logo
Wansford Road station relocation work in Peterborough needs £150k

Wansford Road station relocation work in Peterborough needs £150k

BBC News22-04-2025

The team relocating a disused Victorian railway station brick by brick say they need £150,000 to complete the project.Wansford Road station in Sutton, near Peterborough, was dismantled last April and is being rebuilt at Railworld Wildlife Haven in the city.The building was in danger of being bulldozed to make way for dualling of the A47.Stan Bell, who has been leading the project, said: "I hope people will rally round and help us get it through."
The station, which is between the neighbouring villages of Wansford and Sutton, closed to passengers in 1929.Its outer shell and roof have been installed at the new location in Peterborough city centre, but work is ongoing to fit out its interior.
Mr Bell said the project was going "very well" a year after it began, but £150,000 was needed to cover the remaining work."This is fundamental to our railway heritage," he said."If buildings like this weren't restored then they would be lost to posterity and people would never know what the railways were like."The new station will act as a gateway to both Railworld and the Nene Valley Railway in Pleasure Fair Meadow Road, with a visitor centre in the building.Brian Pearce, from Railworld, said the attraction was already receiving plenty of interest from children.The three groups hoped they could create a place for enthusiasts to enjoy the history of Peterborough's railways."Prior to the railway, Peterborough was a small town," said Michael Purcell, chairman of Nene Valley Railway."It really kickstarted industry here, kickstarted population growth here and made Peterborough what it is today."
Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Boutique hotel minutes from Gleneagles hits market for £2.5 million
Boutique hotel minutes from Gleneagles hits market for £2.5 million

The Courier

time5 hours ago

  • The Courier

Boutique hotel minutes from Gleneagles hits market for £2.5 million

A beautiful boutique hotel minutes from Gleneagles is on the market for offers over £2.5million. Cairn Lodge, in Auchterarder, is a stone's throw from the five-star luxury resort loved by celebrities for its golf course and spa. The new owners will have the option of continuing to use the 10-bedroom property as a hotel, transforming it into a venue or making it a private home. The sale includes all furniture, carpets, curtains and contents, plus Cairn House, a separate four-bedroom lodge Estate agents Fine & Country Scotland describe it as 'a rare opportunity to acquire a truly special property minutes from Gleneagles in the heart of beautiful Perthshire, which has been refurbished to a very high standard.' A glass vestibule leads into the entrance hall with original turret features, currently used for private dining. To the right of the reception is a lounge/bar area with a feature gas fire. On through the central hallway is a further lounge area flooded with natural light. Behind this area is the large dining area, which was added to the building in 2017. To the left of the hallway is a discreet door which provides access to two ground-floor bedrooms. The central staircase provides access to the first floor, housing the remaining eight bedrooms. All ten bedrooms in the property are fitted with en-suite bathrooms, some with separate showers and finished with fully tiled walls, fixtures and fittings. The rooms all contain key period features of the property and views over Auchterarder from every window. Cairn House is a four-bedroom lodge included in the sale. Inside, it has a large lounge with doors to the rear garden and a kitchen off the living room. All four bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom. The terrace area is currently used for open-air dining. The space also has several unique statues. Land behind the hotel is also for sale by separate negotiation. Meanwhile in Aberfeldy, a Victorian mansion with planning permission for eight flats has been put up for sale.

Scotland's best train routes for sightseeing revealed with rugged mountain views and enchanting glens
Scotland's best train routes for sightseeing revealed with rugged mountain views and enchanting glens

Scottish Sun

time9 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Scotland's best train routes for sightseeing revealed with rugged mountain views and enchanting glens

Scroll down to find out some of the best places to travel by train RAIL-Y GREAT Scotland's best train routes for sightseeing revealed with rugged mountain views and enchanting glens FROM rugged mountains to enchanting glens, one of the finest ways to experience Scotland's iconic beauty is by train. This summer, leave the car behind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that Scotland has to offer by booking a rail holiday instead of travelling by road. 5 The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most iconic rail routes in the world Credit: Getty 5 Corrour Station is in the middle of the Rannoch Mour on the West Highland line Credit: Alamy 5 The Kyle of Lochalsh line is also equally breathtaking Credit: Alamy The top train holidays in Scotland for 2025-26 have been revealed by the travel planning site Holiday Scottish Highlands and Islands. Travel experts have selected three of the best routes, celebrated for their stunning scenery, rich history, and exciting activities along the way. Scotland's vibrant rail network, established during the Victorian era, provides bucket-list experiences such as the West Highland Line, which meanders through some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes. Offering spectacular views of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Ben Nevis, this route is considered one of the finest in the world. Reaching iconic landmarks like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, completed in 1901 and towering above Loch Shiel, has elevated scenic rail travel to international fame, bolstered by its appearance in the Harry Potter films. The first featured journey is a trip on the Jacobite steam train, crossing the famous arched bridge from the Hogwarts Express scene. Departing from Glasgow along the West Highland Line, this six-day tour takes visitors into the heart of the northwest Highlands, with stops at Loch Lomond, the historic town of Inveraray, and a ferry crossing from Oban to Mull. The second dream itinerary is the Hogwarts route, which begins and ends in London. This self-guided seven-day ScotRail trip includes several days in Inverness and Fort William, a journey to the fishing village of Mallaig via the iconic 21-arched viaduct, and a magical return on the Caledonian Sleeper. The third listed journey is the nine-day Edinburgh, Highlands & Islands tour, which traverses both the West Highland and Kyle railway lines, two of Scotland's most scenic routes. Inside Europe's highest capital city with no airports or train stations - but welcomes EIGHT MILLION tourists a year Blending standard and heritage rail, this trip includes excursions to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, a relaxing cruise on Loch Linnhe and Loch Ness, and concludes with a grand Scottish banquet in Edinburgh, complete with pipers and dancing. The Holiday Scottish Highlands & Islands website describes these trips as "a rail traveller's dream, offering a blend of history, culture, and wild Highland beauty. "Scotland by rail holidays take you past ancient castles, shimmering lochs, and rugged glens—all without the hassle of driving. Here's your ultimate guide to planning the perfect Scotland rail holiday." Further details can be found on the Holiday Scottish Highlands & Islands website. 5 One of the trips is self-guided via ScotRail services Credit: Alamy

The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands
The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands

Wales Online

timea day ago

  • Wales Online

The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands

The scenic mountain bike trail where you'll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and woodlands Get ready to spot resident deer on this lovely park bike ride Margam Country Park covers around 850 acres (Image: Getty Images ) With a gothic castle, free-roaming deer and gorgeous views, Margam Park in Port Talbot is loved by many and is the perfect place for a bike ride this summer. Set in 1,000 acres of glorious parklands, Margam Country Park offers natural beauty, history, wildlife, and a wide range of fun activities and facilities, making it one of the best days out in Wales for all the family. This historic 850-acre estate is set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to 349m. ‌ The estate's history can be traced back to prehistoric times, with Bronze and Iron Age relics and evidence of Roman and extensive Celtic occupation. According to their website, Margam's very own deer herd was probably introduced by the Romans. ‌ It's also home to Grade I listed gardens and landscapes, biking and hiking trails, wildlife, a Norman Abbey and Margam Castle—a grand Victorian mansion—and an impressive 18th-century orangery. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The castle is a 19th-century Tudor Gothic mansion designed by the architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot. The outbuildings around the castle courtyard house the visitor centre and park administration, and during the summer months, the Great Hallway is on display to the public. Article continues below One of the best activities in Margam Park is mountain biking. You can cycle around the park on tarmac roads and rough tracks to a fantastic viewpoint. The park is part of the National Cycle Network, The Celtic Trail Route 4, which runs across South Wales and through the North of the Park. Here, you'll find several trails, including a waymarked mountain bike trail and a family cycle trail if you are biking with the little ones. The park is part of the National Cycle Network (Image: Portia Jones ) ‌ The family trail is an easy cycle along mostly flat tarmac paths. It passes close to the adventure playground, farm trail, and open parklands. Kids will love stopping off on the farm trail to meet the animals and use the animal feed stations. Here, you'll find a range of adorable animals, from pygmy goats and ponies to alpacas, rabbits, pedigree sheep, Glamorgan cattle and donkeys. The mountain bike trail is a relatively short 2.3 miles and includes a challenging ascent halfway up Margam Mountain. Along this scenic route, you might spot the resident deer. ‌ According to the Margam website, the famous Margam Deer Herd roams through approximately 500 acres of parkland, including Red and rare Pere David deer. If you visit during the rutting season (typically between September and November), the male deer, or stags, compete for dominance and the right to mate with females. During this rather dramatic period, you'll hear them roaring, parallel walking, and even fighting with antlers. Definitely have your camera ready, and don't get too close. These are wild animals, and we want to keep them that way. The famous Margam Deer Herd roams through approximately 500 acres of parkland, (Image: Getty Images - Lea Scaddan ) ‌ As you wind your way through the track, you'll start a bumpy ascent up Margam Mountain; this is where an e-bike comes in really handy for those burning thighs! If you don't have your own, you can rent bikes from Margam Park Adventure, which runs a range of activities. As you climb up, you'll have fabulous views of the park and the surrounding countryside. The trail then levels off and returns on a steep descent onto the Cwm Phillips access road with a return ride to the castle, reputedly one of the most haunted places in the UK. If you love history and ghosts, definitely take a tour of this spooky spot after your bike ride. ‌ Margam Castle is part of Margam Country Park (Image: Robert Melen ) Visitors to this 19th-century Gothic mansion in Neath Port Talbot have long shared eerie tales of spectral figures, unexplained laughter, and objects that seem to move of their own accord. From the Bronze Age through Roman times and later the founding of the Cistercian Abbey in the 12th century, this site has seen centuries of human life—and, perhaps, lingering spirits. ‌ The castle, built between 1830 and 1840 by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, is a striking example of Tudor-Gothic architecture and is hauntingly beautiful. The Talbot family owned the estate until 1942, when the castle fell into disrepair following a devastating fire in 1977. The council owns the property today, and ongoing restoration work ensures its grandeur is preserved. ‌ Despite the fire's destruction, many original features remain, from the intricate stone carvings to the elegant stained glass windows, which date back to when the house was built almost 200 years ago. While the castle impresses with its architecture and history, its eerie ghost stories draw in thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Margam Castle's ghostly reputation has attracted paranormal investigators from across the globe (Image: Getty ) ‌ The most infamous spirit of Margam Castle is Robert Scott, a gamekeeper who was murdered on the estate—some say by a poacher, others by an escaped convict. His presence is said to rage through the castle and the estate to this day. Scott is frequently spotted making a determined ascent up the Gothic staircase that leads to the Castle. His presence is a recurring theme among psychic investigators, who all agree that his spirit seethes with fury, unable to rest after his untimely and unjust death. The castle isn't the only historic sight, as Margam Country Park has long been a place of religious and historical significance. ‌ Here, you'll find Margam Abbey, founded in 1147, which was an important Cistercian monastery until its dissolution in 1536. This remarkable abbey now serves as a parish church. The small Margam Stones Museum, located next door to the medieval abbey church, is also well worth a visit. Here, you'll find a remarkable collection of nearly 30 inscribed stones and crosses, some dating from the early days of Christianity in sixth-century Wales. ‌ They originally stood as milestones on Roman roads or, in one case, on top of a Bronze Age barrow. If you love history, this is a must-visit. Want to make a day of it? Margam has plenty of events throughout the year where you can enjoy special activities or stay after dark at one of their chilling Halloween events or ghost hunting events. Check out their website for more details. Need to know Article continues below

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store