Blaenavon's Heritage Railway

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

A Bank Holiday Monday like no other! 🚂✨

🎥 Thank you to .mjata for sharing this wonderful video from last weekend. Tag us () in your reels and TikTok’s and we may feature you on our page!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 All aboard! Join us today for a scenic journey through South Wales’ beautiful Eastern Valley on our heritage steam train.

🕰️ Timetable A - See timetable in comments below 👇

📍NP4 9AX - Free Parking, Black Mountain Coffee Cafe open, Eric’s Emporium open, Dog Friendly.

🎟️ Purchase tickets online at www.bhrailway.co.uk or from our ticket office at Furnace Sidings station.

03/05/2026

☔️ The weather forecast might be a little damp, but we’ve got the perfect rainy day activity for you and the family!

🚂 Climb aboard our heritage carriages, take a seat in either open seating or your own cosy private compartment, and enjoy a steam locomotive-hauled journey through the UNESCO Blaenavon World Heritage Site. There’s nothing quite like watching the scenery drift by on a misty day!

☕️ Black Mountain Coffee Ltd cafe and Eric’s Emporium will be open at Furnace Sidings.

🕰️ Timetable A is in operation today, with three round trips departing from Furnace Sidings (NP4 9AX) at: 11:00, 12:45 & 14:30. If you’re planning to join us at any of our other stations, please check the timetable in the comments below.

🎟️ ‘Pay once, ride all day’ – hop on and off to explore the line and nearby attractions, including the Big Pit National Coal Mining Museum. Book train tickets in advance: www.bhrailway.co.uk

👋🏻 Our friendly volunteers look forward to welcoming you onboard.

02/05/2026

📣 CLASS 37 CONFIRMED FOR THIS YEAR’S ‘PIT TO PORT’ COAL TRAIN EVENT 📣

We’re pleased to announce that a Class 37 will once again feature at this year’s two-day event on 24th & 25th May.

The diesel will operate alongside 2074 ‘Llantarnam Abbey’ and 1873 ‘Jessie’. Together, they’ll run a varied timetable of passenger services and demonstration coal trains across both days.

The booked locomotive is currently 37029, though work by our Diesel Department continues on 37216. If 216 returns to service prior to the event then a substitution may be considered.

Come and experience how coal was transported from pit to port, just how it would have been at the height of the coal industry.

🎟️ Save money by booking your Day Rover tickets in advance: www.bhrailway.co.uk

02/05/2026

🧑🏻‍🔧 37029 (D6729) is currently undergoing checks and final preparations ahead of today’s heritage diesel running day!

💨 Experience the unmistakable sound of the English Electric 12CSVT as the Class 37 powers up our steep gradients.

💺 Take your pick between private compartments or open seating - perfect for enjoying views of the Welsh industrial landscape.

🕰️ Timetable A is in operation today with three round trips. Services will depart from Furnace Sidings (NP4 9AX) at 11:00, 12:45 & 14:30.
Please see timetable in the comment section if joining us at any of our other stations.

🎟️ ‘Pay once, ride all day’ - hop on and off to explore the line and local attractions.
For more information to to book tickets in advance visit: www.bhrailway.co.uk

01/05/2026

🤔 Do you prefer Steam or Diesel locomotives? Well we have both in operation across this Bank Holiday Weekend!

📍 Saturday 2nd May
Diesel fans are in for a treat as 37029 returns to service following repairs. Hear the unmistakable roar of a Class 37 working our steep gradients!

📍 Sunday 3rd & Bank Holiday Monday 4th
Step back in time with 1873 Jessie in steam, hauling our heritage carriages through the valley for a truly nostalgic journey.

🚂 Behind the scenes we are preparing for our ‘Pit to Port’ Coal Train Event on the 24th & 25th May, with 2074 Llantarnam Abbeys repaint underway!

🎟️ For timetables, more information and to book tickets online please visit: www.bhrailway.co.uk

⚠️ SERVICE CANCELLATION ON 06/05/26 ⚠️
Due to volunteer unavailability, services on Wednesday 6th May have been cancelled. All affected bookings will be refunded within 48 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

29/04/2026

🛠️ Workshop Wednesday 🛠️
Permanent Way and Signalling & Telegraph Update

Alongside the ongoing maintenance of our main running line, progress continues on laying track for the planned new three road Steam Shed at Furnace Sidings.

Jacking and packing work has been carried out, along with the final drilling and installation of fishplates. While there is still plenty to do, we’re hopeful it won’t be too long before the hand lever can be installed and the siding brought into use.

Work has also progressed on our new 10-lever ground frame. All lever tops have been cleaned and primed, with the final two levers wire-brushed and receiving two coats of primer. The first lever catch has also been cleaned and successfully test-fitted.

Once complete, this installation will control both signals and points at the south end of Furnace Sidings station.

This work is all carried out by our dedicated unpaid volunteers, who give up their free time to help the railway continue to improve and grow for everyone to enjoy.

Fancy getting involved? We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers across all departments — and while it helps, no prior experience is necessary.

Find out more and sign up here:
www.bhrailway.co.uk/volunteering

27/04/2026

🟩 37216/D6916 moving under its own power yesterday around Furnace Sidings yard.

🧑🏻‍🔧 Work is still ongoing, but the locomotive is expected to undergo a Fitness to Run (FTR) exam in the coming weeks, followed by testing on the line ahead of its return to service.

😍 We are looking forward to seeing it back working on our line after 15 years - particularly alongside 37029 / D6719.

❓Interested in joining our Diesel Traction Department? Visit: www.bhrailway.co.uk/volunteering

26/04/2026

1977 ➡️ 2025 — Jessie is in steam today! 🚂🔥
The locomotive that once worked at Eastmoors steelworks in Cardiff will be working our steeply graded line.

🕰️ Timetable A departures from Furnace Sidings at: 11:00, 12:45 & 14:30 (See timetable in comments for other stations).

☕️ Black Mountain Coffee café is open with a delicious range of food and drinks available.

📸 Photo 1: Jessie in Splott Park (on display 1965–1979)
📸 Photo 2: Jessie sat in Furnace Sidings platform two.

🎟️ Book tickets: www.bhrailway.co.uk
‘Pay once, ride all day’ - hop on and off to explore the local area and attractions!

© John Wiltshire (first image)

25/04/2026

☀️😎 It’s a glorious day here in Blaenavon! 🔥

🕰️ Trains are operating to Timetable A and are scheduled to depart from Furnace Sidings at: 11:00, 12:45 & 14:30.
Please see timetable in the comments for our other stations.

🎫 Book your tickets in advance online at: www.bhrailway.co.uk
Tickets are ‘pay once, ride all day’ allowing you to hop on and off and explore the local area and attractions!

24/04/2026

🚂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Looking for a family day out with a difference this weekend? Step back in time at the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and experience Wales’ industrial history like never before!

✨ Ride a heritage steam train
⛏️ Go 300ft underground at Big Pit National Coal Museum with a real miner as your guide.
🏭 Explore the incredible remains of Blaenafon Ironworks.
🏛️ Discover the story behind it all at the World Heritage Centre.

🤩 It’s hands-on, educational, and genuinely unforgettable for all ages. Perfect for a weekend adventure with the family

🎟️ Book your tickets for your heritage train journey in advance at: www.bhrailway.co.uk

📍 Find out more about the local area and attractions at: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/visit-blaenavon



📸 - Point and Shoot Photos

24/04/2026

📣 37216/D6916 to remain at Blaenavon's Heritage Railway 📣

Following their own announcement on Wednesday, we are delighted to share our new partnership with McLaren Rail. This follows the announcement of the sale of 31203 & 37216 to them earlier this month.

As part of the agreement, 37216 will remain with us and will also be available for their Diesel Driver Experiences.

They will be looking to offer a full range of Steam Train Experiences, including Cream Tea services and Discovery Days.

As previously announced, 31203 will be leaving us for a new home (yet to be announced) before the summer. We look forward to working closely with McLaren Rail and developing this partnership in the future!