Volk's Railway set to open for the summer season

Brighton & Hove’s historic and award-winning Volk’s Electric Railway will reopen on Saturday 28 March - in perfect time for the Easter holiday.

To mark the start of the railway’s 143rd year of operation, former television newsreader and long‑standing supporter Nicholas Owen will take the controls and drive the first train of the season.

With public trains running daily from 10.15am, residents and visitors can join the celebrations and enjoy the sights and sounds of our seafront on the world's oldest operating electric railway.

Sneak preview

Last week, Brighton & Hove Mayor, Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM visited the railway for a sneak preview, meeting the staff who are currently completing their driver training and undertaking final testing of the railway’s unique electric trains.

Councillor Grimshaw said: “It was a pleasure to meet both new and longstanding members of the Volk’s Railway team who work so hard to keep this unique piece of our city’s heritage alive, and to see first hand the passion and dedication that goes into preparing this much loved attraction for the new season.

“Gaining a deeper insight into the history and engineering behind Magnus Volk’s remarkable creation was a real privilege and it’s inspiring to see how the ongoing transformation of Madeira Drive will encourage even more people to experience it.”

Welcoming passengers

James Barton, Manager of Volk’s Electric Railway, added: “It was lovely to welcome our Mayor to the railway last week during our soft opening period.

“Our team is excited to welcome passengers back for the 2026 season and we’re looking forward to celebrating our 143rd year with Nicholas Owen driving the first train.”

Built by Magnus Volk in 1883, Volk’s Electric Railway is one of Brighton’s most recognisable and popular seafront attractions, with thousands of residents, families, and visitors enjoying the mile-long beachfront journey from the Aquarium to Black Rock Station every year.

Visit the Volk's Railway website for more information.