The railway occupies a trackbed originally opened in 1873 to serve the local coal mining industry.
The line was saved from total closure in 1970 by the Shackerstone Railway Society after the Beeching cuts.
Shenton station is located approximately one mile from the actual site where Richard III was killed in battle.
The route passes through the scenic Leicestershire countryside, crossing the Ashby Canal on several occasions.
The heritage site houses a specialized workshop that maintains rolling stock dating back to the early 1900s.
The Battlefield Line is a heritage railway operating on a preserved section of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway in Leicestershire. The line runs between Shackerstone and Shenton, providing a connection to the site of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth. It is operated by the Shackerstone Railway Society and features a collection of vintage steam and diesel locomotives. Passengers travel in restored period carriages through the rural landscape of the Ashby Canal corridor. The railway maintains stations at Shackerstone, Market Bosworth, and Shenton. It serves as a living museum for mid-20th-century British railway history. The line offers various special events, including seasonal themed train rides throughout the year.
The pedestrian bridge at Shackerstone station provides a clear elevated view of arriving steam engines.
Check the official website timetable before arrival as the line operates on specific scheduled days rather than daily.
Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to walk from Shenton station to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.
Look for the smaller, less crowded trains if you prefer a quieter experience during peak season.
Assuming that trains run every day; the service is strictly limited to advertised operating days.
Operates primarily on weekends and public holidays, with additional midweek services during school holiday periods; check current season calendar for specific dates.
Avoid leaning out of carriage windows while the train is in motion; observe standard railway safety warnings.
