Get ready for a great family day out!

If you’ve got a train-mad toddler, or know someone who loves Thomas the Tank Engine, make it a priority to visit ‘Day out with Thomas™ 2023’. Taking place up and down the country, from 7^th April through till December, this is the number one steam train days out that all the family will enjoy. It also makes the perfect train gift for toddlers and day out with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Day Out With Thomas 2023 is visiting nine venues, bringing a trainload of excitement to a local heritage railway station near you.

What happens at Day Out With Thomas 2023

Perfect for toddlers, pre-schoolers and families, the fun day out involves taking a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meeting all your favourite Thomas & Friends™ characters along the way. This includes a fun train ride with Thomas, and the opportunity to say hello to Sir Topham Hatt and railway friends. For even more fun, there’s family activities, photos, live entertainment and more! Don’t forget to exit through the gift-shop, many of the heritage gift shops stock your favourite Thomas treats (and plates!).

Read on to find your nearest ‘Day out with Thomas near me’.

Day Out with Thomas The Tank Engine locations

Here are the eight locations where you can enjoy Day out with Thomas 2023 UK.

Be sure to book tickets ahead of time at dayoutwiththomas.co.uk as this popular family day out gets booked up months in advance.

Whistlestop Valley, Yorkshire

Also featuring Toby and Mavis, this fun family day out in Yorkshire starts early this year and runs into early summer at Whistlestop Valley

• March 11-12
• May 13-14
• July 15-16
• September 30 – October 1

Taking place at: Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

As well as Thomas, young visitors will be excited to see Percy the green engine making an appearance this year, on the following dates:

• April 7-9
• June 3-4
• July 22-23
• October 7-8

Taking place at: Quainton Road Station, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, HP22 4BY.

East Lancashire Railway

The best family day out with Thomas the Tank Engine in Yorkshire is back in Bury, with special guest Diesel!

• April 29 – May 1
• August 5-6
• September 30 - 1

Taking place at: Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY

The Watercress Line, Hampshire

Alongside Thomas the Tank Engine, there are guest appearances from Diesel and Toad!

• May 27- June 4
• August 12-20

Taking place at: Ropley Station, Station Hill, SO24 0BL

East Anglian Railway Museum

The crew is back, including Percy, Toby, Henrietta and Daisy, coming to Essex on:

• April 7-10
• August 26-28
• October 28-29
• December: 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17.

Taking place at: Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Wakes Colne, CO6 2DS

Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine is also coming to:

• Caledonian Railway in Scotland, July 22-23 and Sept 2-3
• Wiltshire, Swindon & Crickdale Aug 26-28
• Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, May 13-14, July 15-16, Sept 9-10

Got more questions? That’s okay, because we’ve got the answers, here’s some useful stuff to know…

Where can you see Thomas the Tank Engine in the UK?

Aside from Day out With Thomas events, you can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends at Drayton Manor, Home of Thomas Land.

Is there a real island of Sodor?

You’re not the first person to ask! The Island of Sodor is, however, a fictional island.

Where can I book Day out with Thomas 2023?

Advance booking is recommended for Thomas fans of all ages. Find your selected railway below and click ‘Get Tickets’ to book now.

What train gifts for toddlers are the best?

If you have a toddler who loves trains, then check out the Munchy Play Thomas & Friends Track Plate collection.

Are you planning to go along? If so, don’t forget to tag your photos with the hashtag #DayOutWithThomas on social media. You can also follow us @munchyplay for all the latest news.