Audley End Railway
| Audley End Miniature Railway | |
|
Essex | |
|---|---|
|
Saffron Walden | |
 Rolling stock and old station sign | |
| Gauge: | 10¼ inches |
| Built: | 1964 |
| Grid reference: | TL522379 |
| Location: | 52°1’9"N, -0°13’3"E |
| No. of stations: | 1 |
| Track: | 1½ miles |
| Information | |
| Website: | Audley End Railway |
Audley End Miniature Railway is a woodland family attraction park and railway[1] established in 1964 and located near Saffron Walden in Essex. Set opposite Audley End House and within historic Audley End parkland designed by Capability Brown, the railway operates through ancient woodland alongside the River Cam and attracts more than 130,000 visitors annually.
Overview
The railway runs along a 1½-mile custom-built track, built by the late Lord Braybrooke, through the Fulfen Forest, a private woodland with shaded glades, clearings and river crossings. A bridge over the River Cam and a tunnel are among the route's engineering features.
The station area includes a ticket office & shop, Station Snack café and restroom facilities. Beyond its heritage railway origins, the site has evolved into a major family attraction.
The attraction also hosts educational and recreational school visits and a regular forest school programme during the summer term.
History
The miniature railway was built by Lord Braybrooke,[2] who had a lifelong interest in steam trains. The site itself officially opened to the public on 16 May 1964, with racing driver Sir Stirling Moss performing the opening ceremony. Originally a 10¼ in (260 mm) gauge railway woodland loop with teddy bears and picnic areas, it has since grown into one of the most popular family attractions in Essex.
The line has two tunnels and crosses the River Cam and River Fulfen. The bridge across the Cam retains the original Second World War pillbox.
Since 2011, the site has been run by Lord Braybrooke's daughter, Amanda Murray,[3] who has overseen its development into a modern visitor destination with immersive events and expanded infrastructure.
Outside links
References
- ↑ "Access Restricted". https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/family-holidays/five-uk-steam-train-rides-whole-family-will-love/.
- ↑ "Lord Braybrooke, landowner and steam enthusiast – obituary" (in en-GB). The Telegraph. 2017-06-09. SSN 0307-1235. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2017/06/09/lord-braybrooke-landowner-steam-enthusiast-obituary/.
- ↑ "About us - Audley End Miniature Railway" (in en-US). 2024-02-04. https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/about-us/.
- Lord Braybrooke, Audley End Railway 2004