Nene Valley Railway at a glance
- What
- A heritage railway bringing steam, diesel and historic railway travel back to life
- Journey
- Through the Nene Valley between Peterborough, Wansford and Yarwell
- Main visitor base
- Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR
- Along the route
- Ferry Meadows, Orton Mere and the riverside edge of Peterborough
- Look out for
- Historic locomotives, vintage carriages, stations and working railway infrastructure
- Best for
- Railway enthusiasts, families, film fans and memorable journeys through the landscape
Climb aboard a heritage train and watch the Nene Valley unfold beyond the carriage window, from Peterborough’s riverside to Ferry Meadows, Wansford and the countryside beyond.
The Nene Valley Railway is not simply somewhere to look at old trains. It is a working railway experience. Locomotives move, signals change, platforms come alive and historic carriages carry passengers through a landscape that feels made for slow travel.
The railway preserves part of a former rural route and has developed into one of Peterborough’s most distinctive visitor attractions. Steam locomotives, heritage diesels, historic stations and restored rolling stock recreate the atmosphere of an earlier railway age while keeping traditional engineering and operational skills alive.
The journey is part of the attraction. Trains follow the River Nene through countryside and Nene Park, giving passengers a changing view of woodland, meadows, water and railway infrastructure that is difficult to experience in quite the same way from the road.
Discover the story of the railway that transformed Peterborough
The heritage railway forms part of a much bigger story. Railways helped turn Peterborough from a cathedral and market town into a nationally important junction and industrial city.
What to discover on the Nene Valley Railway
Every part of the experience adds something different, from the sound of a locomotive working hard to the quiet moments when the train runs beside the river.
Travel behind heritage locomotives
Experience the movement, sounds and atmosphere of railway travel behind locomotives and railcars from a different age.
Explore Wansford Station
Historic platforms, railway buildings and engineering activity make Wansford the place where the scale of the preservation operation becomes clear.
Journey through the Nene Valley
See riverside meadows, woodland, parkland and open countryside change outside the window as the train moves along the valley.
Connect with Nene Park
The railway passes directly through the Park, creating an unusual opportunity to combine a heritage train journey with walking, wildlife and open space.
Preservation in action
This is a real operational railway where locomotives, carriages, track, signalling and historic infrastructure are maintained for future generations.
Railway adventure for families
The experience gives younger visitors a vivid introduction to trains, engineering and the excitement of travelling somewhere in a completely different way.
A railway that can become almost anywhere.
The Nene Valley Railway has another extraordinary identity: film location.
Its period stations, continental rolling stock, sidings and countryside have allowed filmmakers to transform Peterborough into Cold War Germany, Russia, France and fictional railway locations across decades of film and television.
James Bond has used the railway more than once, while television drama, period productions and even music videos have found a home here.
Explore Peterborough on ScreenWhen James Bond came to Peterborough
Few heritage railways can claim quite the screen career of the Nene Valley Railway. Wansford, Orton Mere and other sections of the line have repeatedly been transformed for film and television.
For Octopussy, Wansford became Cold War East Germany, while sections of the line featured in an elaborate railway sequence. Bond returned with GoldenEye, when the railway helped create the film’s Russian setting.
Other productions associated with the railway include Poirot, EastEnders, Casualty and numerous period dramas. Queen also used the railway for the memorable video to Breakthru.
You can discover the wider story on Peterborough on Screen.
Combine the train with Nene Park
The railway and Nene Park fit naturally together. The line runs directly through the Park, with stops giving access to the landscape around Ferry Meadows and Orton Mere.
That means a day does not have to be entirely about trains. You can combine the railway with waterside paths, woodland, wildlife and open space, making it particularly appealing to mixed groups where not everybody is a dedicated railway enthusiast.
Planning your visit
- Main visitor base
- Wansford Station, Old Great North Road, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR.
- Before you travel
- Visit the official Nene Valley Railway website for current running information, journeys, tickets and visitor guidance.
- Different railway experiences
- Locomotives and train formations can vary, which is part of the character of a working heritage railway. Check the official website when planning a particular journey.
- Accessibility
- Historic trains and stations can present different access arrangements. Check directly with the railway if you have particular mobility or boarding requirements.
Discover Peterborough tip: spend some time at Wansford as well as travelling. Watching locomotives move around the station and seeing the railway operate can be just as memorable as the journey itself.
Continue exploring Peterborough
The railway connects naturally into Peterborough’s parks, industrial history, film story and other railway attractions.
Peterborough’s Railway Story
Discover how railways transformed Peterborough into a major junction and helped build the modern city.
Explore the railway historyPeterborough on Screen
Follow the Nene Valley Railway’s remarkable journey through Bond films, television drama, period productions and music history.
Roll the creditsNene Park
Step off the railway into lakes, woodland, riverside paths and one of Peterborough’s great outdoor landscapes.
Explore Nene ParkRailworld Wildlife Haven
Discover railway heritage, model railways, engineering and wildlife beside the railway’s Peterborough terminus.
Explore RailworldPeterborough History
Explore the bigger story of the city, from prehistoric landscapes and medieval power to industry, railways and modern Peterborough.
Explore the history hubMore things to do
Find more heritage attractions, family experiences, outdoor adventures and places to explore across Peterborough.
Find more experiencesPlan your Nene Valley Railway journey
For current train services, visitor information, accessibility guidance and everything you need before travelling, visit the railway’s official website.