Yesterday, I popped down to Kent to visit the Swanley New Barn Railway.

It was Gala Day, their first for three years – how could I resist.

The railway is located in a rather super 60 acre park. Visitors use the railway as a means of transport to get from the car park to the centre of the park which has a boating lake, palyground, sandpit, paddling pool and cafe. It was great to see so many families enjoying the train ride !

The line is 7¼ inch gauge and runs for about 1km (approx 0.5 mile) round a large loop. The trains often run inside avenues of trees – it’s a lovely setting.

New Barn station is located at the centre of the park and has three platforms, a loco release lane, a turntable, water tower and a very classy signal box containing a Westinghouse signal frame.

The park is maintained by Swanley Town Council (congratulations to the council for providing such a great place for families) and the railway is run by volunteers. The SNBR team were running an intensive service, with a wide range of locos and it really was a very enjoyable event.

The railway is definitely worth visiting. I will be going back 🙂

Here are a selection of snaps, click on the photos for a gallery of larger images.