building a brand-new access coach, which will have openings wide enough to take passengers in wheelchairs.
 
Here's a picture:

Question 6

Can we get something to eat and drink?

Accepted Answer

We have our own tea-room, selling cream teas, locally-made cakes and hot and cold drinks, with table service.
 
On special event days and Santa Specials we also run a burger bar using a custom-built railway wagon.

Question 7

Do you have toilets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a toilet block next to the platform, with facilities for the disabled.

Question 8

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

You can contact us by email, phone or old-fashioned letter.
 
Our contact details are at the bottom of each page.

Question 9

Can visitors drive one of your steam engines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we run Drive-an-Engine days when you can learn all about driving an engine, and try it yourself.
 
More details are here.

Question 10

Can we hold a birthday party, and ride a train?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have a birthday party (or any other type of celebration) at the Railway, and we will run a train for your exclusive use.
 
More details are here.

Question 11

Can groups visit the railway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are very happy to host groups at the Railway, either on normal running days or as a special event. In the latter case we can organise site tours and special steamings, with a variety of heritage rolling stock.
 
More details are here.

VOLUNTEERS DAY

SATURDAY 4th JULY

CHILDREN IN NEED

SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER

Our most rewarding event of the year!

CHILDREN IN NEED

SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER

Our most rewarding event of the year!

THE WEST LANCASHIRE
LIGHT RAILWAY

(SOME OF) YOUR QUERIES ANSWERED

Whereabouts are you?

When are you open?

Do we need to book?

How long is the ride?

Is the site suitable for the disabled?

Can we get something to eat and drink?

Do you have toilets?

How can I contact you?

Can visitors drive one of your steam engines?

Can we hold a birthday party, and ride a train?

Can groups visit the railway?

VOLUNTEERS DAY

SATURDAY 4th JULY

CHILDREN IN NEED

SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER

​

Our most rewarding event of the year!

CHILDREN IN NEED

SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER

​

Our most rewarding event of the year!

(SOME OF) YOUR QUERIES ANSWERED

Whereabouts are you?

When are you open?

Do we need to book?

How long is the ride?

Is the site suitable for the disabled?

Can we get something to eat and drink?

Do you have toilets?

How can I contact you?

Can visitors drive one of your steam engines?

Can we hold a birthday party, and ride a train?

Can groups visit the railway?