Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Leighton buzzard railway museum

As mentioned, yesterday I went to the Leighton Buzzard railway museum, dedicated to a short miniature railway which served the local quarries. 

The adult ticket was around £14 and it includes a ride on the train. The main exhibition consists of a covered engine yard with several narrow gauge engines, both steam and diesel powered.

The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and after a few minutes a very friendly gentleman approached us to give us a free impromptu guided tour.

He informed us on why narrow gauge is used(easier to turn corners and go up steep gradients) and the purpose the railway originally served.  It turns out sand was quarried in the area, which was used in building and in glassmaking.  The gentleman volunteer told us that the glass used in building Crystal Palace was made from Leighton Buzzard sand. 

On that day, it hosted a beer festival but we didn't partake. Then it was time for the train ride.  As expected it was a slow pleasant journey through the suburbs of Leighton Buzzard and it terminated at industrial estate on the edge of town. There were a few more engines and other rail related exhibits there. We then took the same train back. On the way out I bought a £2 booklet about the engines on display, which our volunteer guide suggested. 

It's well worth visiting for railway nerds, and much respect to all the volunteers involved. 

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