Since the discovery of the local Frodingham Ironstone, Scunthorpe has grown from a sleepy rural village into one of Europe’s major steel producing centres.
The Corus Scunthorpe Works formerly owned by British Steel, is one of Europe’s largest businesses, making more than 4 million tonnes of liquid steel annually, supplied to every continent for end uses as diverse as staples and civil engineering. It is no surprise then, that the site, occupying about 690 hectares and containing 90 miles of railway is one of Britain’s busiest manufacturing sites.
On selected summer weekends, the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society runs free 2-hour railtours, pulled by a restored steam locomotive. With expert guides on hand, you’ll learn all about iron and steel making and glimpse red-hot steel being rolled in the mills.
Morning and afternoon tours, are suitable for all the family and light refreshments are available on the train. You can also enjoy a coffee in the beautifully restored carriage when you make a short stop at the loco sheds to see restoration work in progress. Evening brake van tours, for adults only, are held on certain summer evenings. Due to operations on the steelworks, all trips must be booked in advance with Brigg Tourist Information Centre on 01652 657053.
Brake van trips for rail enthusiasts
We can arrange group trips for railway enthusiasts, travelling in a brake van to visit less accessible parts of the Scunthorpe works. Simply get together a group of 10-30 people and give us a call.
Lots more information can be found on the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society website, including lists of events and an online bookings service.