Whether your little ones are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine or you just want to go on an adventure, a trip on one of the many heritage railways around the UK is a great day out. Travel in style through scenery such as the Jurassic Coast in Dorset or the Welsh highlands.
The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway
Begin you day at the station at Bo’ness where there is an authentic ticket office, station buffet, model railway and gift shop. From here you can catch a train along the five miles of preserved track in one of the majestic heritage trains. Also, on site is the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest railway museum. The children will enjoy the large buildings full of railway locomotives, carriages and wagons. There are plenty of things to keep everyone entertained, you can operate a railway signal and points, climb aboard heritage locomotives and there is a play area for the children.
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Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, Porthmadog
Visit this fantastic heritage railway, featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest railway company in the world as it was founded in 1832. The two different railways travel through tranquil pastures and forests, past lakes before clinging to the side of the mountain. The Ffestinigog Railway traveling twelve and a half miles from Porthmadog to the town of Blaenau Ffestingog and The Welsh Highland Railway takes you on a scenic 25 mile journey from the foothills of Snowdon to the hillside town of Beddgelert.
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West Somerset Railway, Minehead
Take in all the sights and smells of travelling by steam on The West Somerset Railway, which runs twenty miles along the glorious Somerset coast and through the countryside between Bishops Lydeard and Minehad. In total there are ten stations where you can hop on and off and with the authentic stations and enthusiastic staff you will like you’re traveling in the early 1900’s.
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North Yorkshire Railway, Pickering
Travel back in time to the glory days of steam travel by jumping on board one of these gorgeous vintage trains operated by North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The eighteen mile journey will take you between the market town of Pickering and the seaside town of Whitby- where you can enjoy some of the world famous fish and chips
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The Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, Kent
Spanning over ten miles, these fantastic locomotives allow visitors to experience travel and service from a bygone era. The line weaves between Tenterden and Bodiam with spectacular views en route.
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East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Since 1846 steam trains have been providing a great day out for the family at East Lancashire Railway. There are a few different stations where you can alight and explore between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtwnstall.
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The North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk
Enjoy a trip on this heritage railway line which takes you on a ten and a half mile trip through the beautiful north Norfolk countryside. The trains, stations, tickets and other sights along with the smells take you back in time.
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Swanage Railway, Corfe Castle, Dorset
This heritage railway line that travels between the historic village of Corfe Castle and the seaside town of Swanage makes for a great day out with the family. There are both diesel and steam trains to take you on a magical journey through the Dorset countryside. This is a journey that I have done frequently as there’s plenty to do at both destinations, the kids love the trip and the views are stunning!
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Bluebell Railway, Uckfield
The magnificent heritage trains of the Bluebell Railway will take you on a nostalgic trip through nine miles of Sussex countryside between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. The family can enjoy the excitement and magic of experiencing the bygone era of steam travel.
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Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Bembridge
This beautifully preserved railway runs for five miles between Smallbrook Junction, through Ashley and Havenstreet on to Wotton and you are able to hop on/off at any of these stops. In the Train Story Visitor Experience you will find lots of interactive activities for the children that bring to life the history of the railway.
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Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
Bring the family to this heritage railway for a steam powered day out. The trains travels sixteen miles between Bridgnorth, Bewdley and Kidderminister through the Severn Valley. Make a day of it and hop on and off at the different stations where you can find a number of attractions for the family to enjoy.
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Please let us know about your favourite railways!