Tucked away on the site of Coleford’s former railway yard, the Great Western Railway Museum is one of the Forest of Dean’s hidden gems. Established in 1986 by the late Mike Rees, the museum is housed in one of the last remaining permanent railway buildings in the Forest.

Inside, visitors can see a restored 0-4-0 Peckett locomotive, an 1883 GWR goods shed, a working signal box and a replica Victorian rail carriage, alongside model steam locomotives and historic rolling stock.

Run entirely by volunteers, the museum plays an active role in the community, hosting events throughout the year. These include Easter attractions such as the popular Carnival of Transport, as well as serving as a venue for the Coleford Music Festival during the summer.

An old level crossing wheel and traditional signal levers on display at the museum.
SIGNALS: An old level crossing wheel and traditional signal levers on display at the museum. (Tindle)
The Coleford signal junction box, now carefully preserved by volunteers.
CONTROL: The Coleford signal junction box, now carefully preserved by volunteers. (Tindle)
Artwork depicting the Severn Bridge disaster, displayed inside the museum.
REMEMBERED: Artwork depicting the Severn Bridge disaster, displayed inside the museum. (Tindle)
An original Great Western Railway platform sign from Coleford station.
WAYMARK: An original Great Western Railway platform sign from Coleford station. (Tindle)
Inside the cab of the restored steam shunter, a highlight of the engine shed.
CAB: Inside the cab of the restored steam shunter, a highlight of the engine shed. (Tindle)
The nameplate from an Isambard Kingdom Brunel GWR locomotive.
NAMEPLATE: The nameplate from an Isambard Kingdom Brunel GWR locomotive. (Tindle)
The steam shunter on display inside the museum’s engine shed.
RESTORED: The steam shunter on display inside the museum’s engine shed. (Tindle)
The turntable at Coleford railway yard, used to rotate locomotives.
TURNTABLE: The turntable at Coleford railway yard, used to rotate locomotives. (Tindle)
Old train carriages now doubling as offices at the volunteer-run museum.
WORKING SPACE: Old train carriages now doubling as offices at the volunteer-run museum. (Tindle)
The original Coleford ticket office, fully restored.
TICKETS: The original Coleford ticket office, fully restored. (Tindle)
MINIATURE: A model train layout on display at the museum.
MINIATURE: A model train layout on display at the museum. (Tindle)