Discover the Lincolnshire
Wolds Railway Experience
Welcome to the enchanting world of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, where history comes alive amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Our heritage railway, steeped in nostalgia, is a captivating journey into the past, offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Welcome to the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway
Only a short distance from Grimsby, the seaside resort of Cleethorpes and the historic market town of Louth, Lincolnshire Wolds Railway is a great day out for everyone.
Ride on the train, enjoy some great food in the café and make some new amazing memories as you visit us. Our heritage steam trains run between Ludborough and North Thoresby and work is now in progress to extend the line southwards towards Louth.
We are managed and run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers, do come and say hello. We are so excited to welcome you to the only standard gauge Heritage Steam Railway in Lincolnshire.
It is very important to us to keep our heritage line running and keeping steam alive, we are living history with a purpose to recreate and preserve railway scenes of the past. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome.

Experience Living Railway History
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway are proud winners of the:
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque Award Membership Year 2025-2026
Our Reviews
Really enjoyed the entertainment put on by Mark and his colleagues today. The staff where friendly and knowl
August 1, 2021
Not quite what I was expecting. Cars were parked in very muddy clogged grass making it difficult to get parked. It all seemed a little chaotic when we got there.... read more Santa saw the children for all of a minute as he handed out plastic bags with the kids presents in, which weren’t wrapped (not a big issue, but would have been nicer wrapped). The toys itself were age appropriate which was good. I thought we would be on the train for around an hour but it was 10 minutes up the road. Parked for 10 minutes whilst elves set up entertainment and 10 minutes back. The entertainment was ok, but wasn’t what I was expecting from the adverts. I think if this wasn’t here it the experience would have been awful. They did make it fun for 10 minutes. We had travelled nearly two hours each way (150 miles) to come to see Santa for 1 minute between three kids and the only interaction with him was to pass their present. They didn’t get to talk to him. There was the option to go and see him in the grotto after we got back to the station but the queue was long and the train was waiting to go again with the next lot so we didn’t wait.
It really didn’t add to things when a little boy in the seats in front hadn’t got a present as it had been forgotten as the grandparent was kicking off (I understand the frustration) but it really spoilt the atmosphere for other guests as she kept complaining. Then the elf singer asked for feedback on trip advisor which set her off again.
It was ok, but wasn’t what I expected and I think my children would have preferred somewhere where we could talk to father Xmas for 5 minutes. I appreciate its voluntary workers and I appreciate their time, just think it needs a few tweaks
December 22, 2019
I didn't know what to expect really apart from recent reviews, although my 2 young grandaughters enjoyed it and the volunteers are very good, for £15 each I think could... read more be better. Presents ok not expensive but they are just put in this rather big green plastic bag unwrapped! Also I paid £15 each for a 12 and 13 year old girl and they received not even the pen! Website mentioned stationary sets for older kids. Wont be travelling out to it next year will try one of the others. Expected at least some cookies or Santa bell for my nearly 3 and 5 year old.
December 22, 2019
We had a lovely morning trip out on the santa train. My children (3 and 5) loved it. Marc the elf was jolly and enthusiastic and got our carriage into... read more the spirit of things with singing and dancing which made the trip so much fun.
It is a short train ride but we knew this already and saw this as a positive as our little kids won't sit still for long anyway. The toys were age appropriate and both were played with for the train journey and car journey home. I would without a doubt recommend to others with young children.
December 22, 2019
I arrived by bus to North Thoresby as it seemed closer to the bus stop and there was a pub opposite the station for a quick pint.
The... read more track is dead straight so you can see the train leaving Ludborough. It was a rare Saturday steaming so I took the opportunity to tick this one off as it can be difficult to get here on Sundays by public transport.
To be honest there’s not a lot to see but staff and stations were tidy enough and visitors seemed to be have a good time.
June 4, 2022
We visit Lincolnshire Wolds Railway quite often. Summer or winter it’s always a good day out. The volunteer staff are friendly, nothing is too much trouble. There’s a timetable... read more full of interesting events, 1940s, Hawaiian, Queen, Teddybears Picnic and Santa Special to name a few. The volunteers who work on the platform, in the shop and on the train are very knowledgable, and can tell you just about anything regarding the train we travel on. For those who are interested, there’s an engine shed, where all the repairs are carried out.
Well worth a trip or two or three!
July 24, 2021