Is your toddler a huge fan of Thomas & Friends™ ‘All Engines Go’? Do they love all things with wheels, but mostly trains? Do you find yourself secretly looking for place to go on the train for a day out, or constantly looking for family train trips UK? Well look no further, we’ve got it all covered here, with the best ideas for days out with toddlers who love trains.

Broken down by region, you can find the very best train days our near you, including steam train riders, Day out with Thomas events and Transport museums. Whether you’re looking for things to do with the kids over Easter, or summer activities for train fans, we’ve got it covered

MIDLANDS

Thomas Land, Drayton Manor

If you’re looking for the ultimate family day out and  best place to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends, look no further than Drayton Manor, the Home of Thomas Land. Easy to get to in the midlands, there’s more than 25 attractions and rides, making it 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 amused. (Don’t forget to exit through the gift shop, you might see a familiar Thomas Plate plate set)

 
Seven Valley Railway, Midlands
In the heart of the West Midlands, jump on board this 16-mile heritage railway that runs diesel trains and steam trains. Take fun 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. Tickets start from £19.50.

LONDON

Ruslip Lido Railway

If you’re looking for steam train days out near me, hot foot it over to Ruslip Lido Railway. There’s always something fun going down, including the ‘Eater Eggspress 2023’. 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 when the weather heats up. Don’t forget to bring swimwear to enjoy the splash pool too (subject to opening).

Brockwell Park, Miniature Railway

One of the most popular steam train days out for kids of all ages, Brockwell Park Miniature Railway has been hauling in the crowds since 2003! As well as riding the LNER Y6 Tram, there is occasionally an American style Steam engine too jump on. The season kicks off from Sunday 12^th March – the first event of the day.

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden

From singing and story lessons for toddler train fans, through to tours, there’s always something fun happening at the 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.

SOUTH

Drusillas Park, East Sussex
At Drusillas Park, there’s more Thomas the Tank Engine action than you can swing Sir Topham Hatt at! Take a journey on the Thomas ride, snap a selfie, and time your visit and you might just get to meet some very exciting characters from the Milkshake programme too. That’s not all, there’s a zoo, a playground, a maze and more. 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 2023 is back, visiting eight locations around the UK this year. Alongside Thomas the Tank Engine, there are guest appearances from Diesel, Percy, Henrietta and Toad. Don’t forget to get your Thomas Train plate from the gift shop if you can find one! The Watercress Line event is much-loved by families and starts 27 May with events taking place on 12-20 August. Read more here >>>

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

Day Out With Thomas™  - Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

For those in the Buckinghamshire area, Day Out with Thomas s visiting with Thomas and Percy the green engine, on several dates between April 7 and October 8.

EAST

Get ready for the best toddler day out in the East. Railworld Wildlife Haven operates more than 30 locomotives. This model railway has everything, and we mean everything, including a Thomas the Tank Engine replica, that kids can even drive! Open from April through to October, add it to your family day out schedule.

Thomas the Tank Engine replica, that kids can even drive! Open from April through to October, add it to your family day out schedule.

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 11 and October 1. Meet Thomas, Percy, Mavis 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

Always a fun day out, 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 29 through till 1 October, there’s plenty of chances to jump on board!

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 7.25 inch train ride on railway garden centre is a local favourite.

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

A visit to the Stephenson Museum is a great way 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. The heritage train rides operate on various dates starting from 18 Feb.

SCOTLAND

The Jacobite Steam Train, Fort William

Made famous by the Harry Potter movies, a train themed day out list would be incomplete without mentioning the Jacobite Steam Train. Tucked away in the Highlands, it’s not just for train fans, this is also for Harry Potter fans as you get to ride the infamous Hogwarts Express. OMG! Take an 84-mile round trip through the Highlands, for one of the most breathtaking and memorable journeys of all time, as of April 3^rd.

The Clyde Valley Model Railway, Carluke, Lanarkshire

Self-described as an “ambitious and unique project” here you can find the largest, permanent, G Scale model railway attraction in Scotland. 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 three-hour ride along the river. This is a fun one to bring the grandparents on too. 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. Prices start from £39.95pp.

Nationwide

As a final noteworthy mention, for kids thst LOVE trains, Trainmaster events are not to be missed. The company runs pop-up train events and private parties throughout the UK, from Berkshire to Tyne & Wear and all that's in-between, check them out at: www.trainmaster.co.uk

 
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 get the lowdown on Day Out with Thomas events here.