Woody Bay Station in London — Online Traffic Webcam

History of the Ruislip Lido Railway

The Ruislip Lido Railway is a unique attraction in west London, run entirely by the enthusiasm of volunteers. The railway opened in 1945 and was originally about three times its current length — today the track spans 1.02 miles (1.64 km). In May 1979, the Ruislip Lido Railway Society (RLRS), made up entirely of volunteers, was formed to take over the operation and maintenance of the railway. Since then, this narrow-gauge line has become the longest 12-inch (305 mm) gauge railway in the United Kingdom, attracting tourists and locals alike with the scenic beauty of Ruislip Lido park. The webcam at Woody Bay station allows you to watch this historic transport attraction in real time.

Woody Bay Station: The Main Stop in the Park

Woody Bay Station is the oldest terminus on the line, located near the beach and a children's splash pad, and serves as the railway's main station. The wooden station building with its distinctive roof creates the atmosphere of a bygone railway era, while the surrounding wooded parkland makes it an ideal spot for family outings. On the platform, you can usually see the dark brown diesel locomotive "Lakeside Explorer" with a yellow horizontal stripe and red front, coupled to green-and-white passenger carriages. The carriages carry passengers — adults and children, including families who come here for a stroll by the lake.

Station Infrastructure and Surroundings

Woody Bay station features a wooden platform and a station building styled after traditional railway architecture. Nearby there is a gravel embankment, green grass, and colourful bunting flags creating a festive atmosphere. At the opposite end of the line is Willow Lawn station, located near the car park and the "Waters Edge" pub, where passengers can watch the locomotive being turned on the turntable. In 2021, construction began on an island platform at Willow Lawn station to increase capacity from one to three platform tracks. The new 60-metre platform allows longer trains to be operated.

Locomotives and Rolling Stock

The Ruislip Lido Railway primarily operates diesel locomotives, among which the "Lakeside Explorer" stands out — dark brown with a yellow horizontal stripe and red front. The green-and-white passenger carriages blend harmoniously with the surrounding park landscape. The railway typically operates on a "one engine in steam" basis, with additional trains running during busy periods. This allows optimal use of the volunteer railway's resources and ensures regular service during peak hours.

Operating Hours and Train Schedule

The lido is open around the clock, but the train schedule may change due to weather conditions or operational requirements. The Ruislip Lido Railway generally operates seasonally from spring through autumn, with an enhanced timetable on weekends and bank holidays. Since the railway is volunteer-run, it is recommended to check the exact schedule before visiting. The online webcam helps you check in real time whether the railway is operating at any given moment and see if there are passengers on the platform.

How to Get to Ruislip Lido

You can reach the park by bus H13, or by tube — Ruislip and Ruislip Manor stations (Piccadilly line), Pinner and Northwood Hills (Metropolitan line). From the tube stations, you can walk to Ruislip Lido park or take a bus. For those driving, there is a car park near Willow Lawn station. The online webcam helps you gauge how busy the park is and whether there are available parking spaces before your trip to London.

What You Can See on the Camera

The camera at Woody Bay station broadcasts the platform of the oldest terminus on the Ruislip Lido Railway. In the frame you can see the wooden station building with its roof, the dark brown diesel locomotive "Lakeside Explorer" with a yellow stripe and red front, coupled to green-and-white passenger carriages. Passengers are visible on the platform — families with children and tourists waiting to board. In the background there are trees, green grass, a gravel embankment, and colourful festive bunting flags. The station is situated in a wooded park area near the beach and a children's playground, making it a popular family destination in London.