The Peacock Railway is open to the public on selected dates across the summer and is based in the grounds of the popular Peacock pub just outside Nantwich in Cheshire
Not many pubs can boast having a miniature railway in their back garden. However, near Nantwich in Cheshire, you’ll discover the Peacock Railway tucked away behind the Peacock pub. This railway is the creation of a team of devoted volunteers who operate it entirely.
They open it for £1 rides on selected Sundays and dates throughout the summer. Featuring both steam and electric miniature locomotives, they traverse a scenic route with a grassy track and through trees. Each ride offers two laps around the track, which measures approximately a quarter of a mile.
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Adding to its charm, three trains can operate simultaneously. So, as you journey around the track on the mini sit-on carriages, you can exchange waves with other passengers.
The railway commenced operations last weekend with a VE Day special, running all three steam engines for the first time, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Since last Sunday, May 18, the railway has been up and running again from 12 noon to 4 pm, inviting families and rail enthusiasts to visit.
In addition to the passenger-carrying railway, there’s also a Gauge-1 railway featuring tabletop engines for visitors to observe. Rail enthusiasts can even run their own model engines on the track.
Its location on the same site as the popular Peacock pub makes it an ideal spot for a family day out, with visitors often heading there before and after train rides for food and beverages.
Ken Grubb, secretary of the South Cheshire Society of Model Engineers who operate the Peacock railway, reveals that the club boasts 104 members. On open days, up to 40 volunteers flock to the railway to ensure all trains are operational.
Ken shares that first-time visitors are often taken aback by the unique location. He remarks: “We have some people coming quite a distance to see us and they say ‘I’ve never known a railway with a pub and a hotel on the same grounds’ but it’s absolutely true! We think we are quite unique as most of the railways like ours go in public parks.”
Ken divulged that the railway has been situated at its current site for the past 35 years – after their previous plot, also located behind a pub, was shut down due to plans for a new road construction.
Upon initially acquiring the plot, Ken describes it as “a tip”. However, the dedicated volunteers invested countless hours transforming it into the scenic setting it is today.
78-year-old Ken, a resident of Willaston, said: “The land is owned by the brewery and we rent it off the pub. “We work very closely with the pub, they help us with advertising the railway in the pub, and they see the benefits when we are open.
“They said to us ‘we have to put more staff on when the railway is on’- they were packed out last weekend.” Ken further adds: “When we first took it on it was literally a rubbish tip, we’ve completely rebuilt it over the last 35 years.
“We’ve levelled it planted trees, we have a little station, we look after the grounds, we have a team just on mowing!”
The railway operates on selected Sundays throughout June, July and August. This year, for the first time, they are also opening every Wednesday in August.
Ken stated: “What we’re doing in August we’re opening every Wednesday, it’s an opportunity for families to come and do something a bit different. It doesn’t cost a fortune, it’s a £1 ride and what else can you get for £1 these days? You can’t even get a cup of coffee for that.”
Members of the railway club maintain all the engines, with work sheds on site that visitors can view during their train ride.
They’ve initiated a junior section of the club for 10-16 year olds to participate, with plans for them to acquire their own miniature steam engine funded by donations from Crewe’s Mornflake Oats.
Ken’s own children and grandchildren are now involved as well, and he expressed how delightful it is to see families’ faces light up upon their first sight of the trains.
He shared: “Both children and adults love it to be honest, it’s lovely to see. We started to talk about it on Facebook and it’s really grown since then, friends tell other friends and we get queues back to the clubhouse now to ride.”
Meanwhile, the pub occupies its own scenic plot at the front of the site, boasting a vast beer garden at the front and side, complete with a large meadow that children adore running around in.
The pub, managed by Vintage Inns, serves food daily, including a popular Sunday roast menu and a comprehensive kids’ menu. While walk-ins are accepted, it’s recommended to reserve a table in advance at the restaurant, especially on days when the Peacock railway is operational.
Directions
The Peacock pub and Peacock Railway are conveniently located just off the Nantwich bypass, at 221 Crewe Road, Willaston, Cheshire CW5 6NE. The pub boasts a large free car park for patrons.
The upcoming public days for the Peacock Railway are scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 12noon to 4pm. Sunday, June 15 has been designated as a charity day in support of Air Ambulance North West.
In July, the railway will be open on Sunday, July 6, culminating in their grand annual event on July 20 from 11am to 4pm. This special occasion will feature classic cars, army vehicles and displays to celebrate 200 years of railways.
Throughout August, the railway will be open every Wednesday.