Volk’s Electric Railway

Volk's Electric Railway is one of Brighton's most charming oddities. It was built by the local engineer Magnus Volk, who first lit his own house with electricity and then set about running a little train along the seafront on current from a small generator. The first line opened in 1883, and the railway has run, with interruptions and changes, ever since. It is generally described as the oldest operating electric railway in the world, which makes a ride a proper piece of engineering history as well as a gentle seaside outing. The narrow-gauge line follows Madeira Drive, a promenade just east of the Palace Pier, and carries passengers in small open-sided carriages that rattle along beside the beach. There is nothing grand about it, and that is exactly the appeal. You step on at the pier end, sit back, watch the sea and the Victorian arches slide past, and arrive a few minutes later at the far end near the Marina. It is a short, cheap, slightly nostalgic ride that families, railway fans and anyone who likes quirky history enjoy.

The railway is a seasonal attraction, running on most days in the warmer months and on a reduced pattern at other times, so check the timetable before you plan your day. It is operated largely by volunteers and enthusiasts who look after the carriages and the track, and bad weather or maintenance can interrupt services.

Tickets are sold for single or return journeys, and the operators publish the current fares and times on their website, so confirm both before you travel. There is no need for a long booking window, but queues can form at the station on sunny weekends and during school holidays.

The ride itself is short, so treat it as part of a bigger seafront outing rather than a full activity. Many visitors ride out to the Marina end, then walk back along the beach, or the reverse, taking in the Madeira Drive terraces, the Brighton Fishing Museum and the Palace Pier along the way.

Madeira Drive hosts car and cycling events during the year, including the London to Brighton run for veteran cars and cyclists, and the railway sometimes adapts its timetable around such days. Look out for the heritage carriages and for volunteers who are keen to tell you about the history if you ask.

Children tend to love the open-air feel, the toot of the train and the novelty of a real, if tiny, railway. Buggies can usually be accommodated, but space is limited, so travel at quieter hours if you have a large pushchair. Access for wheelchairs depends on the carriage type and the station, so contact the operators before you go if you need step-free boarding. Wrap up on cool days, as the carriages are open to the wind, and keep a firm hold of hats near the sea.

The Marina end of the line is handy for a different side of Brighton, with boats, a cinema and chain restaurants, but most visitors will find the beach and arches more characterful. If you want to see how a Victorian engineer's invention fits into the story of the town, pair the ride with a visit to the museum, where displays on the seaside and its entertainers help set the scene. For a free alternative on a day when the railway is not running, the walk along Madeira Drive gives similar views, and you can admire the railway line and its tiny stations on the way.