The railway opened in 1947 as a tourist attraction. It was originally a simple out-and-back line with a station at each end. During 1953 the line was adapted to allow the simultaneous operation of two trains, though without the provision of a passing loop. Instead, a single siding was provided into which one train had to reverse to allow the other to pass by.
During the 1980s the operation of the railway was taken over by an Association of supporters, all of whom are volunteers.
The line runs south from Cat Nab Station (by the beach) for about 1⁄2 mile (0.8 km) inland to Forest Halt, where there is a woodland walk and gardens. There is a run around loop at each end of the line and an engine and rolling stock depot near the midpoint.
"Prince Charles" is a 4-6-2DE streamlined steam outline locomotive built in 1953 by H N Barlow. It is the railway's principle locomotive.