St Albans South Signal Box

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St Albans South Signal Box

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News of what you can see and do at the FREE TO VISIT
St Albans South Signal Box and details of even St Albans South Signal Box is a Grade 2 listed building.

After going out of use in 1979 it was left to rot until 2002 when a group of local residents determined to do something with it. A charitable trust was formed and, after nearly 4 years of negotiation with Railtrack and then Network Rail, took possession in 2006. Then the really hard work started. It took 3 years and many thousands of pounds to restore the box and it finally opened to the public for the first time in 2009. It is one of the few preserved boxes on a mainline railway that's regularly open to the public. Upstairs, the box has been restored to it's 1979 condition, complete with working lever frame, block instruments, bells and other signalling equipment. This has enabled us to demonstrate how manual signalling was done and these demonstrations run continuously when we are open. Downstairs, there is a small museum.. There are many signalling items on display, including single line 'tablet' machines, and other railway-related exhibits. Railway videos and a slideshow of the restoration are also shown. The garden has been laid out with flowers, shrubs and lawn and there are working signals and other exhibits on display. Light refreshments are available. The site is fully accessible except for the long flight of steps to the upper floor of the signal box and there is a fully accessible toilet and hand washing facility available on request. Postcode for satnav users is AL1 3AJ. There is ample parking nearby at the Railway Station and in Ridgmont Road. There is no need to book - just come along. Entrance is FREE, but donations are always welcome.

27/10/2026

Don't forget that the signal box is open tomorrow afternoon Wednesday 28th from 2 till 5 , last chance before November 8th.

26/10/2026

If you were one of the 85 who visited the Signal Box yesterday we hope you enjoyed your visit but if you missed us we are open again on Wednesday from 2 to 5.
Our next regular opening will be 8th November as we go into our winter sequence of opening once a month on the second Sunday.
Hope to see you soon

24/10/2026

Tomorrow is due to be a nice sunny day so why not come along to St Albans Signal Box which will be open from 2 till 5. If you can't make it we will be open again on Wednesday afternoon for our half term opening.
This grade 2 listed Signal Box built in 1892 gives a real insite into the way early railways were controlled through St Albans and in and out of the goods yard and engine shed.
Refreshments available.

12/10/2026

Sadly yesterday during our open day part of the interlocking mechanism on our Midland ground frame snapped. As this is a cast iron fitting it is probably not repairable and will need replacement. We would be interested in hearing from anybody who knows where we might find another.

10/10/2026

On Sunday 11th the signal box in Ridgmont Road will be open once again in the afternoon from 2 till 5. We'll worth a visit and still no charge for entry. Tea and coffee available from the buffet.

01/10/2026

Revamped finial display at the signal box entrance.

14/09/2026

What a fantastic Heritage weekend we have just had with 450 visitors over the 2 days. If you were one of them we hope you enjoyed your visit and will come and see us again. Our special thanks go to Peter and his family who brought their traction engine and gave free rides up and down Ridgmont Road all day Sunday,
If you purchased raffle ticket the winning numbers were:-
321
59
176
152
66
292
35
If you have one of the tickets we will be in contact with you to sort out delivery.
Our next opening is Sunday 27th September when we look forward to meeting you all again.

13/09/2026

Traction engine rides at the signal box today

12/09/2026

If you were one of our 250 visitors today I hope you enjoyed your visit.
If you missed us don't worry we are open again tomorrow.
Photos show some of our wonderful exibits of totems and signal box boards.

11/09/2026

Weekend Watch is here! (September 12-13)

Looking for family-friendly things to do in and around Harpenden this weekend?
We've rounded up just a few of the events happening locally that make brilliant family days out.

Visit our website for the full guide and even more ideas. Which one will you be trying?

Address

Ridgmont Road
Saint Albans
AL13AJ

Website

http://www.sigbox.co.uk/

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