North Somerset is on the verge of reviving a beloved piece of its heritage, as plans move forward to reopen Clevedon’s miniature railway on Salthouse Fields. This charming 15-inch gauge railway, which has delighted visitors since 1952, has been out of operation in recent years but could soon be back in service.
In a move that coincides with the large-scale restoration of the Bristol to Portishead Railway, North Somerset Council is actively seeking a new operator to lease and manage the Clevedon miniature railway. The railway’s stunning route around Salthouse Fields, adjacent to Clevedon’s Marine Lake, has long been a popular attraction for families and tourists alike.
Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, and open spaces, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We’re excited to be putting the wheels in motion to get this much-loved miniature railway back on track. It’s a fantastic addition to the local area, bringing joy to visitors and providing a meaningful boost to our community and economy.”
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Local residents have voiced strong support for reopening the railway, emphasizing its importance as a recreational feature. The council plans to work closely with leisure providers and community groups to ensure the attraction’s success.
Beyond reopening the railway, the council envisions the new operator building a dedicated train shed to house the locomotive. The lease, set for 35 years, would also include managing on-site amenities such as a café, a mini golf course, and a children’s activity area, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The enthusiasm for reviving the miniature railway has been inspired in part by the nearby £182 million project to restore the Portishead to Bristol commuter railway, a development bringing renewed attention to rail in the region. At a North Somerset Council meeting, councillors expressed strong support for the initiative. Councillor Luke Smith remarked, “With the Portishead railway reopening, it feels like the perfect moment to get Clevedon’s miniature railway running again.” Council leader Mike Bell added, “Today has been a real celebration of railways, and we should do everything we can to bring Salthouse Fields’ miniature railway back to life.”
Operators interested in taking over the lease for Salthouse Fields and reviving the miniature railway are encouraged to submit their bids soon. This project promises to restore a cherished local attraction and create a vibrant hub for visitors and residents alike.