Where to take train-loving kids for family dayze out in the UK
One of the dayze gang asked us for the best places to take their train-loving kids, so we asked the community and they delivered the goods! Read on for the choo-men-dous (sorry, not sorry!) places to take train-mad kids and big kids.
Let us know of any more to add to the roundup below, here.
Chasewater Railway in Chasewater Country Park, Staffordshire
Expect: Heritage steam and diesel train trips.
When: On Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the year, most Saturdays Easter to October and some weekdays in the summer.
Price: Family ticket (2+2) £22.00, under 3s FREE!
Echills Wood Railway at Kingsbury Water Park
Expect: A fun miniature railway park you and the family can ride on. (weather dependent) with diesel locomotives , electric locomotives and trams, all on a 2 km line running through 600 acres of Kingsbury Water Park.
When: All public passenger trains on regular operating days run 11:00-15:00.
Price: Single ticket £2pp. Eight-stop multi ticket £20.
Evesham Vale Light Valley Railway in the Cotswolds
Expect: Steam train rides.
When: Every weekend of the year, and daily during school holidays. 10:30 to 16:00.
Price: Adult return £3.30, child return £2.70.
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre Miniature Railway in Eccleshall, Stafford
Expect: Fletchers mini railway as part of the wildlife centre at Fletchers garden centre.
When: Closed Tuesdays (except local school holidays) 11.00 - 16.00.
Price: £5 adult, £4 kids, under 3s FREE! (Admission to wildlife + miniature trains)
Markeaton Park Model Railway Museum in Derby
Expect: Derby’s biggest model railway museum and lots of working displays.
When: Open every Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11:00 -16:00.
Price: Family ticket £6.
Rudyard Lake Steam Railway in Leek, the North Staffordshire Peak District
Expect: Steam train trip along Rudyard Lake, also run a kid’s birthday part express route!
When: Currently closed for winter works, set to reopen in spring/Easter.The trains run whatever the weather and have covered coaches.
Price: TBC.
Severn Valley Railway in Kidderminster
Steam train rides: Along the 16-mile line from Kidderminster in Worcestershire to Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Hop on and off at any one of the six historic stations en route. Family ticket: £32+
The Engine House Visitor Centre: at Highley Station is free and filled with fun, interactive exhibits to keep all the family busy, including a collection of full-size steam locomotives. There is also an outdoor railway-themed play area!
Statfold County Park + Railway in Tamworth
Expect: Award-winning heritage railway museum, with over 20 working locomotives, plus an interactive educational museum, soft play and 5 different climbing walls.
When: Every day 10:00-16:00, events may differ.
Price: General days include entry to the locomotive museum, unlimited train rides, soft play. £12 adults, £10 kids, under 2s FREE!
Expect: Steam train rides plus lots of family events, including Alice In Wonderland themed activities and the popular Polar Express.
When: Open Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter - end of September. 10:30 -16:30.
Price: Tickets vary based on event and availability. Average event £20pp+
Thomas Land and Polperro Express at Drayton Manor
Expect: Thomas the Engine and Friends-themed activities and rides, ideal for younger kids. The Polperro express train runs around the park and opens from 12:00 each day. There may be queues that get bigger as the day goes on!
When: All-year-round. Check website for special events and times.
Price: Tickets are around £23pp. Check online for special offers.
Avon Valley Railway in Bristol
Expect: Steam and diesel train rides from Bitton Station giving a six-mile round trip along an old railway line.
When: Weekends weather permitting, various times (check timetable).
Price: £11 adults, £7 kids.
Bentley Miniature Railway in Sussex
Expect: This one mile ground-level 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway, runs passenger carrying trains in the grounds of the Bentley Estate.
When: Every weekend from Easter - end of September, and mid-week during school holidays within this period. Weather dependent.
Price: £2pp.
Blenheim Railway Miniature Train
Expect: Miniature train, running back and forth between the Palace and the Walled Garden. Weather permitting.
When: Weekends 11.00 - 15.30. Train departs the Palace on the hour and ½ hour.
Price: £1 each way to ride the train. Under 3's go free.
Crewe Heritage Centre Miniature Railway in Cheshire
Expect: Three railway stations, each has a turntable to turn the locomotive around.
When: Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from April to October, plus selected days for Special Events from November to March. Weather dependent.
Price: £6pp+.
Cotswold Wildlife Park Narrow Gauge Railway in the Cotswolds
Expect: The narrow-gauge railway takes passengers around the Wildlife park.
When: April to October from 12:00-16:00 (weather permitting).
Price: Train fares: Adult: £2.00, kids: £1.00, under 3’s free. Plus admission to the Wildlife Park.
Great Central Railway in Loughborough, Leicestershire
Expect: Britain's only main line steam railway and trips run over eight miles from Loughborough station to Leicester.
When: Every weekend (check timetable for the latest times and dates).
Price: Tickets from £3pp.
Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway in Chester
Expect: Fun ride around a quarter mile circuit through the park.
When: Weekends, school and public holidays Feb to Sept 10:00–17:00. Weather dependent.
Price: Family ticket £3.50.
Hastings Miniature Railway in East Sussex
Expect: A miniature railway located on the seafront of Hastings Old Town.
When: All year round (limited service through the winter), check times online.
Price: Return £3pp.
The Langford and Beeleigh Miniature Railway in Essex
Expect: A journey of over one quarter of a mile through the seven acres of mature woods and meadows that make up the Museum grounds.
When: Check website for times.
Price: Family ticket £5.
Moores Valley Miniature Railway, Dorset
Expect: A narrow gauge steam railway (journey of just over one mile ) located in Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood, Hampshire. Surrounding outdoor play areas close by, too!
When: Open weekends and school holidays throughout the year 10:45-16:30.
Price: Return Trip– Adults £5.15, kids £3.55.
Expect: Award-winning National Railway Museum with iconic locomotives and ride on the miniature railway!
When: Open 7 days a week, 10:00-17:00.
Price: FREE!
Ruislip Lido Railway, Hillingdon, London
Expect: The miniature railway runs from the Waters Edge pub in Ruislip to the play area and back (11 minutes each way). The play area includes a man made "beach" and slides, swings and climbing frames.
When: Open weekends from February - November, 12:00 - 17:00.
Price: Family ticket £12 return.
Swanley New Barn Railway in Kent
Expect: The railway, plus a large family boating lake, sand pit, paddling pool, café, bouncy castle, kiddie electric bikes and an excellent play ground, all inside the 60 acre park!
When: Weekends and bank holidays from 29 March 2024. Weather permitting.
Price: Round trip £2pp, under 3s and dogs travel FREE!