It's been a while since I fully updated the website - the winter months aren't great for getting out, especially when you have a lot of baggage in tow.

Fortunately our Little One is now far happier to walk when we go out, so there is less need or consideration made for his Special Needs buggy!

Ratings

Buggy - suitable if large wheeled, some activities are on grass, paths are largely gravelled.
Carrier - good, whole site is level.
Walking - as per the buggy rating, note should be made that activities are often on grass and paths gravel.
Wheelchair - the main site, cafe shop and train are wheelchair friendly. Access can be gained onto the trains with staff assistance. There are also disabled toilets on site.

Things to note

This is a privately run venture and manned largely by volunteers. The on the gate price does possibly appear a little expensive, but there is a reduction for booking online and some of the event days, early season in particular, are considerably cheaper. There are no concessions available, which with a small, privately run venue is possibly excusable.

Details here...

Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway

This was our first outing of the year. You know how sometimes you have something on your doorstep, figuratively, and don't realise how good it is. Well this is one such place. Over the years I have driven past the entrance to the railway, on many an occasion, without ever really considering giving it a visit.

The BWLR isn't a heritage railway, but is a purpose built from scratch, only being started as recently as 1975, and will be celebrating 50 years in 2025.

During the February half-term the BWLR were running a Diesel Trains and Kid's Treasure Hunt. The prices were very reasonable, I'm guessing partly due to the time of year and weather, and partly because of being diesel only trains - the steam trains don't start until Sunday May 5th, with the Bluebells and Teddy Bear Competition.

We were onsite for a couple of hours, doing a fun Treasure Trail before our ride on the train. The train ride itself takes around 15 minutes and appears to be enjoyed, particularly by younger children. As said, on the day we visited the train was diesel - which doesn't have quite the same appeal as the old chuffing steam trains.

Our party enjoyed their ride on the train. The toilets were used and were in good condition, the shop had the usual selection of train related goods to buy and the cafe had what looked like some really nice cakes on display - which unfortunately I wasn't able to sample! To add to the above notes, the cafe isn't large, and might be problematic for a wheelchair, however, there is a covered area directly outside the cafe and shop area, with picnic benches.

Having been the once, I think we will return on a steam day later in the year.

Some of the stream trains that can be seen on Steam Days - pictures from BWLR website!

On top of the train rides there are various buildings to be visited and rolling stock and trains to be photographed. The BWLR offers paid for driving days, with steam, diesel, traction, fire truck and tractor driving experiences offered - more info on their website.

The BWLR also holds classic car days, where the public can bring their prized vehicle along for others to check out.

Later in the year there is the apparently popular visits to see Santa too.