Coate Water Miniature Railway to Close for Maintenance Work
The beloved Coate Water Miniature Railway will close for four weeks of maintenance starting February 17, coinciding with school holidays.
Swindon, Wiltshire, Miniature Railway, Coate Water, Family Fun
Swindon: The miniature railway at Coate Water Country Park has been a favorite for 60 years. Families love it during school holidays.
The North Wilts Model Engineering Society has run the £2 rides since 1965. Swindon Borough Council approved the track’s construction back then.
Now, the railway will close for four weeks for maintenance. This starts on Monday, February 17, the first day of spring half-term for many kids.
While safety is important, some parents are unhappy about the timing. They worry about missing out during the school holidays.
One parent joked, “Will there be a rail replacement bus running?” Others are glad the railway is being maintained after all these years.
Grandfather Tim Midwinter shared, “I went for a ride with my grandson this afternoon. What great value for £2!”
The railway began as a 200ft raised track for small locomotives. In 1971, the North Wilts Model Engineering Society requested more land.
They built a larger 800ft layout, adding a station and an extra line for passing trains. It officially opened in 1972.
In the late eighties, they sought permission to extend the railway further, which was completed in 1995.
A spokesperson for MWR Bricklaying and Construction said, “I hope people enjoy the tunnel as much as I did building it.”
The £2 fare has increased over the years due to inflation, but the railway remains an affordable attraction for Swindon residents.