The Ribble Steam Railway is a working heritage railway on the former dock branch line at Preston Docks, with an impressive collection of preserved industrial locomotives — including some unusual fireless steam shunters used in the chemical and paper industries. Trains run a 2.5-mile round trip along the river from Preston Riverside, hauled by a different locomotive each operating day.
The accompanying museum has indoor displays on the railway's role in the cotton trade and the dock industries. Open Sundays from Easter through October and a handful of summer Saturdays. Particularly good with children; lunch in the cafe is decent and inexpensive.