Digswell Viaduct
A magnificent Victorian railway viaduct, an iconic Hertfordshire landmark offering impressive views and scenic walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free parking & steam train potential
Digswell Viaduct
Best Time
Free parking & steam train potential
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Victorian railway viaduct, an iconic Hertfordshire landmark offering impressive views and scenic walks.
"Impressive structure! Free car park up to 2 hours with circular route map. Paved path and accessible for all."
🎯 Check Train Schedules
Look up steam train timings for a chance to see iconic locomotives like the Tornado .
🚗 Weekend Parking Perks
Parking is often free on weekends, making it a great time for a visit .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Digswell Viaduct
Mimram Valley
An iconic Victorian railway bridge, 475 meters long and 30 meters high, with 40 impressive arches.
Steam Train Sightings
East Coast Main Line
Witness the power and beauty of steam trains like the Tornado as they cross this historic structure.
Scenic Walking Routes
Surrounding Mimram Valley
Enjoy peaceful walks with the viaduct as a backdrop, with some paved paths offering accessible exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessibility and Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Train Schedules
Look up steam train timings for a chance to see iconic locomotives like the Tornado.
🚗 Weekend Parking Perks
Parking is often free on weekends, making it a great time for a visit.
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Enjoy short, accessible walks with paved routes and maps available.
📸 Drone Photography Spot
A popular location for drone enthusiasts capturing stunning aerial views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Train Schedules
Look up steam train timings for a chance to see iconic locomotives like the Tornado.
🚗 Weekend Parking Perks
Parking is often free on weekends, making it a great time for a visit.
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Enjoy short, accessible walks with paved routes and maps available.
📸 Drone Photography Spot
A popular location for drone enthusiasts capturing stunning aerial views.
💡 Victorian Engineering
Appreciate the scale and history of this 13-million-brick marvel built in the 1850s.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Digswell Viaduct as an impressive and beautiful Victorian structure, often highlighting the convenience of free weekend parking and the enjoyable walking paths. The opportunity to see steam trains adds a special charm for many. Some note that the original brickwork is no longer visible due to later encasement.
"Very nice place to enjoy everything in a bit. Free parking in weekends and calm and quiet peaceful area to relax. Highly recommended."
Dil RR
"Lovely place for a short walk and the viaduct is always impressive. Free parking close by is a bonus."
Simon Davison
"Impressive structure!
Free car park up to 2 hours with circular route map. Paved path and accessible for all."
Ivone -
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Digswell Viaduct is located near Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. Many visitors arrive by car, with parking available nearby, especially on weekends. For public transport, Welwyn North station is the closest, offering a short walk to the viaduct.
Yes, there is a small car park near the viaduct, which is often free on weekends and has restrictions ending around 1 PM on other days. It's a convenient starting point for exploring the area.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for walks. You can find circular routes and maps in the car park to guide you around the viaduct and the surrounding Mimram Valley.
For the most impressive views, consider an aerial perspective via drone
Some of the paths around the viaduct are paved and accessible, making it possible for wheelchair users to enjoy parts of the area. However, the terrain can vary, so check specific routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Digswell Viaduct is an external landmark and can be viewed freely from the surrounding public areas. There are no admission fees.
As an outdoor structure, the viaduct is accessible at all times. However, parking availability and lighting conditions will vary depending on the time of day and season.
There are no official guided tours for the viaduct itself. However, local walking groups or historical societies may occasionally organize events. It's best to check local listings.
No, the Digswell Viaduct is an active railway line and is not accessible to the public for walking. You can only view it from the ground or surrounding areas.
The areas around Digswell Viaduct are generally public land or nature reserves, and typically do not have entrance fees. Parking may have charges or time limits.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, Digswell Viaduct is a popular spot for drone photography, offering incredible aerial perspectives.
From below, looking up at the arches, provides a sense of scale. Aerial shots showcase its length and integration with the landscape.
Definitely! Many enthusiasts visit specifically to photograph steam trains like the Tornado crossing the viaduct. Checking schedules in advance is recommended.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the viaduct. A telephoto lens can be useful for train spotting. For aerial shots, a drone is ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding green spaces. While there are no specific playgrounds, the open areas provide space for children to move around. Checking for steam train sightings can add an extra layer of excitement for younger visitors, turning a simple outing into a memorable adventure.
+1📸 Photography & Drone Enthusiasts
+1 Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing the structure's grandeur.For an added thrill, timing your visit to coincide with a steam train crossing is highly recommended. Seeing locomotives like the Tornado pass over the viaduct is a spectacular sight and a popular subject for both ground-level and aerial photography.
+1 Remember to always fly drones responsibly and adhere to all regulations.🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
It's a great spot to enjoy the tranquility of the Hertfordshire countryside. While the viaduct is the main draw, the surrounding nature provides a pleasant backdrop for a rejuvenating walk. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the scenic views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Digswell Viaduct
+1 The sheer scale of the project is astonishing, utilizing approximately 13 million bricks, many of which were fired from local clay quarried directly on the construction site.+1Originally, the viaduct's distinctive red brickwork was exposed. However, in the 1930s, it was encased in engineering bricks for preservation and structural reinforcement, altering its original appearance but ensuring its longevity.
This transformation highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain such historic structures. The viaduct continues to be a vital part of the East Coast Main Line, carrying thousands of passengers daily and serving as a testament to the ingenuity of its designers, William and Joseph Cubitt.For those interested in railway history and architectural grandeur, the Digswell Viaduct is a must-see. Its imposing presence and historical significance make it a landmark that continues to captivate visitors. Whether viewed from afar or up close, its Victorian craftsmanship is undeniable.
Experiencing Digswell Viaduct: Beyond the Structure
Many visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to relax and enjoy nature. The presence of a small car park nearby, often with free parking on weekends, makes it a convenient spot for a brief excursion or a longer stroll.
For photography enthusiasts, Digswell Viaduct is a dream location. It's particularly popular for drone photography, capturing breathtaking aerial views of the viaduct and its setting.
+1 The chance to photograph steam trains, such as the iconic Tornado, as they thunder across the viaduct adds a unique and exciting element for photographers and train spotters alike.+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit