dean forest railway

Spent a very enjoyable day at the DFR, travelling on a diesel railcar between Norchard and Lydney and behind a magnificently restored steam engine between Norchard and Parkend. Wonderful views of the forest and an opportunity to see the work being done to recreate this historic railway.Don't miss the museum at Norchard- one of the best small exhibit collections on any heritage railway.

arrived in dreary weather to a very warm welcome, especially from the NOTTINGHAM LADhad pre planned a trip round the sheds/yard---small but imformativeinteresting ride from PARKEND thro` the forest to NORWOOD and down to the severn estuary at LYDNEY-------real changing scenerywould have been great if 2 locos had been in steam--but hey!!! its early march, cannot expect everything so early in the seasonnice team room between the lower and upper platformseveryone appeared to be happy --staff and customers alike--so the JOBS A GUD UN !!!!

If you like old trains - or even if you don't - this is an enchanted ride through the Forest of Dean. Lovingly preserved and well worth a visit and a ride

For something to do with the kids it was okay although only half the line was operational between Norwood and Parkend via Whitecroft.On the day no steam was operational so had to do with a "rattly" DMU which isn't, obviously, as impressive.We'd time to kill before suitable limited trains were running so, on recommendation, went to the Miner's Arms for lunch. This turned out to be on the expensive side for what we had (remember to ask for your discount - we didn't!) but it was okay.The museum had things to do for the kids (and big kids) and an old "touchy feely" telephone exchange (interesting watching the children trying to press the numbers on the telephone dial rather than actually "dial"!).Website is: http://deanforestrailway.co.uk/

Lovely ride up to Parkend and back. The line also has loads of really interesting history to it. Station guards in Lydney were very helpful letting us know when the next train was due, allowing us time to walk around the park

Another fantastic trip on this railway. The new café that's open is fantastic and always very welcoming. Something I thought was really nice that there was Christmas songs on the trains while the train was running. The free mince pies was a welcome sight while travelling on the train. I would recommend anyone go on the mince pie special on this railway.

Nanny, Granddad, and nearly 3 year old granddaughter - all enjoyed the ride and Santa and helpers were great. Would like a trip advisor good rating opportunity rather than a choice of average or very good.... It is expensive because adults have to pay the same as kids ( could do without mince pie and mini bottle for lesser price). I know its only once a year, and have read the comments from organisers re other reviews and running costs, but thirty nine pounds for 3 still steep; the child's present okay but still not really inline with price charged including ride. The Thomas events are better value. All in all though good one hour. We had the 11.30am xmas eve slot so you would think there would be toilet roll in the loos at the station stop!

Firstly the concept of the Santa train is a great idea. Unfortunately the performance is one of a cheap and nasty fairground ride. You must remember that this is a railway run by elderly amateurs and volunteers. If u are expecting quality and value for money, look elsewhere. We were 3 adults and two year old. This was £52.00. U travel two miles to parkend and then the same back. You do not go the whole length of track. There is a lot of stop start and the train never really goes faster than running speed. You will sit in an old train carriage with bits of tinsel draped from the roof and windows, and there are pictures of Santa dotted around. Not very creative. However I will say that the staff on the train tried to spruce up the experience with their Christmas energy and outfits. Santa was nice but the present was cheap, so no value there either. If 50 pounds means nothing to you, go for it and see what u think. At the end of the day A feeling of disappointment hangs in the air with a lot of questions unanswered. Could of been so much better if the planning team had given the whole project a little more care.

Visited with a 4 and 2 yr old. They both had a really fun time. The Santa and his helpers were really good hood, connecting well with the kids and giving pretty good presents, including a little something for the adults.

We visited Dean Forest Railway today with our 2yr old to take part in a Santa express. We thoroughly enjoyed it... Superbly organised with very friendly staff and great gifts for the children and adults. Would recommend and will be back next year.

Took our 2 year old boy on this trip today. He loves the polar express so we wanted something that would b similar 2 this. As soon as the train came round the corner his face lit up. Having read the information online about the trip I'd say it was spot on all the volunteer staff were good there wasn't anything that went wrong and with 4 carriages running it was very well thought out. The children all saw santa before he came round 2 speak 2 them children Individually and he wasn't rushed when seeing them individually. He asked approiate questions and gave prompts of what he'd be looking out 4. The present received was age related as stated and my little boys face lit up when he saw a boat 4 the bath. We visited the museum briefly before going on the train and I'm glad we did because we stumbled across an old telephone with a message from santa...This made my little one even more excited about boarding the train!! I was surprised 2 b offered a mince pie and a miniature liquor this was a lovely touch. The staff even made sure the mince pies were still warm. Being given a numbered seat in a carriage made it easier 2 board as there was no rushing 2 get a seat and no unnecessary waiting around before hand. I left knowing our money would be put to good use in the coming year 2 help restore the services on offer.

As Grandparents looking after three grandchildren aged 4,6 & 12 the Santa Express was a nonstressful way to pass a Saturday morning. All very well organised, an experience Santa, well drilled elves, a docile reindeer and christmassie music with a seasoned announcer where just rightfor the children to buy into the magic. And oh yes the steam train. The presents for the kids were well recieved on the outward journey. The adults got a decent mince pie and miniture bottle of liquor on the return journey. A look round the station, the museum and the shop makes a two hour plus experience which at £13 a head with profits one assumes going to the heritage railway means you can feel good while feeling good. PS you have to have a good imagination re the reindeer.

We had Sunday lunch on the railway. It was delightful occasion. The railway is smaller, more modest and consequently more like a branch line would have been in the days of steam - in contrast to the bigger preservation grous who have to respond to higher demand.The railway meanders through the Forest of Dean whle being served a Sunday lunch - recreating a scene from a long past era.The seating is excellent - comfortable and elegant. The service - relating to the speed of the train - injects a feeling of "we have plenty of time to complete the lunch in the time allocated".Altogether a delightfulexperience that we intend to continue each ear - as a nostalgic treat ina return to a bygone era - run by such polite and helpful people.

Good trip on the railway. only a short walk to the RSPB reserve from Parkend. The railway doesn't have a very extensive timetable and is even more restricted in October. The last train didn't return to Lydney.

A very nicely presented railway. Ok for a steam train ride anyday , but not terribly exciting.The presentation of their rail museum display on the station and the most interesting to me . Loads of lovely railway memorabilia, such a well laid out display