Do you have a toddler obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine, a house full of train enthusiasts, or are you simply looking for something fun to do with the family? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about steam railways, miniature trains and other exciting train rides across the UK.
Our whistle-stop tour takes you the length of the country, from Scotland to Cornwall. We’ll be charming you with restored stations, inspiring you with beautiful British countryside, visiting top film locations and, most importantly, giving you the lowdown on everything you need to know to make sure your family day out isn’t a train wreck.
If full-size trains aren’t quite your family’s cup of tea, we’ve also included a great selection of miniature railway adventures. So let’s get down to choo-choosing the best steam train and family train rides in the UK.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 50 Fabulous Places to Take Kids in the UK
Train Rides in the UK for a Great Day Out
The Vale of Rheidol Railway, Ceredigion
Treat your family to the stunning valleys of Rheidol at The Vale of Rheidol Railway. Hop aboard a train that your great grandparents may have even ridden.
Running since 1902, this railway has been delighting families for generations, showing off the beauty of the Rheidol valleys. See parts of the valley only accessible by train, as this Welsh wonder lets you explore 24 miles of breathtaking scenery and rugged mountain terrain, from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge. Don’t forget your binoculars for a bit of bird-spotting too, with buzzards and red kites regular visitors above the train route.
With the option of a single or return trip, or even just part of the route, the Rheidol Railway is a great way to experience a taste of steam train life on a day out the whole family will love. The railway typically runs through the spring, summer and autumn months, with some special seasonal experiences, such as Halloween Ghost Trains and Santa Trains, added at other times of year.
The Jacobite Steam Train, Scottish Highlands
Image © David & Ben Collier
Taking in a whopping 84 miles from the highest mountain in Britain (Ben Nevis) to the most westerly station (Arisaig), The Jacobite Steam Train is often described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. We think it’s an epic adventure the whole family will love.
On your journey you’ll pass Britain’s deepest freshwater loch (Loch Morar) and one of the country’s shortest rivers (the River Morar). You’ll also pass Loch Nevis and Fort William, before venturing into the fishing port of Mallaig, with time to explore what it has to offer.
Kids will especially enjoy crossing the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan viaduct, which many will recognise as the route to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films. Just don’t forget your camera, as there’s plenty to capture. The Jacobite typically runs through the spring, summer and autumn months, with dates varying, so it’s worth checking and booking in advance, particularly for busier periods.
East Lancashire Railway, Greater Manchester
Sit back and enjoy the 12.5-mile journey aboard a historical steam train at East Lancashire Railway. Start your travels from Rawtenstall, where you’ll be carried through impressive viaducts and tunnels, with beautiful views all the way to Heywood.
The railway is a great way to explore hidden gems of the North West. If the snack monsters in your family get peckish, you can grab something on board the railway carriage-turned-café, or tuck into food at the Buffer Stops Bar at the station.
After your journey, explore the Bury Transport Museum to learn about the region’s rich transport history through interactive exhibits the kids will love. There’s also a range of special events throughout the year, including seasonal favourites such as train rides with Thomas and Halloween Ghost Trains.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 30 Mysterious & Magical Harry Potter Places to Visit
Nene Valley Railway, Cambridgeshire
Discover the home of Thomas the Tank Engine at Nene Valley Railway. Nene Valley has a large collection of British and continental locomotives and carriages, including Thomas the Tank Engine and a restored Southern Railway travelling post office carriage.
For history buffs, this is the only surviving coach from the Great Train Robbery of 1963. Travelling between Wansford and Peterborough, the 7.5 miles of track pass through the picturesque 500-acre Ferry Meadows Country Park. There’s also a small museum and a second-hand railway bookshop housed in a railway carriage at Wansford station.
The railway runs regularly throughout the year, with special character days and seasonal events, including Thomas weekends and Santa steam trains.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 15 of the Best UK Holiday Destinations for Families
Great Central Railway, Leicestershire
If steam is the dream, why not visit the UK’s only main line heritage railway with a twin track line? Great Central Railway is one of the few places where you can see full-size steam engines passing each other, just like they used to.
Built in the late 19th century, this railway is a historic attraction your family should visit at least once. Walk along the station platform as passengers would have done over a century ago, then climb aboard at Loughborough Central Station before setting off under a cloud of steam toward Leicester North, with plenty of exciting things to spot along the way. There’s a museum, gift shop and train emporium to explore too.
The railway runs regularly throughout the year, with special events including character days, Halloween Steam & Scream, Bonfire Night fireworks and Santa steam trains.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, North Yorkshire
Harry Potter fans, this one is for you. If you want a magical family day out, the popular North Yorkshire Moors Railway ticks every box, with stunning scenery and impressive steam trains passing through filming locations from the Harry Potter series.
The route takes you through the beautiful North York Moors National Park between Pickering and Whitby. The whole family will love stopping at the immaculately restored stations along the way. One of the most famous stops is Goathland, used in the first Harry Potter film, and also recognisable as the fictional station of Aidensfield from the TV series Heartbeat.
The railway runs through much of the year, with early booking advised for Halloween and Santa steam train experiences.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 14 Fun and Exciting Things to Do in York with Kids
Churnet Valley Railway, Staffordshire
The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel, through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s “Little Switzerland.” From the moment you arrive at the picturesque station, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On your 11-mile journey through this hidden valley, you’ll experience what railway travel was really like in its heyday.
If you’re looking for something special for the school holidays, the station puts on family events where little ones can meet the drivers, hear about the station master, and even experience what it’s like to “drive” the train themselves.
There’s something for kids and grown-ups alike, including a traditional tea room at Kingsley & Froghall. The railway runs on selected dates throughout the year, with special events such as Easter egg hunts, Halloween family fun and Santa steam train rides.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 25 Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales to Explore
Don’t Miss…
From the infamous to the insane, and quirky to cool, fun is guaranteed with these unusual places to visit in the UK — perfect for a memorable family day out.
Mid Hants Railway, Watercress Line, Hampshire
Nicknamed the Watercress Line for its past use transporting watercress from Alresford to London, this railway offers a charming taste of the golden age of steam, with familiar faces making appearances at special events.
Make sure to stop off at Alresford’s charming Georgian town centre with its boutique shops and picturesque riverside walk. A trip to the nearby National Trust property Hinton Ampner is also well worth it.
Walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the iron footbridge where he received his ticket for the Hogwarts Express, or visit the Loco Yard for a behind-the-scenes peek at the engineering workshops and locomotives up close. This is a day out that’s sure to have young train enthusiasts jumping up and down with excitement.
The line runs on selected dates through much of the year, including school holidays, with special events such as Wizard Weekends, Days Out with Thomas and Santa steam trains.
South Devon Railway, Devon
Ride the longest established steam railway in the South West, with the South Devon Railway running along the stunning valley of the River Dart. Pay once and ride all day on steam-hauled locomotives as you journey between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, taking in impressive views from your carriage.
Why not make a day of it? At the stops you’ll find a play area, museum, gardens, a picnic area, and a model and gift shop with a model railway. Dartmoor Otters, Buckfast Butterflies and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm can all be found at Buckfastleigh station, so you can combine your train journey with some local wildlife too.
The railway runs through spring, summer and autumn, with special events including Carols Down the Line and Santa steam train rides.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 30 Yummy and Unique Kids Afternoon Teas to Try Around the UK
Lappa Valley Steam Railway, Cornwall
What better way to see the Cornish countryside than aboard a steam train chugging down the Lappa Valley Steam Railway. Based near Newquay, this family favourite is a hit with visitors of all ages thanks to its trio of railways and on-site leisure park.
Jump on board the steam train for a short ride up to the leisure park, where you’ll find play areas, crazy golf, nature trails, two miniature railways and plenty more, including one of the largest collections of Thomas the Tank Engine stock in Cornwall.
The railway runs daily, with trains at regular intervals throughout the day. Special events include Hallo-week for Halloween and Santa trains.
Kent & East Sussex Railway, Kent
Starting at Tenterden Town Station, the Kent & East Sussex Railway is a lovely way to step back in time aboard a railway that’s been in use for over a century. This is a tried-and-tested day out that keeps the whole family happy, with plenty of stops and attractions along the way, including shops and parks.
With four stops along the route, including the final station at Bodiam, you can hop off wherever takes your fancy as you explore the so-called Garden of England. Bodiam Castle is just a short walk from the final station, making for a great full day out.
The railway runs on selected dates through spring, summer and autumn, with special events including Halloween High Jinx, Fright Night Express and Santa steam train rides.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 150 Unforgettable Things to Do in London with Kids
Days Out with Thomas & Friends
Are you looking for a Day Out with Thomas? Whether you’re 2 or 92, these popular events for fans of the famous blue engine and his friends take place at railways across the UK.
Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt travel all the way from the Island of Sodor for some family fun. Meet the characters, take steam train rides and enjoy the extra activities on offer. It’s easy to keep the kids entertained on the short ride, whether they’re waving at passers-by from the window, drawing in a free passport book, or spotting Emily, Percy or the Troublesome Trucks.
Once off the train, there’s often face-painting, a balloon artist, or wooden train tables to keep little ones busy while you grab some lunch.
Details vary by location, so check our round-up of Days Out with Thomas & Friends to find your nearest station.
Miniature Railway Train Rides in the UK
If you’re looking for a mini adventure with your mini people, a ride on a miniature railway is a lovely way to round off a family day out. There are hundreds of fun miniature train rides across the UK. As well as the miniature trains at Lappa Valley mentioned above, here are a few more favourites.
Bekonscot Model Village
This 7.25″ gauge estate railway offers rides at the site of the world’s oldest model village. After viewing the model steam trains passing through the village, enjoy a ride on a route with an inverted balloon loop, a triangle junction, a figure-of-8 and a long spur to the terminus. It’s a firm favourite with families each year.
Grosvenor Park, Chester
This Chester attraction is one of several miniature railways that operate through the winter months, weather permitting. The Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway first opened in 1996, originally to commemorate the centenary of the Duke of Westminster’s railway at nearby Eaton Hall. The line runs in a large circle around an ornamental lake, over a bridge and across two level crossings.
The Watford Miniature Railway
This historic railway opened in 1959 in Cassiobury Park. The station sits alongside the paddling pool and playground area, with two platforms and a turntable.
Trains cross a gated level crossing before travelling alongside the River Gade and returning to the station. At peak times, operations can be very slick, with one train travelling the railway while a second loads at the station.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Magical Fairy Trails in the UK for an Amazing Family Day Out
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best steam train ride for families in the UK?
It really depends on what your family enjoys. Scenic mountain and loch views suit the Jacobite Steam Train in the Highlands, Harry Potter fans will love the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or the Watercress Line, and families with younger children often enjoy the shorter, attraction-packed rides at Lappa Valley or the East Lancashire Railway.
Are train rides suitable for toddlers?
Yes, most heritage railways welcome families with toddlers and buggies, and many have play areas, cafés and gentle, short journeys that work well for younger children. It’s always worth checking accessibility and facilities directly with the railway before you travel.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
Many heritage railways recommend booking ahead, especially for popular seasonal events such as Santa trains, Halloween specials and Days Out with Thomas. For a standard day out, it’s still worth checking the railway’s own website close to your visit for availability and current running days.
Are miniature railways a good option for younger children?
Yes, miniature railways tend to have shorter rides and are often set within parks or leisure attractions, making them a gentle, low-cost introduction to train days out for toddlers and younger children.
Related Articles
- 50 Fabulous Places to Take Kids in the UK
- 30 Mysterious & Magical Harry Potter Places to Visit
- Days Out with Thomas & Friends: Where to Go
- Magical Fairy Trails in the UK for an Amazing Family Day Out
- 25 Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales to Explore
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Not ready to book just yet? Bookmark this guide or save it to your family days-out list so you’ve got it handy when you’re planning your next trip. And if you’re after more ideas for keeping the kids entertained, browse our full collection of UK family day-out guides.
Get Weekly Family Day Out Ideas
Want more ideas like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly inspiration on family days out, activities and things to do with the kids — no spam, just useful ideas when you need them.
