OUR STORY
Nestled within Brockwell park, located in the heart of Lambeth, south London is our 7 1/4'' gauge Miniature railway.
Built by Roland Baker and assisted Julian Hulland in the spring of 2003, it was opened by the Lord mayor of Lambeth Clr Tim Sargent on the 1st of June of that year.
The railway runs for 220 meters or 240 yards between Herne Hill Gates and the famous Brockwell lido which opened in July 1937. The railway offers rides to the travelling public of all ages at weekends between April and October for only a pound return for each fare. (Under twos go free when accompanied by an adult)
OUR HISTORY
The railway is unique in the fact that the track has been relayed close to the formation of the original railway which was sited here and ran between 1951-1961. Nothing is left of the original railway except the foundations of the original ticket office located at the entrance to Herne Hill Gates station.
An interesting array of motive power has been used on the railway including an Class 31 and class 08 battery electrics. Two Bridget class steam locomotives named Jupiter and Bridget, and an American outlined 2-4-0 named Oscar. Also running is a GER/LNER Y6 Tram locomotive used on the Wisbech & Upwell Tramway made famous by Toby The Tram Engine from Thomas the Tank Engine stories.
In December 2011 we have also taken delivery of a Class 43 HST.
In 2012 we saw the arrival of our newest locomotive, the Class 43 HST power car 'HMS Pembroke'. This train has the most interesting of history being built by Mardyke around 1980 for the Strand miniature railway in Gillingham. Recently this loco was loaned to the Newhaven Miniature railway before being purchased by us in December 2011. The HST should provide most of the motive power for the foreseeable future.
In December 2016 a planning application was submitted to Lambeth council in order to extend the line from the Herne Hill Gates station, back through the woods. Also included in the planning application were plans to include on track storage which will allow us to store the train by the tracks increasing the opening hours and reducing the need to transport the train across the park twice each day. We are hoping to get an answer for our application at some point during 2017.
OUR FUTURE
he long term success of the railway looks promising. We have a great relationship with the local community and have the backing of Lambeth Council, The Friends of Brockwell Park and the Brockwell Community Partners and without their support the railway would not have lasted as long as it has. I hope you'll come down and visit us, there are not that many attractions left in London which off rides for just £1 return per person.
We are just a two minute walk from Herne Hill station which is served by South Eastern and Thameslink, local buses serve us from Brixton, Camberwell, Dulwich and Tulse Hill Also Parking is free on street on Sundays (Except during the Country Show Weekend) and the Lido offers 2 hours free parking as well.
The postcode to use for your sat nav is SE24 0PA.