Swindon and Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blundson, Swindon SN25 2DA

Details

Accessibility

Disability Toilets

2023: "We do our best to provide access for wheelchairs.  The car park and main circulating areas are all flat ground.  We have wheelchair accessible toilets at Blunsdon and Hayes Knoll.  There are ramps to station platforms, cafe, shop etc.

We operate a fleet of mainly pre-1960’s heritage railway carriages with narrow corridors. Our standard set of coaches normally includes our specially adapted coach, 'Laura', which has double doors and space for wheelchair users.

Please note: when 'Laura' is not available or when the train service is to be operated by diesel multiple units (DMU’s), we can only accommodate wheelchairs in the guards van area of the train.  Visibility through the windows may be restricted in these areas, but the DMU does have seating in the guard's area for people accompanying a wheelchair.  Access is achieved via double doors and a ramp - please ask the Guard for assistance.

Because mobility scooters come in many styles, weights and sizes, we are unable to guarantee access for all models."

Brief description

https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/the-line/  "Wiltshire's only standard gauge heritage railway

The main visitor centre is at Blunsdon Station in Tadpole Lane.  Blunsdon Station has a Cafe, shop, museums and a free car park. It also offers outdoor sitting areas for eating and relaxing and is an ideal place to just watch the trains go by."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swindon_and_Cricklade_Railway

"The Swindon and Cricklade Railway is a heritage railway in Wiltshire, England, that operates on a short section of the old Midland and South Western Junction Railway line between Swindon and Cricklade.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway is a registered charity.[1]

The Swindon and Cricklade Railway Preservation Society was formed by a group of enthusiasts in November 1978 to reconstruct and preserve a section of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway that ran from Andover, Hampshire, to Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

The volunteer-operated railway has reopened three stations: Hayes Knoll, Taw Valley Halt and Blunsdon, the headquarters of the line. Hayes Knoll features a restored signalbox that is operational during special events and a running/restoration shed. The length of the restored line is a little under 2.5 miles (4.0 km).

The line extends north to South Meadow Lane (a few hundred yards from the site of a proposed Farfield Lane halt) near Cricklade, and south to Taw Valley Halt on the outskirts of Swindon, near Mouldon Hill Country Park.[2] A southern terminus, Mouldon Hill, is proposed within the park.[3] "

Address

Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blundson, Swindon SN25 2DA

Email

https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/contact/

Phone

01793 771615  ("Please note this phone is unstaffed outside of weekend running days.  You may leave a non-urgent message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.")

Website

https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/

Directions

"To find Blunsdon using a SatNav, enter the Railway's Postcode - SN25 2DA.

Zoom in on the map to find the Whistlestop Cafe located at the Blunsdon Station.  Or follow the Brown tourist signs to Blunsdon Station.

Taw Valley Halt is at the southern extent of the line.  It is directly accessible from Swindon's Mouldon Hill Country Park with its own carparking facilities, plus nearby local bus services.To find Taw Valley Halt by car, follow the brown signs for Mouldon Hill Country Park.  Zoom in on the map for more detail.

The Country Park is accessed off Thamesdown Drive, opposite the Tawny Owl pub."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

2023: "The railway can be reached Monday to Saturday via Swindon's Bus Company Service 15 from Swindon town centre.  Visitors should alight at a stop near the Tawny Owl pub which is within walking distance of Mouldon Hill Country Park.  The railway's Taw Valley Halt is located just inside the Country Park.

Please be aware - Swindon's Bus Company  Service 15 does not run on Sundays.   As an alternative, it is possible to use Swindon's Bus Company Service 12, getting off at Voyager Drive.  This will involve a 0.6 mile walk along Tadpole Lane to Blunsdon Station. There is no footpath along Tadpole Lane."

Amenities

Museums

Toilets

The Whistlestop Café

Tadpole Lane

Swindon

SN25 2DA

"Come and experience our Whistle Stop Cafe, located at Blunsdon Station on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway. The cafe is housed in a beautiful Norwegian railway carriage, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and drinks in a truly unique setting. The cafe is normally open between 10am and 4pm on all running days (subject to volunteer availability)." https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/whistle-stop-cafe/