Fuelled by the mid-19th century need for coal, battles raged over the rights to build a railway to transport this precious cargo from North West Leicestershire’s coalfields. With neither conceding defeat, Midland Railway and London North Western Railway joined forces, and in 1873 it was full steam ahead for the Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway. Discover the charming stations on a five-mile trip aboard steam, diesel-hauled and railcar trains. The views are lovely, with much of the track running alongside Ashby Canal, and each station is accessible for narrowboat visitors who don’t want to battle the traffic. Special events include steam and diesel-hauled Sunday carvery trains and a Santa Special, while pre-bookable experiences let you ride the footplate or drive a steam locomotive.