*Possibly currently closed for refurbishment. Check before visiting*

This excellent museum houses a large collection of industrial exhibits from Bristol' s past. Throughout the year a variety of events are run (contact the museum for further information of these and opening times). Past events have included; boat trips on the John King motor tug, demonstration of the Fairbairn steam crane, visits to dockside cranes, trips on the Bristol Harbour Railway and trips on the Mayflower steam tug and Pyronaut fireboat. The museum has a new feature about the slave trade in Bristol's past and has a number of interesting industrial vehicles including a shunting engine.

M Shed is an exciting and innovative new museum for Bristol due to open in 2011 that tells the story of our city. The 1950s transit shed, originally called M Shed, on Bristol's historic wharf will be transformed into the new museum. Thought-provoking and fun, M Shed will challenge the perceptions of what it has meant to live here over the centuries through the recollections of the people who shaped the city.

M Shed will explore the city's history from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Stories about the city and its people have been discovered through working with experts and communities across the city – a process that will continue for the life of the museum. Rich collections of objects, art and archives will also play an important part in bringing those stories to life.

There will also be working exhibits on the harbourside including steamboats, trains and cranes as well as a new café that will open out onto a public square on the dockside.

The Avon Valley Railway is more than just a train ride, offering a whole new experience for some or a nostalgic memory for others.

The AVR now offers a six mile return train ride along the former Mangotsfield to Bath Green Park branch of the old Midland Railway, and the chance to see the River Avon valley from an aspect that cars cannot reach. Based at Bitton Station, midway between Bristol and Bath, this former Midland Railway station has been painstakingly restored from a derelict state to provide visitors with refreshment and toilet facilities, a railway shop, a pleasant garden, and outdoor seating.

Situated some 10 miles to the west of Cardiff, the line runs for two miles on two individual branches, one to the low level Waterfront station and one to Woodham Halt on the higher level. An interesting feature is the parallel running with trains on the main railway network.

The Barry Island Railway is the "marketing name" for the heritage line operated by the Vale of Glamorgan Railway Company Ltd. Mainly volunteer run, the line has been steadily extended since its arrival at Barry Island in 1996. Formerly the Butetown Historic Railway Society based at the old Taff Vale Railway station at Bute Road, Cardiff, the move to Barry saw a change in name and the start of a new chapter in South Wales railway preservation. The new base at Plymouth road, Barry Island, was opened on June 1st 1997, first operations commencing the following year.

The line operates a regular service during the summer months, along with an ever-increasing series of special events throughout the year. The main running season starts in June, operating every weekend, including special events, until September . Trains depart hourly from 1100 until 1600. The "round trip" takes 45 minutes and alternate trains depart for Woodham Halt and the Waterfront (Hood Road). Tickets are valid all day and permit unlimited travel on the day of issue.

Travel in one of our all-weather observation coaches behind a vintage steam locomotive through beautiful scenery into the Brecon Beacons National Park along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dol-y-Gaer on one of the most popular railways in Wales.

At Pontsticill you can alight from the train and visit the Cafe, admire the view across the water to the peaks of the Brecon Beacons, and go for a ramble alongside the reservoir. There is a play area here for children.

On your return to Pant, visit our workshop where old steam locomotives are repaired - follow the footpath to a picnic site which has an amazing panoramic view of the valley. Visit our Licensed Tearooms and buy a souvenir of your visit in our shop.

Blaenavon's Heritage Railway is set in the heart of a World Heritage Site on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. There is ample free car and coach parking at Furnace Sidings, by Garn Lakes, the main Station. From here the trains head north to the Whistle Inn, south to Blaenavon High Level Station (which is only a short walk from Blaenavon town centre) as well as to Big Pit Halt, which is adjacent to the Big Pit Mining Museum.

Whether you're looking for a family day out or you are a devoted railway enthusiast or photographer, they have something for you. With free car parking at Furnace sidings, why not combine a visit to Big Pit with a ride on the train, using the new halt at Big Pit.

Trains leave Furnace Sidings every half hour with the four mile round trip taking around 50 minutes.

You only pay once to ride all day!

Images by Alistair Grieve, official photographer