The Swindon and Cricklade Railway (S&CR) was established in 1978 by a group of railway enthusiasts who formed the Swindon and Cricklade Railway Preservation Society. Their goal was to preserve a section of the former Midland and South Western Junction Railway (M&SWJR), which had once connected Andover to Cheltenham. The original line had been closed in 1970, and the preservationists aimed to restore a portion of it as a heritage railway for public enjoyment and historical education[1].
In 1984, the society was granted a Light Railway Order, allowing them to legally reconstruct and operate the line. Just a year later, in 1985, the first trains began running between Blunsdon and Hayes Knoll. Over the following decades, the railway expanded its operations, opening Hayes Knoll Station in 1999 and reaching South Meadow Lane by 2008. In 2012, the line extended south to Taw Valley Halt, which was officially opened in 2014[1].
The railway is entirely volunteer-run and has become a model for grassroots heritage preservation. It was one of the first preserved railways in the UK to reconstruct a standard-gauge line from scratch, without any inherited infrastructure. The headquarters at Blunsdon serves as the main visitor hub, featuring a café, shop, and museum. Hayes Knoll, meanwhile, houses restoration sheds and a working signal box used during special events[2].
Today, the line stretches approximately 2.5 miles, with plans to extend further north to Cricklade. This extension has been a long-term ambition of the society and is being pursued in phases. The project requires significant funding, engineering work, and volunteer effort. When completed, the full route will offer a continuous heritage journey from Mouldon Hill Country Park near Swindon to the historic town of Cricklade, enhancing its appeal as a tourist attraction[3].
The S&CR continues to thrive as a living museum of railway heritage. It operates a variety of steam and diesel locomotives, hosts themed events, and educates visitors about the region’s rich railway history. As Wiltshire’s only standard-gauge heritage railway, it plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of the M&SWJR and offers a nostalgic experience for families, enthusiasts, and future generations[4].
This historical summary was generated using artificial intelligence and is based on publicly available sources.
