The Nene Valley Railway (NVR) is a preserved steam railway and seven and a half mile track from Yarwell Junction via Wansford, Ferry Meadows, Orton Mere to the Nene Valley station in Peterborough, with locomotives and rolling stock from Europe and the UK.
Children will love meeting 'Thomas', the world-famous engine who now lives out his retirement here. Plus their are various special services during school holidays and Santa Specials during December.
Information:Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Peterborough, PE8 6LR -
See location on Google Maps.
Telephone: Enquiries 01780 784444
Talking Timetable 01780 784404
Website:
www.nvr.org.uk.
Directions: Wansford Station is off the southbound carriageway of the A1 between the A47 and A605 junctions.
The history of the train in Peterborough dates back to June 2, 1845, when the first passenger train to go along the Nene Valley departed from Peterborough.
The line came to Peterborough from Blisworth, via Northampton, Thrapston, Oundle and Wansford
Through various changes of ownership, trains ran along this line until the 1960s.
In 1964, after a steady decline, passenger services ceased between Peterborough and Northampton. A service to Rugby ended in 1966, and in 1972 British Rail closed the line completely.
Shortly before this, in 1968, the Rev Richard Paten purchased BR class '5' 4-6-0 No 73050 for £3,000, its scrap value.
Originally he had intended to put it on display, but it was found to be in good condition, so the idea was mooted that it should be restored instead.
In March 1969 the Peterborough branch of the East Anglia Locomotive Preservation Society was established, and by 1970 the local branch was sufficiently strong to form their own association, the Peterborough Locomotive Society (PLS).
In 1971 the PLS changed its name to the Peterborough Railway Society and in March held a well attended meeting at the Town Hall at which the idea of the Nene Valley Railway was formally launched.
27 January 2010.
Evening Telegraph featuresHollywood stars steam in to Peterborough29 October 2008: Film superstars Penelope Cruz and Daniel Day-Lewis arrived for secret film shooting at the Nene Valley Railway, see photos from the filming.
How to.... drive a steam train25 April 2008: Ian Ray get his hands on the controls of a steam locomotive at the Nene Valley Railway.
Fancy tracking down railway ghosts?29 January 2008: A team of paranormal investigators will be spending the night at the Nene Valley Railway's Wansford depot, keen to discover if they can unravel some mysterious sightings at the site down the years.
The railway is a great way to relive the Golden Age of Steam, you can jump aboard at Wansford to Peterborough Nene Valley Railway stations.
There is a shop, café, book shop, museum, model railway and exhibition engine shed at Wansford Guided tours and 'Driver' Experience courses available.
Details correct at 17 July 2009.