The railway line follows the route of the Severn and Wye Railway, which dates back to the early 19th century.
The line was originally constructed to transport coal from the local pits to the docks at Lydney.
The Parkend Station building was restored using traditional methods to reflect its original period design.
The line features a rare example of a working steam-powered crane used during maintenance.
Several locomotives at the site were rescued from the scrapyards of the 1960s British Rail modernization program.
Dean Forest Railway is a heritage line operating vintage steam and diesel trains through the woodlands of the Forest of Dean. The Parkend Station serves as the northern terminus of the line, which stretches 4.5 miles to Lydney Junction. The railway utilizes former Great Western Railway tracks that were historically used for coal and mineral transport. Visitors can view restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and locomotives housed within the railway's operating facility. The route offers views of local wildlife and the dense canopy of the Forest of Dean. The station building at Parkend includes a museum area documenting the industrial history of the local coal mining industry. It is a volunteer-run attraction that functions as a living museum of mid-20th-century British rail travel. The site remains fully operational for public service, providing a unique vantage point of the historic landscape.
The view of the steam locomotive pulling into Parkend Station from the footbridge.
Bring sturdy footwear, as the station grounds and nearby forest trails can be muddy or uneven.
Check the online schedule before arriving, as operational days vary significantly between peak summer and the off-season.
Combine your train ride with a walk on the nearby woodland trails surrounding the station.
Do not attempt to walk on the active train tracks or enter unauthorized maintenance areas behind the platforms.
Operates primarily on weekends and public holidays; mid-week service is limited to specific school holiday periods; closed throughout January and February.
Dress for changeable outdoor weather and wear sensible shoes; remain behind the yellow lines on the platform at all times.
