As we all know from Legoland’s miniature recreation of London, taking normal-sized things and making them small is a winning formula. And it’s a formula that has worked for the Glenfield Railway Tunnel in Leicestershire, which has seen an increase in visitor numbers since it installed a miniature railway this June.
Thrillseekers and railways lovers alike can now enjoy the tunnel on wheels, as the tiny train is actually built for humans to ride through nearly a third of the one-mile-long tunnel.
Okay, this little train might not be taking customers from Alton Towers, but it is a cool way to explore a bit of local Leicestershire history. The tunnel was originally built nearly 200 years ago in 1832, and was, at that time, the longest of its kind in the world. In the 1960s Leicester City Council bought it for the bargain price of £5, and it’s now managed by the Leicestershire Industrial History Society (LIHS).
Before the miniature railway came along, no passengers had travelled along the line in just under a century. Tours have proven very popular, with LIHS saying that visitor numbers have more than doubled since it started offering the pint-sized experience. The society’s chairman, Rodger Gaunt, said that interest ‘has been far beyond what we could have imagined’, adding: ‘We think the tunnel is a hidden gem, so we're all very pleased to show it off’.
The tours, and railway rides, are free, but the society does ask for a donation which goes towards operating costs and keeping things safe for visitors.
Unfortunately, the tour season has now come to an end, and the tunnel will remain empty until May to allow long-eared brown bats to hibernate over winter.
However, LIHS announced earlier this month that it had raised enough money through donations to bring the ride back in 2026, saying: ‘Thanks to your generosity we can continue with our tours next year July and September and we will keep the miniature railway for everyone to enjoy.’
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