Chasewater Railway

About the museum

Chasewater Railway grew out of a plan by railway enthusiasts in 1959 to form a West Midlands group of the Railway Preservation Society. The group began collecting rolling stock at Hednesford and in December 1964 signed a lease for part of the former Midland Railway branch from Aldridge to Brownhills, beside the Chasewater reservoir.

The line runs for nearly four miles around the lake, partly on the trackbed of the old colliery railway, and crosses a causeway between two stretches of water. Brownhills West is the main station and has a heritage centre, museum, shop and tea room; other stops include Norton Lakeside Halt, Chasewater Heaths and Chasetown Church Street. When the M6 Toll was built in the early 2000s, Brownhills West was rebuilt slightly to the north.

The railway is run by volunteers as a charity. Steam and diesel locomotives, historic coaches and wagons and a railway museum with items from the 1800s onwards show the area’s industrial and railway heritage.

Highlights

• Steam and diesel train rides around Chasewater with a day-rover ticket
• Free railway museum with objects from the 1800s and historic wagons and coaches
• Heritage centre at Brownhills West and a causeway crossing between two lakes
• Model railway attractions and a gift and model shop
• Driver experience days and seasonal event trains

Permanent exhibition

• Chasewater Railway Museum and heritage centre – A railway museum with items from the 1800s, mostly linked to the local coal-mining area, and a display of historic wagons and passenger coaches, the oldest built in 1875.

Founded

1959

Operated by

Chasewater Light Railway and Museum Company (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices shown are the all-day rover fares on standard running days. Special events, galas and Santa specials have different prices. Dogs travel free and members travel free on presenting a membership card. Admission to the railway museum is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main station building at Brownhills West is fully accessible, and trains are boarded by a ramp with space for up to 6 seated wheelchair users with their companions. There are no marked disabled bays; visitors who tell staff on the day are parked as close as possible. The museum has level access, but it is reached over inclines and a dual-track level crossing. Norton Lakeside and Chasetown Church Street halts have limited access, and the model railway above Chasewater Heaths station is not accessible. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The railway runs family events such as a Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Halloween trains. Children’s birthday parties can be booked on Saturdays or, in school holidays, on Thursdays, but not between October and March.

Getting there & parking

The main station is Brownhills West in Chasewater Country Park, off Pool Lane. Chasewater Heaths station is at Station Approach, Chasetown. The railway also gives a what3words location for each station.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Sidings Tea Room at Brownhills West has indoor and outdoor seating; a separate, independently run café is at Chasewater Heaths station. The station has a model railway and gift shop and a bric-a-brac carriage. Toilets including an accessible toilet are in the main station building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

Private train hire is available on non-public days, with catering from the tea room; party bookings and train charters are arranged by email. Capacity is up to 200 on the coaches.

Plan your visit