The popular Moorland Railway and Gardens fundraising events are back, offering miniature train rides and sweet treats to support local causes.
Philanthropic rail enthusiasts are welcoming the public back to their picturesque Staintondale property as a popular series of fundraising events gets underway today. Moorland House is once again throwing open its gates for the 2026 season of the Moorland Railway and Gardens charity days.
Normally running on the first Sunday of every month over the next five months, the initiative promises to generate vital funds for a variety of good causes. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds between 2pm and 5pm, where they will discover a fully functioning miniature railway alongside an array of traditional stalls. However, due to Sunday's forecast, May's event takes place on Mayday Bank Holiday Monday.
The dedicated team behind the project has been diligently preparing the scenic coastal location for the influx of visitors. The site boasts a unique geographical vantage point, nestled beautifully between the rolling moorland and the sea.
Despite unpredictable weather patterns, the volunteers remain entirely undeterred. With an abundance of homemade treats, a tombola, and a plant stall ready to go, the event promises a resiliently British afternoon out regardless of the forecast.
The fundraising initiative has historically seen remarkable community support. Last year's season finale, which gathered donations for volunteer firefighters, resulted in unprecedented queues of eager passengers stretching across the property's patio areas.
Organiser Lisa Williams said it's a beautiful view:
"If you come across the top of the moors, you look out to sea and then you've got the moors over the other side and then the woods at the bottom which is really pretty. We've been working very hard making the gardens look as lovely as we can. The one we did last year for the the last one last year we did for the volunteer firefighters, I don't think we've ever had such a turnout as that in September. It was phenomenal and they were literally queuing all the way down the patio and out the gate for the trains and the same for the the tea and cake. It's a lot of hard work but it's very rewarding."
The miniature transport network is a serious operational undertaking. The tracks are fully signalled, complete with two dedicated signal boxes, allowing up to five trains to safely transport passengers throughout the afternoon.
Community collaboration plays a significant role in the smooth running of the open days. A network of supporters and friends of the railway have stepped up to provide the baked goods, ensuring the refreshment stands remain well-stocked for hungry travellers looking to relax in the grounds.
Lisa has this message for anyone yet to experience the day out:
"I think you need to come and ride on a train and see what it's all about. When you arrive, there's tea and coffee available all afternoon, lots of cakes and actually the cakes this time are being made by lots of friends of the railway which is a huge help. We have a plant stall and we have a tombola but I think the main attraction really is the the trains which we run four or five trains all afternoon. We got two signal boxes, it's a fully signalled railway and it's just nice to come and sit in the garden and eat cake and drink tea and and ride on the trains. It's a lovely afternoon."
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