Present-Day Ribble Steam Railway
The railway operates a 1.5-mile route along the Ribble Steam Railway Branch, which runs beside the River Ribble and through the historic docklands. It features a large collection of industrial steam and diesel locomotives, many of which were used in factories and quarries across the UK. The site also includes a museum that showcases locomotives, wagons, and artefacts, along with displays highlighting the history of the Preston Dock and its railway. The railway hosts special events, such as steam galas, themed train days, and seasonal attractions like the Santa Special.
Preservation and Establishment
In 2000, the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum was established to preserve part of the dock railway and its rich history. Volunteers restored the track and facilities, and in 2005, the Ribble Steam Railway officially opened to the public, offering heritage train rides.
History of the Ribble Steam Railway
The Ribble Steam Railway operates on part of the former Preston Dock Railway, which was constructed in the late 19th century to serve the bustling Preston Dock. Preston Dock, once one of the largest inland docks in Europe, relied heavily on rail connections to transport goods to and from the dockside. As the dock’s use declined in the mid-20th century due to the rise of road transport and container shipping, the associated railway traffic dwindled. Preston Dock officially closed in 1981, leaving much of the dock railway infrastructure disused.