What a place with hard working people! We would recommend to anybody of any age to go and enjoy this railway. From leaving Norchard to go down to Lydney, then up to Parkend for a two hour stop (try the Woodmans Inn not far away) the whole trip was delightful. Make sure you visit all, especially the museum. Probably the best new bookshop you will find anywhere. This visit was part of a birthday treat, I came away with top quality books costing just short of 3 figures! The history of the area is very present there, not only the railway, but also the Norchard pit history - look out for the torrent of water entering the River Lyd just near the entrance bridge - still draining the many connected underground collieries in the area because Norchard pit was the lowest point!

This is a fabulous experience, especially for the price of the tickets. It's run by volunteers and they're all really helpful and friendly. The train is comfortable and you can choose either a day ticket or a round trip. We did the round trip because my mother is elderly and can't walk very far, but next time we will get the day ticket so we can get on and off and visit the different areas. We have lots of wonderful photos, especially when the steam engine has to change ends. There are facilities at the different stations and at Norchard there's a café, gift shop and museum. Well worth a visit.

The whole railway experience was very well managed. The volunteers are doing a marvellous job of maintaining the stations, the carriages, the rail network, everything. The station cafe and gift shop were well stocked. Everything was totally clean and everyone was friendly and helpful. Good for families and groups of friends.

My husband and I and a couple of friends attended the murder mystery event on 7/10/23. I would just like to say that it was a fantastic experience and very much enjoyed by all of us. Being a passenger on a lovely train was great but the food was also tasty (especially the cheesecake!). It was also very well served by the excellent catering staff who had a challenging job. The murder scenario was great fun, the cast were excellent and never broke character even when challenged by some ‘slightly’ inebriated fellow passengers. All in all it was a truly enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend it!

A warm welcome awaits you for a 4.5 mile journey through Forest and run by volunteers. There is a large car park, museum, shop and cafe providing all you need for a relaxing trip experiencing a taste of the past. Well worth a visit, and you can also take your dogs!

My wife and I had a lovely afternoon stepping back in time to the steam era. Plenty of free car parking on site, also a cafe, shop and museum there too. Very nostalgic and extremely well organised by the staff and enthusiastic volunteers. The trip we had booked took us to all the stations on the line. Fortunately, you are able to get on and off the train at a couple of the stations to watch the steam engine recouple, turn around and take on water. Staff and volunteers were good fun, friendly and helpful. We would definitely recommend a visit.

It was a great way to spend 1 1/5 hours on a rainy day. The carriages were cold, even the volunteers complained it was colder on the train than off! Apparently it was because the engine had been started later than usual so not enough steam was available to heat the carriages. The autumnal colours of the passing countryside were amazing. To see how train travel used to be, and at a serene pace was lovely. We have recommended the railway to friends.

Bit of drama getting to the station , a tree blew down & blocked the road . We dumped the car , ducked under & walked half a mile . The trip was consequently delayed by 30 minutes . The station , cafe & carriages were beautifully maintained by volunteers . The packed lunch ordered in advance was ready & tasty . The trip through the autumnal golden trees of the Forest of Dean was enjoyable . I thought it was good value , though not exciting enough for children - some got bored .

Had the most amazing time and all the staff were so helpful and friendly. Father Christmas was great. I have two autistic children and everyone made my kids have the best time there. Totally worth going to help support the railway and everyone who does so much there. Thank you to everyone there.

Another very happy start for our family. We’ve been for the last 6 years and it is the best way to kick off Christmas. Everyone is so pleasant and helpful it’s a pleasure from start to end. Even the weather of last year was made bearable with the help of the staff. An excellent team.