Preserving the Heritage of the Humberhead Peatlands
Nestled in the heart of the historic Humberhead Peatlands, Crowle Peatland Railway is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich industrial heritage of this unique landscape and the remarkable narrow-gauge railways that once crisscrossed these ancient moors.
Our Story
For centuries, peat has been extracted from these moorlands—a tradition stretching back to at least medieval times. When large-scale commercial peat extraction began in the 19th century, an extensive network of 3ft gauge horse-drawn railways was established to transport the peat across the wetlands. These humble tramways were the lifeblood of the peat industry, with sturdy horses pulling loaded wagons through all weathers.
It wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that the familiar clatter of hooves gave way to the distinctive chug of small industrial locomotives, marking a new chapter in the peatlands’ working history. Today, we keep this fascinating heritage alive, preserving the locomotives, rolling stock, and stories of the men, women, and horses who worked these remarkable railways.
Visit Us
We welcome visitors throughout the year with regular open days running from Easter onwards. Join us for special themed events at Halloween and Christmas, when the railway takes on a magical atmosphere perfect for families.
Stay Connected
Keep up to date with all our latest events, special openings, and railway news by checking our website regularly or following us on Facebook.
