Coleford Great Western Railway Museum
Volunteer-run railway museum in the former goods shed at Coleford, Forest of Dean, with a signal box, locomotives and a 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Great Western Railway Museum in Coleford was established in 1986 by the late Mike Rees. It is housed in one of the last permanent railway buildings in the Forest of Dean, on the site of Coleford's former railway yard, and next to the town's main car park. The goods shed dates from 1883.
The collection traces the railways of the Forest of Dean from the early 19th century. In the engine shed visitors can see a restored 0-4-0 Peckett locomotive, and the site also has a working signal box, a replica Victorian railway carriage, a Toad brake van and a Fruit C van. A railway shop and a bookshop sell souvenirs and books.
The museum also runs a 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway, with passenger electric and steam locomotives, and offers short train rides to visitors. It is open on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and small groups and coach parties can arrange visits on other days. Special event days, such as the Easter Monday Carnival of Transport, bring more steam rides and extra opening.
Highlights
- Restored 0-4-0 Peckett locomotive in the engine shed
- Goods shed of 1883 and a working signal box
- Replica Victorian railway carriage, Toad brake van and Fruit C van
- 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway with train rides
- Railway shop and bookshop
Permanent exhibition
- Railways of the Forest of Dean – The goods shed, engine shed with a Peckett locomotive, signal box, replica carriage and brake van, telling the story of local railways.
- Founded
- 1986
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
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| Children & teens | £2.50 |
| Miniature train ride | £2.50 |
The museum entry price does not include the miniature train ride, which costs extra.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Short rides on the miniature railway are available for an extra charge, and children pay a reduced entry price.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum and miniature railway are in the main car park of Coleford.
The museum is at the Old Railway Station on Railway Drive, Coleford.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A railway shop and a bookshop are on site; hot drinks have been offered at event days.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Group visits can be arranged by phone (01594 832032, 01594 833569 or mobile 07812 059004) or email, including on weekdays. Some of the site, such as the engine shed and signal box, is also opened on event days. |
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