The preservation of the past should always be a top priority since it helps us understand how those who came before us live.  Heritage railways are a part of this since they help keep a link to Britain’s transportation history.  At one point, heritage railways were a primary means of moving goods and people, but advances in technology made them unnecessary.  Today, heritage railways are tourist destinations and places of historical significance.  We’ve identified ten different heritage railways we think you should visit, and you can share some of your favorites with us in the comments.

Great Central Railway

The Great Central Railway offers an experience you won’t find with any other heritage railway on this list.  It is the UK’s only double-track, main-line railway, meaning you have the chance to see these great old locomotives pass each other as they would have done in the old days.

Festiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

The Festiniog is the world’s oldest independent narrow-gauge railway and runs a 13.5-mile journey in Wales from Porthmadog Harbour to Tan y Bwlch up a 700-foot incline into Snowdonia National Park.  Nearby, the Welsh Highland Railway is also not to be missed as it also takes you into Snowdonia and past the foot of Mount Snowden on a 25-mile journey, making it the longest heritage railway in the UK.

Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway has one of the best-looking journeys of any place on this list, as its 11-mile route takes passengers through the Sussex countryside.  Bluebell also hosts some of the best-looking trains of any heritage railway, with steam locomotives from the 1880s to the 1960s perfectly preserved.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

And speaking of natural beauty, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers one of the most beautiful trips back through time.  You move through several restored stations from the 1910s to 1930s, including Levisham and Pickering on the 24-mile trip.  A stop at the Goathland Station is not to be missed for film fans as it was a double for Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Another heritage railway for film buffs, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was used in “The Railway Children” and “Last of the Summer Wine.  The line originally closed in 1962, but reopened as a heritage railway only six years later.  Booking in advance gives you the opportunity to schedule afternoon tea while you ride.  The Railways also has a stop in Haworth, so you can visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum.

Epping Ongar Railway

The Epping Ongar Railway is one of the most convenient to access on this list.  With one of the stations in Epping, just northeast of Central London, it’s easy to take the London Underground to that end of the railway and ride it all the way to Chipping Ongar.  The Epping Ongar Railway also hosts special events, from Dinosaur Days for the kids to dining in its cars.

Ribble Steam Railway

Perhaps the most notable thing about the Ribble Steam Railway is that it runs right through the middle of Preston, England.  It goes across the Navigation Way swing bridge and into the town center.  Ribble locomotives get dressed up for the holidays, whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, and special events are hosted throughout the year.

Keith and Dufftown Railway

If you’re heading north, the Keith and Dufftown Railways is the most northerly heritage railway in Scotland.  It’s also not to be missed if you love whisky since the line starts in Dufftown, where seven different distilleries produce the most whisky in all Scotland (giving it the nickname “Whisky Capital of the World”).  There are three more distilleries at the destination of Keith, and the line regularly hosts special events involving Scotland’s favorite beverage.

Kent and East Sussex Railway

Another lovely trip through the Sussex countryside awaits with the Kent and East Sussex Railway, and if you’re not a whisky fan, you may find the ales at the Hoppers huts at the Bodiam station or in town at a CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Ale and Cider Festival.  Behind the Scenes, days will teach you everything you need to know about how these trains runs, which is perfect for kids.

West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway is possibly the second-longest heritage railway on this list, as it runs almost twenty-three miles from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard.  The railway itself is entirely owned by the Somerset County Council which leases it to West Somerset Railway, a public limited company, a public trust.  This also makes it the longest independent heritage railway in the United Kingdom.