A HERITAGE railway station will be open this August bank Holiday – and entry is free.

Shillingstone station, which is being restored by volunteers, will be open on August Bank Holiday Monday to welcome new visitors and regulars alike.

The station is the base of the North Dorset Railway, sitting alongside the trailway in Shillingstone.

“Many of the wagons and coaches are open to visitors, with some housing exhibits of railwayana and local history, and others providing seating where you can enjoy food and drink from the ever-popular café,” a spokesperson said.

“There are terraced gardens, a play area for younger visitors, and there are splendid views across the river Stour to Hambledon Hill’s ancient earthworks.

“If you haven’t been for a while, what’s new? Well, there’s a unique railbus which arrived just a few weeks ago, and a newly-restored brake van has emerged from the workshop. And we mustn’t forget that the café can now offer vegan ice cream, as well as the regular kind.

“Dogs on leads are very welcome, there’s a large car park just a short walk away, and some accessible parking and several bicycle racks at the station itself.”

As well as Bank Holiday Monday, the station is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, between 10am and 4pm, and entry is always free.