All aboard!

Longleat Railway will be celebrating its 60^th anniversary with a daily whistle-up and commemorative tickets for visitors.

The railway on the Estate first took guests around the park on 27 August 1965 and over the years has expanded to be a one and a quarter mile journey transforming into a festive express to see Santa each Christmas.

A 15-inch narrow gauge line, it opened eight months before Longleat became the first to have a Drive-Through Safari outside of Africa.

The whistle-up will be at noon, 2pm and 4pm each day from Saturday 23 August to Sunday 31 August and will feature each train sounding its horn; this is similar to the one which took place nationwide on New Year’s Day this year to mark the 200th anniversary of the first passengers to board a train in the UK.

The train team at Longleat also have a new uniform to mark the occasion which incorporates a new badge marking the 60^th anniversary.

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations, said: “The 60^th anniversary is a significant milestone in the railway’s history, and as well as the new badge being part of the team’s uniform, our gardens team has created the badge in flowers in Main Square as well.

“Discussions and planning for the railway began in 1964 and the first section was opened in August 1965 and the second phrase was operational for the 1966 season.

“Originally physical tickets were issued, and we decided to replicate these as a commemorative souvenir during the anniversary week.

The Railway celebrations are in addition to the Summer Carnival with fairground rides and workshops running until 31 August. Train rides are included in the Day Ticket. Commemorative badges are available to buy in the Out of the Wild gift shop.