England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

recommended places to visit and things to do with children in England


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well-presented railway museum, largest in the world, with a wide-ranging appeal beyond the railway enthusiast

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  • seasonal opening
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13 mile steam heritage railway through beautiful countryside creating the atmosphere of a 1950s Cornish branch line

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with events, demonstrations of traditional crafts and changing exhibitions telling the story of the Yorkshire Dales, landscape and people, past and present

  • tourist railway
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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all aboard for a spectacular journey operating between Kingswear and Paignton along a picturesque route bordering the Dart Estuary

Great Central Railway

Loughborough

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  • tourist railway
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UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other

Locomotion

Shildon

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explore the rich seam of local railway history and discover how the railways have changed all our lives, with a model railway to please all enthusiasts

  • film/tv location
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  • tourist railway
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featured in many films and TV programmes, this preserved railway has large steam locomotives and runs from Alton to Alresford

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  • pre-booking advised
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historic narrow gauge railway, located in the Western part of the Lake District National Park with two main stations, Ravenglass and Dalegarth

  • nature reserve
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  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • nature
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set around Rudyard Lake, this narrow gauge railway runs throughout the year. The Lake is a family centre for picnics, sailing, boating, walking and fishing

South Devon Railway

Buckfastleigh

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a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, running along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

St. Newlyn East

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living steam trains in a magical setting with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including canoes, pedaloes, crazy golf and children's play area

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Martinhoe Cross

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take a trip back in time on this narrow gauge steam railway running from Lynton to Barnstaple journeying through rolling countryside

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Telford Steam Railway is a preserved railway operated by a small and friendly team of volunteers and includes a tram way and model railway

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Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway with a fine collection of diesel and steam locomotives, running between Aylsham and Wroxham

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scenic rides on vintage steam trains, connecting with Windermere cruise boats at Lakeside, with a playground, picnic area and engine shed visits

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running through the Kensey Valley, this 5 mile round trip uses Victorian steam locomotives with a small museum at Launceston Station

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  • tourist railway
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working steam, diesel locomotives, coaches, wagons and 3 signal boxes. Cream teas are served on board

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a full-size standard-gauge railway line, running regular, mainly steam-hauled, passenger trains, mostly run by volunteers

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  • antiques
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  • military history
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Ashford Borough Museum, housed in a 17th-century building, presents Ashford's rich history through engaging exhibits spanning from the Roman era to modern times.