The River Ribble has long been used for transport. Notably, prehistoric man used the river, as evidenced by a log boat found in 1892. At the time a new docks basin was being excavated. Moreover, a once extensive railway network existed at the docks. Now The Ribble Steam Railway runs along the route once followed by trains from the Main line. This docks line is still connected to Preston station and is used for occasional bitumen trains.
Preston Docks
There has been a port at Preston since the 12th century. However massive growth in the 19th century demanded a larger capacity docking facility.
The Ribble Steam Railway
The Ribble Steam Railway opened in 2005 and runs along the former dock line from Preston station. The length is 1.5 miles.
Furness Railway no. 20 was built in 1863 and can be seen at the Ribble Steam Railway’s Spring Steam Gala. The Gala will take place on March 29th, 2025.
The Ribble Steam Railway runs along the old Preston Docks line.
A new swing bridge was built to carry the road and railway over the entrance to the docks basin. Notably, the dock line is still connected to the main line at Preston Station.
Read more about the March 2025 Spring Steam Gala
