Crowle Peatland Railway

The railway was formed to preserve the history and heritage of the Humberhead Peatlands.

Welcome to CRowle Peatland Railway

Peat extraction on the Crowle and Thorne Moors dates back to medieval times, shaping the landscape and local heritage for centuries. In the 19th century, industrial-scale harvesting led to the creation of a unique network of 3ft gauge horse-drawn railways, threading through the moorland. By the 1950s and 60s, these tracks saw a new era as locomotives gradually replaced horses—marking a fascinating chapter in peatland transport history.

Join us throughout the year

We host open days from Easter onwards, with special seasonal events at Halloween and Christmas. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a local history buff, or simply looking for a family-friendly day out, there’s something for everyone.

Stay Connected

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for the latest news, event updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our restoration work.

Join the Volunteer Team at Crowle Peatland Railway

Crowle Peatland Railway thrives thanks to the dedication and passion of its volunteers. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or simply curious about heritage railways, there’s a place for you on our team.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with us means becoming part of a living legacy. You’ll help preserve the rich history of the moors, contribute to a unique community project, and gain hands-on experience in a variety of roles. It’s rewarding, sociable, and a brilliant way to make a difference.

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. Here are just some of the roles you can get involved in:

Track and infrastructure maintenance
Rolling stock repairs
Café staff and baristas
Sales and meet-and-greet personnel
Train guards, dispatchers, and engine drivers
Mechanical fitters, welders, and lathe operators
JCB drivers and civil engineers
Social media and event organisers

Whether you’re handy with tools, great with people, or have a knack for admin, your skills are valued here.

When and Where?

Our regular work parties meet every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am. If you let us know when you’re coming, we’ll ensure someone is available to give you a warm welcome and induction.

We use the Heritage Railway HOPS system and WhatsApp groups to keep everyone informed and connected.

Ready to Get Involved?

Fill out the form on our volunteering page or email us at volunteers@peatland.co.uk to express your interest. Whether you can help weekly or just occasionally, every contribution counts.

events

Crowle Peatland Railway hosts a vibrant calendar of events that celebrate local heritage, community spirit, and the unique landscape of the moors. From summer holiday train rides to Turf Moor, to atmospheric Halloween ghost trains and storytelling in the Lisbon Tram, each event offers something special for visitors of all ages. Regular Sunday brunches at Moorside Café feature locally sourced ingredients, while Heritage Open Days bring history to life with expert talks, exhibitions, and guided tours. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, there’s always something happening at Crowle Peatland Railway.

Our Rolling stock

Crowle Peatland Railway is home to a fascinating collection of narrow-gauge locomotives and vehicles that once played a vital role in transporting peat from the moors to the processing mills. Highlights include our lovingly restored Simplex locomotive, Little Peat, and the powerful diesel-hydraulic Schöma engines introduced in the 1990s to modernise peat haulage.

Our collection also features a rare Wagonmaster locomotive, formerly used on the Bord na Móna peat railways in Ireland, and a historic Wickham Trolley originally built for the 3ft gauge Lochaber Railway in Scotland—each piece offering a unique glimpse into the industrial heritage of peatland transport.

Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply curious about local history, our rolling stock brings the story of the moors to life. Click the links below to explore each vehicle in more detail.