A HISTORIC railway tunnel in the UK has a new miniature train ride.
The Glenfield Railway Tunnel in Leicestershire originally opened in 1832 as part of the Leicester and Swannington Railway and this year it reopened with a new experience.
Visitors can head on tours of the first 365 metres of the disused railway tunnel for free (though donations are encouraged) and even head on a new miniature train for free as well, marking the first passenger services since 1928.
According to Time Out, the society’s chairman, Rodger Gaunt, said that interest “has been far beyond what we could have imagined”.
He added: “We think the tunnel is a hidden gem, so we’re all very pleased to show it off.”
One recent visitor said: “Absolutely amazing experience, great tour,and if you love history, trains and architecture – you have to see it.”
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Another added: “Really awesome adventure. I’m so glad I went.
“I felt submerged in history and the photo opportunities were out of this world.”
When the tunnel opened over a century ago, it was the longest railway tunnel in the world.
And it was primarily used to transport coal from the collieries in North West Leicestershire into what was then, the growing industrial town of Leicester.
Though, the construction of the tunnel was no easy feat.
Some trial drillings revealed that there were sand and clay beneath the surface, however, it was actually running sand.
This meant even more work needed to be done to construct the tunnel, and of course, with this, it became more expensive.
The tunnel needed to be lined with thick brickwork throughout and in some of the sandy sections there needed to be a ‘wooden shell‘.
This would reinforce the tunnel, but unfortunately it meant it took longer to construct.
Then the time came in the summer of 1832 where the tunnel opened with a special train named Comet.
It features narrow carriages, that weren’t very tall and had bars over the windows.
The train line was mainly used for transporting coal, granite and oil, though there were some passenger services as well.
However, these stopped in 1928 and then a complete closure came in the 1960s.
This historic tunnel was then eventually sold to Leicester City Council for a mere £5 and by the early 2000s, it was clear the tunnel had several flaws.
Today, the tunnel is managed by the Leicestershire Industrial History Society (LIHS) and tours run between May and October.
Nearby, visitors can also head to Abbey Park, which is divided by the River Soar.
The park is home to the remains of the 12th century Leicester Abbey, as well as the ruins of a 17th century mansion, Cavendish House.
For those wanting to grab a quick bite, there is also a small cafe in the park.
From the centre of Leicester, Glenfield Railway Tunnel is only a 16 minute drive away.
In other rail news, a massive UK train station is shutting for nine days in £8million ‘once-in-a-generation’ overhaul.
Plus, the incredible train journey that goes to the ‘end of the world’ – past mountains, waterfalls and glaciers.