A steam railway in South-West London has been given permission for a major extension of the railway line.

The Hampton and Kempton Waterworks Railway is a recently restored railway of the sort that often carted coal around the Victorian waterworks, and today, it carries families on scenic tours on a small loop beside the pumping stations.

Miraculously, large sections of the original 5,350 yard long track bed from Hampton riverside to the Kempton Waterworks buildings survive more or less intact, though the rails themselves have long since disappeared.

The Metropolitan Water Board Railway Society (MWBRS) was set up in 2004 to restore as much of the original Waterboard Railway line as possible, partly as an extra attraction to visitors to the Kempton Great Engines, partly to transport them there and partly as a stand alone attraction.

The initial section of restored railway opened in 2013. It is the long term aim of the railway to eventually restore the original route in its entirety.

Last week, they secured a lease from Thames Water to extend the passenger steam railway, enabling them to start work on the next phase of their heritage project.

The narrow gauge railway is to run 2.6km from the Kempton Steam Museum to Hydes Field, Hampton, giving the general public a steam hauled trip through the countryside.

In addition, a new visitor and community centre is being planned for the railway.

At the moment, the light railway is open every Sunday from 17th March 2018 to 18th November 2018, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm. Rides cost £2.50.

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2 comments
  1. Rodney Maennling says:

    Your patience is paying off! Congratulations. The various attractions for the public, such as the nature reserve, will assist with local government support. I would be involved if I lived close by!
    Rodney, Vancouver Island, Canada

  2. Nick says:

    Great news…cant wait for a trip. Will be a new major attraction to what is already a fabulous place to visit….and right next door to Goldfingers Fort Knox !

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