Steam heritage railways across the UK have quietly suspended services during the current heatwave after operators cited health and safety concerns for passengers, staff and volunteers. The move has left daytrippers frustrated and disappointed, with many heritage lines confirming cancellations or amendments to timetables with little advance warning, catching visitors off guard during the school summer holidays.

Heritage railway operators say the extreme heat poses risks including the danger of engines overheating, rails buckling and passengers suffering in unventilated carriages, prompting a precautionary approach. Visitors who had planned days out, some travelling long distances, expressed anger at the lack of notice, while railway groups defended the decision as necessary to protect elderly and vulnerable staff and passengers during the hot weather.