Lose track of time at these retro railway attractions...
Take a trip back to the golden age of steam
in a historic steam train is more than a distant memory, courtesy of heritage railways which provide a step back in time to the glorious age of steam.
Many even make a real day out and experience to remember of it where you can enjoy an afternoon tea as you sit back watching the world go by from your carriage window.
And there are many places offering brilliant steam train experiences around the Midlands and a little further afield which would make the perfect day out for all the family.
Here are just some of them:
Churnet Valley Railway Kingsley and Froghall Station near Uttoxeter
The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a lovely rural line that passes right through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s “Little Switzerland”.
During the summer holidays, the station puts on great family events where your young ones can become little train drivers as they meet the drivers, station master and hear the
fascinating story of the family who once lived at the station.
Among the many events the railway offers are Staffordshire cream teas starting from £33.50 per person; the Saturday Lunch train with a three-course meal from £54.50 per person; and The Moorlander Lunch Train three-course Sunday lunch from £54.50 per person.
More specialised events include the Rail Ale Trail from June 21 to 23 when visitors can enjoy a cold beer with live music, while riding on a heritage locomotive. It costs from £16. The year ends with the famous Polar Express Christmas event for the little ones costing from £30.
Statfold Barn Railway Tamworth
This is a day out packed with beautiful engines and kids’ activities designed for train lovers. In the summer, there will be bouncy castles, games and you’ll have the chance to ride the old Burton to Ashby Tram and Train.
There is an extensive collection of more than 30 narrow gauge locomotives owned by Statfold Narrow Gauge Trust. There is also the chance to explore plenty of temporary exhibits from other heritage railways and private collections.
You can also add a visit to the Roundhouse Museum to your day and see more than 12 tracks. On certain days, you can even hop on the train and ride along the Statfold Barn Railway, which has three stops. The special seasonal experiences are a kids’ favourite.
Among the events are the drivers’ experience, the spectacle of steam see more working steam locomotives in one hour than anywhere else in the UK; and steam in miniature to name but a few.
Battlefield Line Railway Market Bosworth
The Battlefield Line is the last remaining part of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway which was opened in 1873. It runs from Shackerstone, via Market Bosworth, to Shenton in Leicestershire and is operated by the Shackerstone Railway Society.
Shackerstone Station is at the northern end of the line, and is the headquarters of the railway with museum, Victorian tea room souvenir shop, loco shed and main rolling stock. There is ample free parking, and the Ashby Canal is just a stone’s throw away.The railway captures the very essence of a country line, with steam, diesel and railcar train services along with small stations meandering along a single track line.
Trains run on weekends between March and November, plus on TuesTRAVELLING days, Wednesdays and Thursdays during July and August, just Wednesdays in September and throughout the half-term weeks in October.
There are some special events coming up this year, including the fish and chip ride; pie and mash special. Prices start from £29.50
The Model’s Weekend includes a display of model railways from N to G scale, a 5in gauge demonstration line, Lego Harry Potter display, vintage miniature fairground models and more still. Entry starts from £3
Prices are to be confirmed for its Rail Ale Festival.
Amerton Railway Stafford
The Amerton Railway is a one-mile two-foot gauge line, set in the rolling Staffordshire countryside in the grounds of the popular Amerton Working Farm.
Diesel trains run on Saturdays, steam trains on Sundays, bank holidays and mid-week during halfterms and summer holidays.
You can pick up your tickets from the booking office, which is next to the charming museum. While access to the Locomotive Shed and the
Yard are usually limited, members of the train crew do sometimes give guided tours: if you’re going specifically for that element it’s best to prearrange.
Every Halloween there is a spooky but family friendly Monster Train special that is fun for all ages if they like that kind of thing; with a slightly spookier version held in the Play Barn for the older and braver types.
Other events include the steamhauled steam gala with an intensive freight and passenger service, along with shed tours and workshop tours to demonstrate the preservation work and allow visitors to see other engines.
The Chasewater Railway Burntwood
The Chasewater Railway operates standard gauge heritage steam and diesel trains on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the year, and on most Saturdays and certain weekdays throughout the summer. It is a volunteer-run charity.
It is located in Chasewater Country Park, just off the southbound A5 at Brownhills West and the railway is conveniently placed for visitors from every part of the country, along with free parking, it says.
The venue has an accredited museum, heritage centre, narrow gauge line, model railway and traditional tea room and gift shops.
And the Railway operates passenger trains from its headquarters at Brownhills West to Chasetown, with intermediate stations at Norton Lakeside and Chasewater Heaths. A round trip of nearly four miles takes about 45 minutes. Day Rover tickets offer travel on all trains operating on
the day of issue.
Great Central Railway Loughborough
A steam railway where vintage locomotives whizz through the Leicestershire countryside is what Great Central Railway has to offer. It is the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway.
Passengers can enjoy panoramic views from comfortable carriages. Built in the late 19th-century, this railway is a historic attraction and you can walk along the station like former passengers would have done over 100 years ago.
There’s plenty to keep the family busy, such as a museum, gift shop, and a train emporium.
The railway has also recently been awarded Heritage Lottery Funds to build a brand new museum at the Leicester North station.
Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days through the summer.
In addition, first-class restaurant Car services provide five-course meals while travelling between Loughborough and Leicester.
You can also opt for the Drive a
Locomotive Experience when you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel.
Special events include Steam Galas, Paw Patrol, Bonfire Night, 1940s Wartime Weekend and Santa Specials.
Midland Railway-Butterley Ripley, Derbyshire
This is a day out for the whole family with model and miniature railways, playground, picnic areas, cafes and a country park as well as heritage steam and diesel locomotives operating and a host of other attractions.
Sometimes you can see special visitors, be it Thomas the Tank Engine, a vintage steam or historic diesel loco.
Passengers can take a nostalgic trip on one of the heritage trains, explore the museums at Swanwick Junction, take a walk in the country park and much more.
The highlight of any visit to Midland Railway Butterley is the museum at the Swanwick Junction complex where you alight from your train for a full day out.