Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update – 20 March 2020

Leighton Buzzard Railway halts trains until further notice

The Leighton Buzzard Railway regrets to announce that due to the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, and after careful consideration by the railway’s Executive Committee, all public trains, charter trains and special events have been halted until further notice. This decision has been made following the recent government advice and is in line with most other heritage railways in the UK.

A sub-committee has been established, including the Railway’s Chairman, General Manager and Operations Manager, to continually review the situation based on government advice and legislation. The committee stated: ‘While this is clearly something which no one wanted to happen, the safety of our customers and volunteers is paramount, and we are unable to operate in a manner that would satisfy the government’s advice, for example on social distancing. We will continue the monitor the situation and are taking steps to ensure we can reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.’

Among the events cancelled are the special Mother’s Day trains and the Easter Egg Hunt. It is hoped that a suitable date for the Bedfordshire Gin and Whisky Festival, scheduled for 29 March, can be found later in the year, as well as the relaunch of popular locomotive Peter Pan which was to happen on 19 April. Online train ticket sales have been halted for all trains in 2020, as well as advanced entry to July’s Ale Trail, and will be reactivated once a reopening date is agreed.

Any customers who have pre-booked train tickets for the coming months, as well as those who have purchased tickets for the Bedfordshire Gin and Whisky Festival, are in the process of being contacted with rebooking options.

The Railway would like to thank all its customers and volunteers for their understanding during this unprecedented situation.

The latest updates on the situation will be posted on this page.

What if I have already purchased tickets?

If you have pre-purchased tickets, then our Traffic Manager will be in contact with you using the email address or telephone number used at the time of booking to discuss your options. Should you have any specific concerns or requirements, please use our contact us form and one of our volunteers will be in touch as soon as they can.