The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway is an historic standard-gauge railway with old carriages, set in the rural Lincolnshire Wolds. Everyone is welcome at the railway, and greeted with a friendly smile.
Own transport is required, as public transport is very limited and the main road is around 1 mile away. Brown tourist signs direct traffic from the nearby main roads.
Car parking
Parking is only available at Ludborough Station, available on open dates and situated across from the station. There are no car parking facilities at North Thoresby station.
The car park is a grassed area with a gravel track along the centre. We have disabled car parking spaces directly to the left as you pull into the car park. The car park can get muddy in wet conditions.
Passengers can also be dropped off directly outside the gate to the station, but cars must not be left there — it is only for dropping off. Visitors must not block or park on the grass verge, must not block any gates or farming access, and must keep clear of the parking area of the cottage adjacent to the station.
Platform access
We have an opening gate which gives access onto Ludborough Station, then an inclined slope onto the platform — a handrail is provided to assist.
The platform is level with paved slabs and a painted white line on the drop edge. The platform gives access to our ticket office, gift shop and buffet facilities. Our toilet facilities are situated on the north platform, across the level crossing.
Seating areas
We have various areas for sitting and resting: a picnic area located on our north platform near the toilet block, benches on the main platform, and a covered waiting area next to the gift shop with bench-type seating.
Ticket office, gift shop & museum
Tickets are purchased from the ticket office window at the side of the gift shop, accessed on the platform.
The gift shop and small museum are accessed from the platform by a wooden decked ramp. The shop and museum have limited space, which can accommodate one wheelchair at any one time.
Toilet facilities
An accessible toilet with an outward-opening door is available at Ludborough on our north platform at the main toilet block. This is equipped with grab rails, a lever tap, paper towels, hand soap and sanitiser. Baby changing facilities are available within the accessible toilet.
Ladies and Gents toilets are also at the main toilet block, accessed through individually marked doors.
Toilets are available onboard the train but, due to the age of the carriages, these are small and not wheelchair accessible. We only recommend these be used in desperate need and while out of the stations.
No toilet facilities are available at North Thoresby.
Travelling onboard the train
We operate a fleet of historic carriages which have a step up to gain access, and the doors are single narrow doors. The design of heritage rolling stock means narrow aisles and corridors, so wheelchair access is not possible along the train.
We have space available for customers with mobility impairments, including some wheelchair spaces within our guard’s van, which has easier access through double doors giving access to a comfortable open area with chairs.
A ramp is carried onboard the train and we have portable access steps available. Our friendly volunteers are on hand to help you access the trains — please ask a member of staff for assistance.
Access to all the carriages can be made at any door, as you can walk through each carriage.
Engine shed
The engine shed is not normally open to the general public except on a guided tour accompanied by a member of staff, due to the nature of the building and safety reasons — it is a working environment.
The path to the engine shed is narrow and rough, and halfway along turns into a grassy path which is bumpy, so it is not currently suitable for wheelchair access. The engine shed is accessed through a narrow door and has narrow aisles, an oily floor, and pits and locomotive parts all around.
Food & drink
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, which can be eaten in our picnic area or onboard the train. We do ask that you clear up after yourselves and place rubbish in the bins on site.
Our Steaming Kettle Buffet is located on the main platform in two converted old carriages, so these are narrow in width. Access is via a single door up a step, and we have a ramp available at the far-end double door giving wheelchair access into a comfortable open area with tables and chairs. Our volunteers will be on hand to serve you and take your order.
Dog friendly
We love welcoming our furry friends to the railway. Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas.
Pet dogs are welcome in all areas except our gift shop — but our friendly volunteers are on hand to look after your dog while you browse, and we have a fence to tie up your dog as well. We have a dog-friendly area in our buffet so you can sit in with them; access to this area is via the far-end door. Dogs are welcome in our dog-friendly carriages onboard, and they may get a treat if they’re well behaved!
Dog water is provided on the platform.
Further assistance
In the case of query or difficulty, please telephone the railway on 01507 363881. If at a station, the staff will be happy to assist; if on a train, please speak to the Guard or onboard staff.
We want to assist in any way we can to make your visit enjoyable.