Caledonian Railway Brechin
Volunteer-run heritage railway between Brechin and Bridge of Dun, running steam and diesel trains on selected dates and special events.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The line between Brechin and Bridge of Dun opened in 1848 to link the growing town of Brechin, with its textile and whisky industries, to the wider railway network. Passenger services ended in 1952, freight continued for some decades, and the line finally closed in 1981.
A group of volunteers, organised as the Brechin Railway Preservation Society from 1979, took on the task of keeping the route alive. Today the Caledonian Railway runs along the original four-mile route between Brechin and Bridge of Dun, with steam or diesel locomotives pulling restored 1950s carriages. The line is run entirely by volunteers, who received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2019.
Besides ordinary running days at weekends in summer, the railway holds events for families, including Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express in winter, as well as themed events for adults. Visitors can also use the Whistle Stop Cafe at Brechin station and the gift shop.
Highlights
- Four-mile journey between Brechin and Bridge of Dun
- Steam and diesel locomotives with restored 1950s carriages
- Family events such as Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express
- Whistle Stop Cafe at Brechin station
- Founded
- 1979
- Operated by
- Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd
Admission & discounts
Fares depend on the service or event and are given on the What's On page. Tickets can be bought in advance online or on the day at the ticket office, subject to availability.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The stations are wheelchair accessible, with ramps to help boarding; at Brechin disabled access is through the yellow gates to Platform 1 and at Bridge of Dun by the platform ramp into the car park. One coach (Coach C) has been converted for wheelchair users and should be booked by email beforehand. There are no disabled facilities or toilets on the train; disabled toilets are available at both stations. Disabled parking is next to Brechin station.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The railway promotes family days out and holds events such as Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express train ride.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free off-street parking is available at Brechin station and at Bridge of Dun station (DD10 9LH). The main car park may close during some special events.
- Accessible parking
Brechin station is in Park Road, just off the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Whistle Stop Cafe at Brechin station serves soups, toasties, cakes and hot drinks, and the BufferStop Buffet at Bridge of Dun sells snacks and drinks. There is a gift shop at Brechin station. These services run only when trains are scheduled and may have reduced hours.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | A typical visit is a return journey between Brechin and Bridge of Dun, with time to see the stations and the cafe. Dogs are welcome on most daytime services on a lead, but not on services where food or drink is served. Access to tracks, sheds and workshops is not permitted. Trains run in most weather. |
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