Present-Day Foxfield Railway
The Foxfield Railway operates a 5-mile round trip from Caverswall Road Station to Dilhorne Park and the original colliery site. It features one of the steepest gradients of any heritage railway in the UK, providing a unique experience for enthusiasts and visitors. The railway hosts events such as steam galas, Santa Specials, and educational activities, showcasing its collection of industrial locomotives and rolling stock.
Preservation and Reopening
In 1967, railway enthusiasts formed the Foxfield Light Railway Society to preserve the line and its history. The society restored the track, rolling stock, and locomotives, focusing on the industrial heritage of the area. The first passenger services began in 1971, making the Foxfield Railway one of the earliest preserved railways in the UK.
History of the Foxfield Railway
The line was constructed in 1893 by the Foxfield Colliery Company to transport coal from Foxfield Colliery to the mainline at Blythe Bridge. It was built as a mineral railway, primarily carrying coal and goods, and was not designed for passenger use. The railway’s steep gradients and sharp curves made it a challenging route, earning it a unique place in industrial railway history. Foxfield Colliery ceased production in 1965, and with the decline of the coal industry, the railway was closed to traffic shortly thereafter.