#ruislip

The Float House, Grand Union Canal, Ruislip, London, Uk,

Prince William and David Beckham visit the RAF Northolt to view the two new London's Air Ambulance Charity helicopters on 1 October 2024 in Ruislip, England.

The charity has received two new H135 helicopters via the 'Up Against Time' fundraising appeal, which was launched in 2021 and raised a total of £16 million.

Ruislip Lido Railway

In the north-west of the Greater London area lies Ruislip Lido. Originally built as a (rather unsuccessful) reservoir in 1811, it was gradually developed into a tourist attraction, becoming a notable destination for boating, fishing, and skating during the winter months. In 1946, many attractions were added, including the two which still draw the most visitors today: the artificial beach, and the miniature railway.

The original narrow-gauge route was a round trip of just over 900 metres, starting from Woody Bay station on the southern shore of the Lido, taking visitors along the edge of the reservoir and back. Despite the shortness of the journey, the railway was very popular – so much so that by the early 1970s, the running locomotive had already been replaced twice, as it kept wearing out!

Disaster struck in 1978 though, when a train was derailed and injured several passengers, and the railway was immediately closed. Under threat of permanent closure, the line was saved by the local council when money was provided for safety improvements and an appeal for volunteers to assist in running the service was put out. This soon led to the formation of the Ruislip Lido Railway Society, who took over running the railway in 1980.

The Society made great improvements to the line, gradually extending it out to the other side of the lido to Willow Lawn station, to a total length of just over 1.6 kilometres. They also brought in four new diesel locomotives, and built a brand-new steam locomotive, named ‘Mad Bess’ after a local historical character. The Society continues to run the railway today, operating throughout the year on weekends and daily during school holidays, only closing for 6 weeks at the start of each year for maintenance. Special events for Easter and Christmas are put on for younger visitors, whilst for the “big kids” there are occasional days focussing on the locomotives and rolling stock, plus opportunities to become volunteers.