West Riding Small Locomotive Society (WRSLS)

The West Riding Small Locomotive Society has been running since 1945, and we open the gates at Blackgates Miniature Railways every Sunday from the beginning of April to the end of September, 1pm to 4pm. Entry is completely free, and the whole site is wheelchair accessible with parking and facilities to match.

On a typical Sunday you can expect train rides on a variety of miniature locomotives, all operated by friendly volunteers who genuinely enjoy talking about the engines with anyone from seasoned enthusiasts to complete beginners. There is also a garden gauge track running smaller model trains, which tends to go down very well with younger visitors. Special gala weekends bring extra trains and a bigger crowd, so those are well worth keeping an eye out for.

The on-site café serves hot and cold drinks, burgers, hot dogs, chips and cold sandwiches, so there is no need to pack a picnic. With a large green area to spread out on, it is easy to make an afternoon of it without feeling rushed.

This is a genuinely good-value day out for families, railway enthusiasts or anyone who fancies something a little different on a Sunday. Because it is run entirely by volunteers and entry is free, it has a relaxed, community feel that is hard to find elsewhere.