Frequently Asked Questions

The NLR is open to the public every Sunday between March and October. We are also open on some Saturdays and Bank Holidays for special events. During the winter we are open for various special events, such as Santa Specials, Mince Pie Specials and others.

Please see our online ticketing page for all confirmed dates and events – https://nlr.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

A ride on the train lasts about 30 minutes.

As we currently have only 1 station, all services are ‘out and back’, which means you alight the train in the same place that your boarded.

We have a dedicated wheelchair-user’s compartment on the train, which can accommodate one wheelchair and up to two carers/companions. We also have a specially designed ramp, giving safe and easy access on/off the train (both for wheelchairs and those with other mobility considerations). For more information on our accessibility provisions, please click HERE

Unfortunately, not. The NLR is run purely by volunteers, which is why we tend to only operate at weekends.

However, there is activity on the railway all week, with various mid-week volunteer working parties or external organisations using the line for training and testing purposes.

Dogs are very welcome at the NLR, provided they (and their human) are well behaved. You can take your dog on the train too, except for Cream Tea Specials and Santa Specials. We simply ask that dogs do not sit on the coach seats and that all dog owners are responsible and clean up any ‘accidents’.

Toilets are located on the station platform at Pitsford and Brampton Station. We have separate Ladies and Gents toilets, as well as an ‘accessible toilet’ and baby changing facilities.

PLEASE BE AWARE – Unfortunately, there are NO toilets on the train itself. A train journey lasts approximately 30 mins.

Yes, on ‘Normal Operating Days’ ONLY (NOT during special events). 

Rover tickets can be purchased from the Booking Office on the day. They are not currently available to purchase online in advance.

Some dates and special events will be steam-hauled, while others will be operated by one of our heritage diesel locos. Whilst we will always endeavour to provide the motive power advertised, old machines can be temperamental and liable to fail from time to time, which may mean we have to make an unexpected change. We are sorry for any disappointment when this occurs, but hope you can appreciate that, being a small volunteer-run railway, its not easy for us to have a like-for-like substitute ready in the wings.

If you would like to know when a specific loco is running you can always email us at enquiries@nlr.org.uk

At Pitsford and Brampton Station you will find:

• Platform 3 Buffet – open on operating days selling a selection of hot and cold drinks, ice lollies, snacks and freshly prepared hot food.
• Souvenir Shop – open on operating days selling a wide range of gifts, books, toys and other items
• The Shed (bric-a-brac shop) – open on selected operating days when sufficient volunteers are available.
• Signal Box – The ‘box is fully operational and controls all our train movements. You are welcome to go up and look in the ‘box, but please do not distract the Signalman whilst they’re working!
• Toilets – including an accessible toilet.
• Free parking

We have plenty of free on-site parking at the NLR!

We know a lot of people like to cycle along the Brampton Valley Way, so may arrive at the railway on a bike. As our services are currently only ‘out-and-back’ (i.e you get off at the same place your boarded the train), we don’t have facilities to take bikes on the train. However, there are plenty of locations around the station where you can securely store your bike while you go for a nice relaxing train ride.

In line with the Government’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan, it is no longer compulsory to wear face masks when visiting the railway (either around the station or on the train).

There is also no longer any requirement for social distancing, nor any limit on group sizes. We will, therefore, be returning our trains to full capacity, without the need for empty tables between occupied tables.

If you test positively for Covid you are no longer legally required to self-isolate, but you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days. We would encourage people not to visit the railway during these 5 days.

The Railway will always welcome and respect any visitors (or volunteers) who chose to continue wearing a face covering.

We will continue to clean our coaches regularly and provide hand sanitiser in the public toilets.