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Going Places

See Britain by train! There's no better way to explore your own country - as train companies have never been slow to remind us.

However self-serving they may have been, the promotional films made to entice the travelling public to buy tickets capture something comforting and beautiful about Britain. The railways sold dreams of travel for pleasure to beautiful places. But train journeys could be painful too, from teary everyday farewells to the heart-rending separation of families in wartime, with trains taking troops to the Front or evacuating children from the bomb-threatened cities. But later - hopefully - came the emotional reunions on station platforms.

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Wexford Railway Station (1902)Wexford Railway Station (1902)

Non-Fiction19022 minsSilent

A flurry of activity at Wexford Railway Station as passengers alight an Edwardian steam train.

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Bicton Woodland RailwayBicton Woodland Railway

News19762 minsSilent Location: Bicton Park

Bicton Woodland Railway reopens to passengers for the summer season

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Godfrey Davies: The Last Train from PeterchurchGodfrey Davies: The Last Train from Peterchurch

Amateur film19535 minsSilent Location: Peterchurch

Railway services on the Golden Valley line in Herefordshire slip into history.

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This Is YorkThis Is York

Travelogue195321 mins Location: York

The Stationmaster at York guides us through a typical day, from dawn to dusk.

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A Letter for WalesA Letter for Wales

Drama196022 mins

Cinema star Donald Houston recalls his memories of railways and the romance of the Welsh landscape.

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Train Ride to Devil's BridgeTrain Ride to Devil's Bridge

Travelogue196411 mins Location: Aberystwyth

12 miles of magic as we journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, one of the Great Little Trains of Wales

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Swansea, Victoria - Pontardulais Railway, 1964 (June)Swansea, Victoria - Pontardulais Railway, 1964 (June)

Amateur film196412 mins Location: Pontarddulais

“It would be difficult to find a more lovely train journey”, declares Swansea’s Librarian, the film-maker and narrator. Prepare to be beguiled, station by station.

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Midland Montage: 08.01.1959: Last Train from Monmouth to RossMidland Montage: 08.01.1959: Last Train from Monmouth to Ross

Non-Fiction19593 minsSilent Location: Monmouth/Trefynwy

Stopping for a glass of Champagne at Symonds Yat was probably against driver regulations but this is a special occasion: the last train to steam along the Wye Valley line.

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Over the Tay Bridge on an Express Train (1901)Over the Tay Bridge on an Express Train (1901)

Non-Fiction19011 minsSilent Location: Tay Bridge

A journey across the well-known Scottish railway bridge, filmed from the engine front.

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Any Man's KingdomAny Man's Kingdom

Travelogue195621 mins Location: Alnwick

An attempt to capture the variety of life in Northumberland, and in particular something of the county's heart-warming atmosphere.

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Phantom Ride on the Furness Railway (1901)Phantom Ride on the Furness Railway (1901)

Non-Fiction19001 minsSilent Location: Furness Abbey

A driver's view of the Furness Railway through Furness Abbey Tunnel and Station.

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Cornwall's St Erth to St Ives Railway Branch LineCornwall's St Erth to St Ives Railway Branch Line

News19756 mins Location: St Erth

Journey from the Centre of St Erth to St Ives

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Conway Castle - panoramic view of Conway on the L.& N.W. RailwayConway Castle - panoramic view of Conway on the L.& N.W. Railway

Non-Fiction18982 minsSilent Location: Conwy Castle

Conwy's bridge, castle and station glide past, as if in a dream, in this beautiful phantom train ride film (no ghosts but apparently no train either) from 1898.

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Truro to Falmouth on the Maritime LineTruro to Falmouth on the Maritime Line

News19768 mins Location: Truro

Journey on the Great Scenic Railway from Truro to Falmouth

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Heart of Wales Line: Swansea - ShrewsburyHeart of Wales Line: Swansea - Shrewsbury

Amateur film197812 minsSilent Location: Bynea

A journey from Bynea to Knucklas, the sights to be seen including a sheep on the line, two viaducts (Cynghordy and Knucklas) and the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

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Welshpool and Llanfair RailwayWelshpool and Llanfair Railway

Amateur film19786 minsSilent Location: Llanfair Caereinion

The engines, staff, stations and passengers on this narrow gauge line opened in 1903, reduced to freight only in 1931, closed entirely in 1956 and reopened by volunteers in 1963.

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Ely to Wymondham by TrainEly to Wymondham by Train

Amateur film196815 minsSilent Location: Ely

A train journey beginning at Ely with scenic views of the Cathedral City and passing through many of the smaller stations in rural East Anglia before arriving in Wymondham.

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Witham to Maldon EastWitham to Maldon East

Amateur film195713 minsSilent Location: Witham

Dusty the dog enjoys scenic views of the Essex countryside from the carriage of a passenger train, journeying with amateur filmmaker Chib Thorp.

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The Tal-Y-Llyn RailwayThe Tal-Y-Llyn Railway

Amateur film194910 minsSilent Location: Talyllyn Railway

The engine ‘Dolgoch’ bumps and bounces its coaches – and two teapots - along the line from Tywyn Wharf Station to Abergynolwyn, before its closure in 1950.

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River RideRiver Ride

Amateur film196317 mins Location: Wivenhoe

On the Essex line from Wivenhoe to Brightingsea, Guard Proctor checks for tickets as passengers share the wonderful view of yacht racing on the River Colne from their carriage.

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Our HolidayOur Holiday

Home movie193411 minsSilent Location: Sheringham

Mum, Dad, Toddler, and Nanny travel by train to holiday at the north Norfolk seaside in this 1934 home movie.

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Menai Strait Regatta, Amlwch Station, Irish Trawler, Slate Train Port DinorwicMenai Strait Regatta, Amlwch Station, Irish Trawler, Slate Train Port Dinorwic

Non-Fiction196015 minsSilent Location: Menai Strait/Afon Menai

Sail (regatta, and Irish trawler hauling in whiting), rail (children and piglets at Amlwch Station) and slate (last slate train at Port Dinorwic).

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Great Orme RailwayGreat Orme Railway

Non-Fiction19573 minsSilent Location: Llandudno

Not for the faint-hearted: a high-speed version of the descent of the Great Orme, Llandudno, on the only cable-hauled, public road tramway in Britain.

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Twilight TimeTwilight Time

Amateur film196811 minsSilent Location: Norwich

Amateur filmmaker Chib Thorp captures scenic views of the Norfolk countryside as his train zips along on the Norwich to Sheringham rail route.

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Cambrian CoastCambrian Coast

Promotional194010 mins Location: Paddington Sta

“Dear Old Wales” awaits the holiday-makers boarding a train at Paddington Station, offering all that London lacks: “smooth sands, sparkling seas, sunshine and good clean air”.

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The Dart Valley RailwayThe Dart Valley Railway

News19771 minsSilent Location: Buckfastleigh

The Dart Valley Railway operates a quaint steam service on the Primrose Line

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Snowy Journey from Washford to WillitonSnowy Journey from Washford to Williton

News19791 minsSilent Location: West Somerset Railway

Snowy Journey from Washford to Williton on the West Somerset Railway

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The Devon Belle on the Dart Valley RailwayThe Devon Belle on the Dart Valley Railway

News19801 minsSilent Location: Staverton

The 1638 Devon Belle steams through Staverton Bridge Station

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High Waves break over the Dawlish Mainline RailwayHigh Waves break over the Dawlish Mainline Railway

News19802 minsSilent Location: Dawlish

Brunel’s Railway Line takes a battering

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Worth Valley RailwayWorth Valley Railway

Non-Fiction19822 minsSilent Location: Keighley

Be transported back in time through Brontë country, looking out from the footplate as passengers hang their heads out of the windows with the steam blowing through their hair.

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Dalriada and Harbour Rail ToursDalriada and Harbour Rail Tours

Amateur film196711 minsSilent Location: Belfast

Swarms of train enthusiasts steal the show as we steam round Northern Ireland.

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Full Steam Ahead to DublinFull Steam Ahead to Dublin

Amateur film196611 minsSilent Location: Belfast

Take a stroll through a forgotten Belfast on your way to catch the steam train to Dublin. Experience the city centre before it is reshaped by violence and regeneration.

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Oxted, Bowaters & Hayling Island RailwaysOxted, Bowaters & Hayling Island Railways

Amateur film196114 mins Location: Surrey

There's plenty of steam action in this amazing quadruple bill featuring Kent's farewell to steam, a railway with combustion issues and rides on the late lamented Hayling Billy

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All Aboard: Shane's Castle Railway and the Enterprise leaves BelfastAll Aboard: Shane's Castle Railway and the Enterprise leaves Belfast

Amateur film19813 minsSilent Location: Randalstown

Relive your memories of the Shane’s Castle railway. Inspired by the Blitz and built in the family castle ruins, Lord O’Neill’s private passion becomes a tourist attraction.

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Train Journey from Gateshead to HexhamTrain Journey from Gateshead to Hexham

Amateur film19857 minsSilent Location: Gateshead

A train spotter takes us on a thrilling high speed ride on the Tyne Valley Line.

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North Norfolk Holiday Towns Lose Train ServiceNorth Norfolk Holiday Towns Lose Train Service

News198311 mins Location: Hunstanton

“I wouldn’t travel by bus. I’d go to bed instead I think!” Local News TV speak to Mrs Smith and Mrs Stebbens, passengers who find the Norwich to Sheringham train service essential.

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Brighton's Volks Electric RailwayBrighton's Volks Electric Railway

Amateur film198811 mins Location: Brighton

There's no smoke or steam on Brighton's Victorian electric beach railway - one of the world's oldest - though you might need to watch out for the occasional nudist

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Mid Hants Railway: Alresford to RopleyMid Hants Railway: Alresford to Ropley

Amateur film19804 minsSilent Location: Watercress Line

West Country Pacific 'Bodmin' is the star of this short film made at Hampshire's Watercress Line in 1980

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Mid Hants Railway: Ropley to AltonMid Hants Railway: Ropley to Alton

Amateur film19852 minsSilent Location: Watercress Line

West Country Pacific 'Bodmin' hauls a summer service from Ropley to Alton much to the delight of visitors to the heritage railway

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488 Was Here - The Kent Coast and Bluebell Railways488 Was Here - The Kent Coast and Bluebell Railways

Amateur film197221 mins

A railway double-bill is presented here as we visit a locomotive's previous stomping ground before dropping in on its new home - the famous Bluebell Railway

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Somerset & Dorset RailwaySomerset & Dorset Railway

Amateur film196219 minsSilent

Memories of smoke and steam fill this superb film about the Somerset & Dorset during its final years of operation - and watch out for some guest stars

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Isle of Wight: Calbourne Locomotive at Haven StreetIsle of Wight: Calbourne Locomotive at Haven Street

Amateur film19816 minsSilent Location: Isle of Wight Steam Rly

The last remaining O2, number 24 'Calbourne', delights holiday makers at Haven Street Station - headquarters of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

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Summer TravellingSummer Travelling

Animation & Artists Moving Image19451 mins

Delayed trains, crowded carriages, and standing room only: Blitz spirit makes a parent's nightmare commute a walk in the park

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Camwell Personal Film No. 40: RibbleheadCamwell Personal Film No. 40: Ribblehead

Amateur film19594 minsSilent

A thinly disguised visit to the Stainmore Line, taking in the impressive tubular viaducts of Belah and Deepdale

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Camwell Personal Film No. 53: Last Passenger Train Blaenau Ffestiniog - BalaCamwell Personal Film No. 53: Last Passenger Train Blaenau Ffestiniog - Bala

Amateur film19614 minsSilent Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog

Heavy clouds as the last passenger train makes its way to Blaenau Ffestiniog, with double headed panniers make light work of a heavy train

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King George V and Queen Mary at a Railway StationKing George V and Queen Mary at a Railway Station

Non-Fiction19140 minsSilent

Leaving the station becomes a right royal affair when the King and Queen travel by train

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Let's Go to BirminghamLet's Go to Birmingham

Documentary19625 mins

Paddington to Birmingham in five and a half minutes! A sped up journey filmed from the front of the train.

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Midhurst RailwayMidhurst Railway

Amateur film19555 minsSilent

Journey along the once delightful rural line between Petersfield and Midhurst in this nostalgic film from the mid-fifties

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Talyllyn HolidayTalyllyn Holiday

Documentary196917 mins

A fun-filled day trip on the "historic little Welsh railway" of Talyllyn

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Great Western ApproachesGreat Western Approaches

Travelogue193614 mins

All aboard for a coastal trip - by glorious rail - from Dorset to all points west.

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The Arlberg RailwayThe Arlberg Railway

Travelogue19066 minsSilent

If you suffer from altitude sickness look away now - if not, take the scenic route over the Arlberg Pass in Austria

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View from an Engine Front - BarnstapleView from an Engine Front - Barnstaple

Non-Fiction18982 minsSilent Location: Barnstaple

A 'phantom ride' along a fondly remembered Devon railway, crossing the distinctive Taw Bridge into Barnstaple on the way to Ilfracombe

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Preston and District Roll of Honour, 10th SeriesPreston and District Roll of Honour, 10th Series

Roll of Honour film19152 minsSilent Location: Preston

Moving record of relatives waving a fond farewell to departing loved ones during WWI.

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Cyclists SpecialCyclists Special

Travelogue195615 mins Location: Rugby

A wonderful short film, produced by British Transport Films, about travelling around Britain by bicycle - with the help of the odd train.

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The Bodmin and Wadebridge Branch Railway LineThe Bodmin and Wadebridge Branch Railway Line

News19783 minsSilent Location: St Winnow

The last train to Wadebridge before the station closes to passenger trains

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Camwell Personal Film No. 28: Sls City of Truro Swindon Works SpecialCamwell Personal Film No. 28: Sls City of Truro Swindon Works Special

Amateur film195713 minsSilent Location: Slaggyford

It's full steam ahead for the Swindon-bound City of Truro, seen through the lens of 'Cam' Camwell.

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Loco Number OneLoco Number One

Travelogue194835 mins

Accompany John, a retired train driver turned model railway enthusiast, on one of his most memorable runs.

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The Southern Railway Runs a Special! ...To Their Flower Show at Raynes ParkThe Southern Railway Runs a Special! ...To Their Flower Show at Raynes Park

Non-Fiction19291 minsSilent Location: Raynes Park

Pint-sized propulsion on a miniature steam railway delights the young and old

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Folkestone's Leas Lift Cliff Railway and the Crab & Winkle line.Folkestone's Leas Lift Cliff Railway and the Crab & Winkle line.

Amateur film195516 minsSilent

A triple treat for rail fans is featured here with signalbox action, a seaside cliff-railway and an eerie walk along the ghost of a line - plus a bonus for aviation enthusiasts

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Every ValleyEvery Valley

Documentary195720 mins Location: Pontypridd

An impression of life in the industrial valleys of south Wales, from daybreak to midnight, and of the growing part played in that life by buses and railways.

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Ride from Blarney to Cork on Cork & Muskerry Light Railway (1902)Ride from Blarney to Cork on Cork & Muskerry Light Railway (1902)

Non-Fiction19022 minsSilent

Tranquil scenes of rural Edwardian Ireland, on a rail journey with views of Blarney Castle.