West Lancashire Light Railway

2009 Timetable details available shortly

The West Lancashire Light Railway is a narrow gauge line, located in Hesketh Bank near Preston. Regular steam trains run on the half-mile long line around the old flooded clay pits at Alty's brickworks. While the line in only short, on normal operating days passengers can ride as many trains as they like, and the railway has a fascinating collection of narrow gauge steam, diesel and battery electric locomotives. The station at Becconsall exudes an authentic atmosphere of a small narrow gauge railway terminus, and the engine and repair sheds (with some areas normally open to the public) give a fascinating insight into the everyday working, repair and maintenance of narrow gauge rolling stock.
Main information telephone number:		01772 815881

	Steam trains operating regularly?	Yes
	Diesel trains operating regularly?	Normally only on special event days
Main Station/Centre Address:		West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Nr Preston, Lancs. PR4 6SP

Other Stations:		Willow Tree Halt, Delph

Web-site address:		www.westlancs.org

Length of line:		¼ mile

Ample car parking is available adjacent to the station at Becconsall (free).

Other local amenities:


Standard Ticket Prices, normally including multiple rides (other fares and restrictions apply on Special Event days, including Santa Specials):
	Adult Day Rover:	£ 2.50	Dogs:	Free
	Child Day Rover:	£ 1.50
	Senior Day Rover:	£ 2.00
	Family (2 adults & 2 children) Day Rover:	£ 6.00
	PLEASE NOTE THAT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED; CHEQUES ACCEPTED WITH CURRENT BANKERS CARD.

Operating Dates (click on a coloured date to display the timetable for that date):


Catering facilities available - SNACKS ONLY, no sandwiches.

	THE STATION BUFFET - Canned drinks - 60p; hot drinks from 80p. Chocolate from 50p. Hot food not normally available.


A buffet service is not currently available on normal service trains .

PICNIC FACILITIES are available on site at Becconsall, adjacent to the locomotive shed.

FACILITIES FOR DISABLED VISITORS and FAMILIES WITH PRAMS OR PUSHCHAIRS:
	The low level platform is easily accessible. However, the nature of the narrow gauge line is such that wheelchair and pushchair access to the trains is not possible, although the friendly staff will assist wherever possible.



FAMILY FACILITIES:
	Plenty of children's gifts are available in the well-stocked gift shop; various family events are run on certain dates throughout the year - check the special event dates (pink coloured) on the calendar.


OTHER FACILITIES:
Books, postcards and other small gifts are also available in the shop . Public access to the railway's workshops is normally available, but restricted to a small viewing gallery.
PRESERVEDRAILWAYS.ORG.UK REVIEW: Our reviewer visited the line for the Autumn Steam Gala Weekend on 5th October 2008, and had the following comments to make: 'My visit to the West Lancashire Light Railway was a day to remember! . The car park is immediately adjacent to the level platform, sure to be a bonus if the weather is bad. The booking office and gift shop building is small but well-stocked, and ticket purchase was quick, no doubt aided by the fact that credit card payments cannot be made (not a hindrance in view of the low-cost fares). I found the staff to be extremely friendly and helpful - no question was too much trouble to answer, and I was able to gather all the information I wanted about the trains and future events. 'The train consisted of two unique coaches, both built in the West Lancashire Light Railway's own workshops, each to a slightly different design; both coaches had open sides, so certain seats may prove to be a bit damp in bad weather. Careful selection of your seat may be a benefit there! A guard's brake van brought up the rear of the train. The coaches were clean, well-presented inside and out. The train locomotive was an ex-quarry locomotive 'Irish Mail', immaculately turned out in maroon. The train departed exactly on time, passing the sheds and rows of wagons, some awaiting repair. Shortly afterwards, the scenery opened out on the right hand side, giving views across the flooded clay pits, while some immaculate gardens were visible on the left as Willow Tree Halt was passed. A sharp right-hand bend then took us to the terminus at Delph, where passengers can alight and watch the loco run around the train for the return journey. 'Once the train had arrived back at Becconsall, I took the opportunity to explore the sidings and workshop. The railway boasts a fascinating collection of locomotives and artefacts from narrow gauge railways all around the country, and also some items of local interest from the former Preston to Southport railway line. The visitor access to the shed and workshop is restricted to a cordoned-off walkway, but still provides a fascinating insight into an aspect of preserved railways that is normally hidden from public view. A number of the diesel locomotives were also on display in the sidings to the rear of the sheds. 'Children especially seem to be fascinated by the compact nature of this line and its trains, and there are so many things to see that I'm sure all visitors to this line will find much to interest them.'
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS
	From Preston bus station, take Stagecoach service 2 to Hesketh Bank; alight in the village centre near the Becconsall public house. On operating days the line is clearly signed from the main road and can be found easily.