Normally we would run trains every Sunday throughout May – September with our Steam Railway Days. We also run event weekends dispersed amongst the season.
At present, due to the Covid-19 crisis we are closed for the majority of our Summer programme, but we are planning some limited events with pre-booking.
2020 EVENTS PROGRAMME
The 2020 programme is shown below, but is subject to change and cancellation due to the Coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak.
Despite the recent easing of some Coronavirus outbreak restrictions, the Trustees of the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway have reluctantly decided that they still cannot reopen the museum to the general public for the majority of the planned programme.
The main issues arising for the MSLR in terms of Covid-19 precautions and, as an accredited museum and a registered charity, are maintaining hygiene and cleaning arrangements, plus the assessment and protection of members of the public and vulnerable volunteers.
The numerous practical control measures, particularly social distancing, are very difficult to comply with, especially as the Middy is a unique part of British Railway history due to its heritage. The old railway had to be economic to run and much of the charm of the Middy is in the size and style of its vehicles and buildings. Imagine social distancing in the cab of the Y7!
Given the nature of the virus and the fact that there are so many related unknown quantities around its development, were we to open now, we could not guard against a visitor unwittingly bringing the virus to the MSLR and the consequent cost and disruption of deep cleaning the whole of the railway.
Nonetheless we hope to be able to announce some openings very soon. Keep watching these pages!
The following events are subject to cancellation or postponement as required by Government advice.
2nd August – Steam Railway Day – CANCELLED
9th August – Steam Railway Day – CANCELLED
15th & 16th August – VJ Day 75 & Middy in the War Years – CANCELLED
23rd August – Steam Railway Day – CANCELLED
30th & 31st August – Model Mania & Hornby Collectors – CANCELLED
5th & 6th September – Country Railway Gala – CANCELLED
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December – Santa Specials – UNDER REVIEW
1st January – New Year’s Steam & Light – UNDER REVIEW
Trains on operating days will be steam hauled unless stated otherwise. Our museum, shop, refreshment room, model railway and our real ale bar, the Kitchener Arms will all normally be open on train operating days.
Normal entry prices: adult £10.00, child (under 16) £5.00, concession £8.00, family (2+2) £25.00, (except special events and Santa Specials).
Opening times are 10.30am – 5pm*. Trains typically run every 30 minutes on operating days with a break for train crew lunch between 1.00 and 2.00p.m, though this may vary for some special events.
*Train service commences at 11.00 and the last return train times may vary between 3.30 and 4.30.
For latest information on times and prices check the What’s On pages.
Find Us
You can find us at;
Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5PW. The MSLR Museum and Station is just off the A140 Ipswich (14 miles) to Norwich (28 miles) Road. Look for the Mendlesham TV mast and then follow the brown signs.
Accessibility, parking and wheelchair access
We do our best to accommodate you and your needs and if you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us.
Parking is normally in a field adjacent to the site but disabled parking is available on the station forecourt providing a short and easy level access to the museum buildings and trains.
Wheelchair access is available to all the museum buildings and toilets and wheelchairs can normally be carried on the trains. A wheelchair is also available on site. Note that some parts of the site are not accessible for a wheelchair due to uneven terrain. The site is subject to a periodic disabled access survey.
What’s On
More events coming soon...
While the MSLR endeavours to provide the advertised service and motive power where possible, sometimes this may not be possible. Preserved locomotives and rolling stock can be temperamental, meaning late changes may occasionally be necessary. The MSLR and/or MTC cannot be held responsible for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by any amendments or cancellations to services made at short notice.