The Dockyard Railway

The Dockyard Railway Page of the Website for the Dockyard Railway at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham

Sentinel 'Ann' has made it safely to our little line ahead of this weekends Steam on the Square event.We think she looks...
24/08/2026

Sentinel 'Ann' has made it safely to our little line ahead of this weekends Steam on the Square event.

We think she looks quite at home here 😁

Why not come down and see her steaming around site, along with our resident Grafton Crane, and visiting traction engines, lorries and other classic and vintage vehicles this August Bank Holiday weekend only.

Steam 🚂 is coming to the Dockyard.We're thrilled to announce a very special guest steam engine for the August Bank Holid...
08/08/2026

Steam 🚂 is coming to the Dockyard.

We're thrilled to announce a very special guest steam engine for the August Bank Holiday weekend's Steam on the Square...

7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’ is making her inaugural visit to the South and will be steaming into The Historic Dockyard Chatham for one weekend only.

Ordered by British Tar Products Ltd of Cadishead in South Manchester and built by Sentinel of Shrewsbury in 1927 (mostly known for their road-going steam vehicles). 'Ann' features a vertical boiler plus encased engine and cylinders. These locomotives were economical and could be driven by one man with very little maintenance or preparation, making them ideal for small operations. She entered into service in the autumn of 1927 and was the works' sole shunter, moving tar and other related products around the site.

Based at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire, 'Ann' is visiting Chatham thanks to her owners Callum Porter and Chris Boocock, with the visit sponsored by Rapido Trains UK.

🚂 Steam on the Square: Dockyard in Motion
📍 The Historic Dockyard Chatham
📅 Bank Holiday weekend: 29–31 August 2026

About Steam on the Square:
🚋 Watch demonstration trains with 'Ann'
🪝 Learn to operate a steam crane
🚃 Driver for a Tenner on a diesel locomotive
🚂 Enjoy a ride on the Little British miniature railway
🚄 View the Model Railway layouts from Chatham & District Model Railway Club
🚜 Display of vintage steam, tractors, and military vehicles
⛵ Take a leisurely river cruise on Lady Daphne

🔗 thedockyard.co.uk/events/2026-steam-on-the-square-dockyard-in-motion/

All aboard! 🚂In this episode of Dock Chat, we learn about the Dockyard's railway from volunteers Neal, Sharon and Terri....
17/07/2026

All aboard! 🚂

In this episode of Dock Chat, we learn about the Dockyard's railway from volunteers Neal, Sharon and Terri.

Learn about what drew the trio into volunteering at one of the UK's most unusual heritage railways. They discuss the hands-on work required for maintaining the locomotives, rolling stock, and track, whilst being part of the 400-year-old Dockyard.

⚠️ Railway is in operation this weekend
🚂 Chatham Model Railway Show
📍 The Historic Dockyard Chatham
📆 18 & 19 July

Whether you're a railway enthusiast or just curious what goes on behind the scenes, it's a warm, engaging look at the people powering the Dockyard's rails.

🎧 All major podcast platforms
🔗 https://dockchat.podbean.com/e/dock-chat-with-dockyard-railway-volunteers-neal-sharon-terri-series-2-episode-3/

🚂⚓ TAKE THE CONTROLS THIS JULY! ⚓🚂As part of the Chatham Model Railway Show on 18 & 19 July, we're offering the chance t...
09/07/2026

🚂⚓ TAKE THE CONTROLS THIS JULY! ⚓🚂

As part of the Chatham Model Railway Show on 18 & 19 July, we're offering the chance to get hands-on with two unique pieces of historic railway and dockyard equipment.

🏗️ Steam Crane Driving Experience

Ever wondered what it was like to operate the machinery that kept Britain's historic dockyards moving? Take the controls of our Grafton 5-ton steam crane and experience the sights, sounds and skills of steam-powered lifting under the guidance of our experienced volunteers.

🎟️ Pre-book your steam crane experience:
https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

🚂 Diesel Locomotive Driving Experience

Climb aboard Overlord, a locomotive built for military railway service in France following the D-Day landings. Learn the basics of locomotive operation and enjoy the rare opportunity to drive a genuine historic diesel locomotive on the Dockyard Railway.

🎟️ Diesel driving experiences are available to book on the day, subject to availability.

📍 The Historic Dockyard Chatham
📅 18 & 19 July 2026
🚂 Chatham Model Railway Show

These experiences are suitable for railway enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone looking for a truly memorable day out.

Better still, every booking helps support the restoration of Ajax (RSH 7042), a locomotive built specifically for Chatham Dockyard in 1941 and still at its original home more than 80 years later. By taking part, you'll be helping to return this unique piece of Dockyard history to operation, ensuring the story of the railway that helped build and maintain Britain's warships can continue to be told for generations to come.

⚠️ Important Information
• Participants must be aged 18 or over.
• Suitable clothing and sturdy footwear must be worn.
• Participants must be physically capable of climbing onto and around historic railway and industrial equipment, including a locomotive footplate.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

21/06/2026

Who doesn't love a bit of gleaming Brasswork. ❤️

This Father's Day weekend (20 & 21 June). Diesel locomotive 'Overlord' is running through The Historic Dockyard Chatham....
20/06/2026

This Father's Day weekend (20 & 21 June). Diesel locomotive 'Overlord' is running through The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Watch her rolling past three iconic historic warships, step inside the loco shed, and chat to the brilliant volunteers keeping this heritage industrial fleet alive.

👇 Drop a 🚂 if you're coming along!

🗓️ Upcoming dates: 20 & 21 June | 25 & 26 July | 15 & 16 August | 31 Oct & 1 Nov

🎟️ Included in your Dockyard ticket

👀 Demonstration only; cameras at the ready 📸

13/06/2026

Trains running this Father's Day Weekend

Pin this 📌 for Father's Day weekend (20 & 21 June). Diesel locomotive 'Overlord' is running through The Historic Dockyar...
13/06/2026

Pin this 📌 for Father's Day weekend (20 & 21 June). Diesel locomotive 'Overlord' is running through The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Watch her rolling past three iconic historic warships, step inside the loco shed, and chat to the brilliant volunteers keeping this heritage industrial fleet alive.

👇 Drop a 🚂 if you're coming along!

🗓️ Upcoming dates: 20 & 21 June | 25 & 26 July | 15 & 16 August | 31 Oct & 1 Nov

🎟️ Included in your Dockyard ticket

👀 Demonstration only; cameras at the ready 📸

🚂💨 Ever wanted to take the controls of a real steam crane?This is your chance! Our Steam Crane Experience at The Histori...
22/05/2026

🚂💨 Ever wanted to take the controls of a real steam crane?

This is your chance! Our Steam Crane Experience at The Historic Dockyard Chatham puts YOU in the driver's seat of a heritage Grafton steam crane — and it's unlike anything else you'll do this year.

Under the guidance of our expert volunteer engineers, you'll learn how to manage 100 psi of live steam, swing a 30ft jib, and put your precision to the test with the hoist. Think you've got what it takes to hook-a-duck? 🦆

🔧 It's not a tour — it's a proper hands-on engineering adventure.

✅ 45 minutes including safety briefing
✅ Includes full Dockyard access on the day
✅ Bring a spectator for just £20 extra

🎟️ From £50 per person | Ages 18+

📅 Next date: 25 May (Bank Holiday Monday) — plus dates in July and October.

Spots are limited and they go fast — tag someone who'd absolutely love this! 👇

👉 Book now: https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

Address

Railway Shed, Main Gate Road
Chatham
ME44TZ

Website

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