Colne Valley Railway

07/09/2026

Colne Valley News Issue 109 (Summer 2026) is out now! 🚂

Inside this issue:

• WD200 nears return to steam – restoration is nearly complete, with steam testing ahead
• HST 50 at the Colne Valley – 43023 named to mark 50 years of the InterCity 125
• Around the railway – updates from Carriage & Wagon, Mini Rail, Signalling and Estates
• Railway history – Mistley Quay, Haverhill North and the continuing story of the closure of the Colne Valley Railway

📬 Members: it should be in your inbox shortly. Keep an eye on your spam/junk folder just in case.

✅ Not a member yet, or not receiving it? You can sign up here:
https://www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk/membership

05/09/2026

D2184 stands at platform 2 tonight lit by the last of the days light.

05/09/2026

We will be open from 10:30 tomorrow. Check the previous post for details.

03/09/2026

This weekend at the Colne Valley Railway 🚂

Sunday 6th September is our main running day, with the Class 03 on the passenger train throughout the day.

Your ticket includes unlimited train rides, so once you’re in you can travel as many times as you like. The miniature railway will also be running, along with the museum and other parts of the site.

We’re also open on Saturday 5th September for a static opening, with the miniature railway running for visitors.

📅 Saturday 5th September: Static opening
🚂 Sunday 6th September: Class 03 running day
🚂 Miniature railway open both days
🅿️ Free parking
🐶 Dogs welcome
🥤 Refreshments and snacks available
🧺 Plenty of picnic space

01/09/2026

Bookings for our penultimate fish and chip train close this Saturday. Check the details below 👇

Our next Fish & Chip Train is on Saturday, 12th September.

It is an easy group night out, a perfect date night, or just something different to do on a late summer Saturday evening.

We’ve taken the hassle out of the evening:

✨ Reserved seating, so your group sits together
✨ Free on-site parking
✨ No queues
✨ Fish, pie or vegetarian option served to your table
✨ Drinks available from the onboard bar, including beers and wines
✨ And best of all, no washing up

Book in advance and choose your food when you book. Then just turn up, take your seat, and enjoy the evening.

You’ll ride in our vintage coaching stock on almost the longest day of the year. The food comes to you, and everything is kept easy from start to finish.

Book now: https://colnevalley.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/fish-and-chip-evening?date=2026-09-12

31/08/2026

The miniature railway will be running today. Lineside views of the main train and unlimited rides on both.

Refreshments & drinks available in the shop.
On-site parking, toilets on every platform, dogs welcome.

✅ NOW OPEN FOR BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY!

🚆 The mini rail will now be running tomorrow,
31st August for
alongside the Colne Valley Railway

🎫 Rides on 2 railways, plus access to all open attractions

🕥 10:30 - 16:30. Last admission 15:00

🅿️ included

🚍 The 721 bus departs from Braintree station at 10:00,
stopping at the railway!
Departing back to Braintree at 15:24
Operated by Zero2 Bus Museum
A separate fare is payable when boarding

30/08/2026

The 03 is in service all day today. Drivers eye views available in the front of the Gresley coach with the guard.

29/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who came today. Great to see so many people on the trains, food, cab rides and views.

We are back tomorrow with our 03 in service alongside the Colne Valley Miniature Railway.

Pictured: 43023 at the end of the day today when the rain really did fall.

29/08/2026

Open from 10:30 this morning. Almost 9000 horsepower available today.

Scones are baked, AC is on, bacon is being readied.