Is your child a huge fan of Thomas & Friends™ ‘All Engines Go’? Do they love all things with wheels… but mostly trains? Do you find yourself secretly googling ‘steam train days out near me’ and ‘train places for toddlers near me’? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Here are some of the best ideas for days out with toddlers who love trains UK, divided by region.

SOUTH

Drusillas Park, East Sussex
At Drusillas, there’s more Thomas the Tank Engine action than you can swing Sir Topham Hatt at! Enjoy a journey on the Thomas ride, take a selfie, and time your visit and you might just get to meet some very exciting characters from the programme too. But there’s more;  a zoo, a playground, a maze - come for a few hours, but expect to spend the day. It ticks the box for both train and car related days out.
 
Day Out With Thomas™ - The Watercress Line, Hampshire

Day Out With Thomas™ is back, visiting several locations around the UK this year. Alongside Thomas the Tank Engine, there are guest appearances from Diesel, Percy and Toad. Don’t forget to get your Thomas Train plate from the gift shop too. Operating from May 28- August 14. Trust us, days out for toddlers don’t get better than this.

Munchy Play Thomas Plates are the perfect gift for Thomas fans!

Day Out With Thomas™  - Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

For those in the Buckinghamshire area, Day Out with Thomas™ is visiting with Thomas and Percy the green engine, on dates between June 1 and October 24.

Image - dayoutwiththomas.com - (C) 2023 (Gullane) Thomas Limited.

LONDON

Ruslip Lido Railway

If you’re looking for steam train days out near me, hot foot it over to Ruslip Lido Railway in the summer. The miniature railway runs from the Water’s Edge pub to a play area before returning.  It’s about ten minutes long, making it a fun treat for the kids, especially on warm balmy days. Don’t forget to bring swimwear to enjoy the splash pool too.

Brockwell Park, Miniature Railway

One of the most popular steam train days out for children, Brockwell Park Miniature Railway has been pulling in the crowds since 2003. As well as riding the LNER Y6 Tram, there is occasionally an American style Steam engine too (or should that be toot-toot!)

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden
For the ultimate train themed day out, head over to the brilliant London Transport Museum. The fascinating tour shows the link between the development of the capital and its culture and society. With nearly half a million items to view, it’s a interesting and educating ‘journey’ through time. Best of all – toddlers go free.

THE NORTH

Day out with Thomas™ - Whistlestop Valley, Yorkshire

The perfect family day out in Yorkshire. All the fun of Thomas & Friends™ comes to Whistlestop Valley between March 12 and July 17. Meet Thomas, Percy and Sir Topham Hatt, and don’t forget to exit via the gift shop and pick up your favourite Thomas & Friends Track Plate for memories!

 

The National Railway Museum, York
Looking for one of the best train places for toddlers near me? You might just have found it, with 300 years of history on the railways to explore. For under-five’s there’s a play station for kids to explore trains and enjoy some soft play. While older train fans can learn about its locomotive heritage through the years.

East Lancashire Railway

Looking for fun train themed days out in Yorkshire? You sure are! Then get ready for Day out With Thomas, visiting the railway between April 30 through to October 2.

Brookside Miniature Railway, Poynton, Cheshire

There’s so much fun to be had in this steam train event, which includes a half-mile journey around Brookside Garden Centre. Great for children of all ages.

The Stephenson Railway Museum, North Shields, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Educational and fun, a visit to the Stephenson Museum is an opportunity to learn more about the history of working trains in Tyneside. This includes exhibits dating back as far as the 1800s, with a brilliant history of time. It’s one of the best days out for toddlers who love all things choo-choo.

MIDLANDS

Thomas Land, Drayton Manor
If your little one loves train toys and can’t get enough of Thomas & Friends™, there’s only one thing for it – Thomas Land at Drayton Manor. With over 25 attractions and rides, it’s the only of its kind in Europe, and is always one of the best days out with toddlers. The manor also includes a zoo, as well as other rides and attractions to keep trainspotters highly entertained.

 
Seven Valley Railway, Midlands
Jump on board this 16-mile heritage railway that runs diesel trains and steam trains. Discover your inner child with rides through the countryside and all the nostalgia of a bygone era with punching holes in tickets and the great smell from the engine room. It’s one of the most popular steam train days out in the midlands.

SCOTLAND

The Jacobite Steam Train, Fort William

A train themed days out list would be incomplete without mentioning the Jacobite Steam Train in the Highlands. Not just for train fans, this is also for Harry Potter fans, as you get to ride on the Hogwarts Express. OMG! Take an 84-mile round trip through the Highlands, for one of the most breathtaking and memorable journeys of all time.

The Clyde Valley Model Railway, Carluke, Lanarkshire

Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fans, Clyde Valley Model Railways is the UK’s only multi-sensory G Scale Model Railway Attraction. This charming experience is one of the best days out for toddlers, with vintage and quirky features to marvel at. Of course, Thomas the Tank Engine is the star of the show, alongside Annie and Calarabell.

WALES

Gwili Steam Railway, Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthenshire

If you’re looking for a gentle steam train day out, then board the Gwili Steam Train for a leisurely ride along the river. There’s also a chance to hop on board the miniature railway – a hit with toddlers. On a nice day, don’t forget to pack a picnic for this scenic location. Be sure to add it to your days out with toddlers who love trains UK list.
 
So there you have it – some of the best train themed days out for toddlers who love trains. If you enjoyed this feature, be sure to read more about days out with toddlers for 2023.