Family Steam Train & Heritage Railway Tickets

What Can I Expect

Loved by all ages, family steam train experiences are a real winner! Spend a day at the heritage railway of your choice, riding steam trains with these vouchers for families to have fun together.

Did you know the UK has the biggest concentration of heritage railways anywhere in the world? It’s proof we are a nation of train fans, with the joy of steam fascinating everyone from the the youngest children, to grandparents.

These family vouchers are generally for two adults and two children to enjoy a steam train trip. Some railways run services year round, others are seasonal. What links them all is the unwavering enthusiasm of the volunteers who run the railways.

It’s like stepping into a living history lesson, with staff working in station booking offices, waiting rooms, cafes and on the platforms, all dressed appropriately for the golden age of steam in the early 20th century and ready to welcome you as passengers.

These steam train days out for families are all about enjoying slow travel, with the familiar ‘chuff-chuff’ sound of the loco, the plumes of steam and that distinctive smell of the hot, working steam engine.

The perfect multigenerational day out, kids, parents and grandparents all love these family-orientated steam experiences at your pick of UK heritage railway! 

Menu

Derbyshire  Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Matlock

• Unlimited travel for the day, hauled by steam and classic diesel locomotives
• The 9-mile route follows the Ecclesbourne Valley, passing through woodlands and farmland with spectacular views of the Derbyshire countryside
• The heritage railway operates heritage between Wirksworth and Duffield, with intermediate stations at Idridgehay and Shottle
• Limited services are also available to Ravenstor Station, one mile north of Wirksworth at the end of a unique 1-in-27 incline
• Hop on and off at any of the stations
• Visit the 7 1/4-inch gauge miniature railway which runs for a third of a mile at the end of Platform 1, running adjacent to the main track
• The on-site museum boasts an array of railway-related artefacts and information about the history of the railway with interactive displays and the gift shop has the largest selection of second-hand transport books in the region 

• Regular passenger services operate on most weekends throughout the year
• Not valid on Orange timetable days (except August Bank Holiday where they are accepted) or pre-book specials

Kent   East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell, Dover

• Train tickets for four on the East Kent Railway for a four-mile round trip
• Regular steam and diesel days operate throughout the season
• Travel between the pretty villages of Shepherdswell and Eythorne
• Take in the sights of the rolling countryside, steep chalk-lined cuttings and the fascinating Golgotha Tunnel
• Guests can also visit the award-winning visitor centre, woodland walks and see the heritage trains and ride on the miniature railway

• Valid on Sundays only during our normal operating season between March 24th and September 27th
• Departure times are 10:45, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00
• No advance booking is needed
• Take a printed version of your Into the Blue voucher with you on the day of your journey

Leicestershire   Great Central Railway, Loughborough

• Enjoy a steam train trip on the Great Central Railway for two adults (16+) and 3 children (ages 3-15) Under 3s free
• Runabout tickets are valid for unlimited travel for the day
• A round trip lasts approximately one and a half hours
• Opportunity to visit visit the museum, restored station buildings and gift shop
• Board at any of the railway's four stations and hop on and off along the way

• Passenger trains operate on weekends throughout the year with selected weekdays available during the summer months
• Valid for use on all advertised standard services
• Vouchers are not valid for use on special event days
• No advance booking is needed but you must take a printed version of your Into the Blue voucher with you on the day of your journey 

Oxfordshire   Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor

• Steam train journey for two adults 16+ and 2 children (under 16)
• Enjoy a 90-minute steam train ride from Chinnor Station to Princes Risborough Station and back
• Time to walk round and take photos at Princes Risborough Station before returning to Chinnor
• Spectacular views of the Chiltern countryside
• Vouchers are all day tickets providing unlimited travel for the day

• Selected weekday and weekend dates

Somerset   East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet

• Unlimited travel on any normal service day for two adults (17+) and 2 children (5-16) Under 5's free
• Relax and enjoy steam & diesel rides through the beautiful Mendip countryside
• The train journey is approximately 40 minutes over a 5 mile round trip
• You are welcome to ride as many times as you like on your visit
• Visit the engine shed, workshop and David Shepherd Discovery Centre
• Allow around 3-5 hours for this experience

• Open weekends from March to October and selected weekdays in the summer
• Vouchers are valid for most special events but not childrens character visit days , Day Out with Thomas, Evening Wine & Dines or Santa Specials

South Wales  Blaenavon Heritage Railway, Torfaen

• Steam train journey for two adults (16+) and 2 children (under 16)
• The total length of the the line, including the Big Pit branch is 3.1 miles so your journey is approx 6.2 miles and lasts approx 55 minutes
• Time to walk round and take photos Blaenavon High Level
• The journey back to Furnace Sidings includes, for a short while, a gradient of 1:34, that is one of the steepest gradients on any heritage railway
• Vouchers are all day tickets providing unlimited travel for the day

• Selected weekday and weekend dates

Staffordshire   Churnet Valley Railway, Stoke-on-Trent

• Unlimited all day travel on the line throughout the day
• Valid for 2 adults (18+) and 2 children (4-17) or 2 adults and one senior (60+)
• You can break your journey as often as you like

• Valid for blue and green running days, Monday to Sunday, excluding special event days
• Please check the Churnet Valley Railway calendar once you have registered your voucher 
• Depart from Froghall Station 10:30am or 1:30pm to start your journey
• The journey lasts approximately 2 hours if you start and finish at Froghall
• Spend the whole day if you want to hop on and hop off at stations en route

Suitable For

• Derbyshire Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Matlock - Two adults (16+) and up to three children aged 5-15)
• Kent   East Kent Railway - Valid 4 four people (mix of adults or children)
• Leicestershire   Great Central Railway - Valid for 2 adults (16+) & 3 children (ages 3-15) Under 3's free
• Oxfordshire   Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway -  Two adults (16+) and 2 children (under 16)
• Somerset   East Somerset Railway - Two adults (17+) and 2 children (5-16) Under 5's free
• South Wales  Blaenavon Heritage Railway, Torfaen -  Two adults (16+) and 2 children (under 16)
• Staffordshire   Churnet Valley Railway -  2 adults (18+) and 2 children (4-17) or 2 adults and one senior (60+)

 

 

Spectators

• Friends and family are welcome, however they will be required to pay for a ticket on the day (subject to availability)

When Is It Available

• Available selected dates between March and October
• Some locations are available throughout the year
• Excludes special event days
• All dates are subject to availability