Miniature railway could return to seaside town

Salthouse Fields in Clevedon is popular among residents and visitors

A council is hoping to redevelop a miniature railway which has been unused for years.

The Clevedon miniature railway which loops around the Salthouse Fields next to the Marine Lake opened in 1952.

North Somerset Council wants a developer to reopen the electric steam outline locomotive, build a new shed, manage a food and drink site and create a mini-golf and children's play area.

Councillor Mike Solomon said: "Clevedon residents have told us how popular and important the miniature railway is and this a great example of the council listening to those voices, working with leisure providers and the voluntary and community sectors to ensure we deliver together for the benefit of our residents."

Salthouse Fields is a popular destination for residents and visitors, offering a base to start walks into surrounding woodland areas, along the coastal path and over to Clevedon Marine Lake.

The appetite to reopen the leisure attraction could have been spurred on by the fact that the Portishead to Bristol railway line is set to be reopened in a major project costing £182m, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Speaking at a North Somerset Council meeting where councillors signed off the scheme, Clevedon West councillor Luke Smith said he hoped the Salthouse miniature railway could reopen.

Council leader Mike Bell said: "I think if we can do anything to get the miniature railway back at Salthouse Fields we should do so."

Developers could acquire a 35-year lease for the site starting in spring 2026.