It’s the “big return” this week as both Blackpool and Crich re-open for the first time in 2015 along with the Snaefell Mountain Railway whilst it is also the time for both Beamish and Seaton to commence daily opening. And before our next heritage tram running update the East Anglia Transport Museum will also return to action. So there is no excuse not to get out and about for some heritage tram action! Read on to find out just when and where you can get your tram fix…
Beamish: The Living Museum of the North
Current Status: Open Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday from 1000 to 1600. (Daily opening resumes on 28th March)
Next event: Great North Steam Fair – Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th April
More info @ http://www.beamish.org.uk.
Birkenhead Heritage Tramway
Current Status: Operates every Saturday and Sunday between 1300 and 1700. Also operates on Easter Monday, May Day, Spring and August bank holidays and Wednesdays-Fridays during school holidays.
Timetable in operation: Trams depart Taylor Street every half hour between 1250 and 1620 returning from Woodside between 1305 and 1605.
Next Special Event: Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday 4th to Monday 6th April
More info @ http://www.mtps.co.uk
Blackpool Tramway
Current Status: Starts operation on Saturday 28th March. Will then operate all weekends until Sunday 9th November plus school holidays and Bank Holidays.
Timetable in operation:
Saturday 28th March to Thursday 2nd April, Tuesday 7th April to Sunday 12th April, Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th, Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April – Blue timetable (2 trams in service running between Pleasure Beach and North Pier up to every 20 minutes from 1000-1700)
Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th April – Green timetable (4 trams in service running between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham every 20 minutes from 1000-1800)
Sunday 5th & Monday 6th April – Gold timetable (6+ trams in service running between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham with additional limited stop tours to Fleetwood)
Please note these dates are only for approximately the next month, for details of operating information beyond either see the Events Diary or visit the link below.
More info @ https://www.facebook.com/BlackpoolHeritageTramTours
Crich Tramway Village
Current Status: Re-opens Saturday 28th March and then daily until November.
Next special event: WW2 Home Front – Sunday 5th & Monday 6th April
More info @ http://www.tramway.co.uk
Douglas Horse Tramway
Current Status: Resumes operation Monday 11th May and then daily until Sunday 13th September
Timetable in operation: First tram departs Strathallan at 0900 and then every 20 minutes until 1720. Return journeys commence from the Sea Terminal at 0920 and then every 20 minutes until 1740.
More info @ http://www.douglas.gov.im/index.php/leisure/horse-trams#.VQsem2dyaM8
East Anglia Transport Museum
Current Status: Re-opens Wednesday 1st April.
Open: Wednesday 1st April to Thursday 9th April and then Sundays and Wednesdays until Sunday 24th May. Also open Monday 4th May and Saturday 16th May. Opening hours 1200 until 1630.
Next Special Event: Start of Season Easter Gala – Saturday 4th (1200-1900) & Sunday 5th April (1200-1630)
More info @ http://www.eatm.org.uk/index.html
Great Orme Tramway
Current Status: Daily operation until end of October.
Timetable in operation: Trams every 20 minutes between 1000 and 1700 (opening extended to 1800 from April).
More info @ http://www.greatormetramway.co.uk/index.asp
Heaton Park Tramway
Current Status: Open every Sunday. Saturday running starts Saturday 4th April. Also open Easter Monday 6th April. Trams run between 1200 and 1600.
Next special event: Spring Gala – Sunday 29th March
More info @ http://www.heatonparktramway.co.uk
Manx Electric Railway
Current Status: Trams only running as far as Laxey on Friday 27th March and then a full daily service resumes on Saturday 28th March.
Timetables in operation:
Friday 27th March – Timetable L (4 departures each way between Derby Castle and Laxey)
Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April – Timetable C (9 departures each way between Derby Castle and Ramsey plus 1 each way from Laxey to Ramsey and 1 each way between Derby Castle and Laxey)
Monday 13th April to Friday 1st May – Timetable B (6 departures each way between Derby Castle and Ramsey plus 1 each way between Laxey and Derby Castle)
For full details on forthcoming services on the Manx Electric Railway please visit the official website below.
Next special event: Rush Hour on the Railways – Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April
Seaton Tramway
Current Status: Running every weekend until end of March and then daily until November.
Timetables in operation:
Saturday 28th to Tuesday 31st March, Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2nd April & Monday 13th April to Friday 1st May – Yellow Timetable (trams every 30 minutes from Seaton between 1000 and 1600 with return trips from Colyton between 1030 and 1630)
Friday 3rd April to Sunday 12th April – Blue Timetable (trams every 20 minutes from Seaton between 1000 and 1700 with return trips from Colyton between 1030 and 1730)
For full details on forthcoming services on the Seaton Tramway please visit the official website below.
More info @ http://www.tram.co.uk
Snaefell Mountain Railway
Current Status: Resumes operation Friday 27th March and then daily until October.
Timetables in operation:
Friday 27th March – Timetable A (7 return trips up the mountain between 1015 and 1545)
Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April – Timetable C (every half hour from Laxey between 1015 and 1545, returning between 1110 and 1640)
Monday 13th to Friday 1st May – Timetable B (7 return trips up the mountain between 1015 and 1545)
Summerlee – The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Current Status: Open daily between 1000 and 1700.
Opening hours: 1000-1700. One tram is usually in service each day.
More info @ http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/summerlee
The information provided above is given in good faith and is correct to the best of our knowledge. If you know of any errors please contact us by using the comments section below or by emailing gareth@britishtramsonline.co.uk.
Manchester 765 was one of two trams in action at the Heaton Park Tramway on Sunday 22nd March. (Photo by Steve Kemp)