We have three types of Open Day:
Special Events: See 'Special Events' on the top options bar for all the details of our exciting Special Events, from our famous Days Out With Thomas and Peppa Pig day, to Steam Galas and Heritage Transport events!
Steaming Days: This is when we have a full-size steam train in action, ready to take you for a ride up! We also have miniature ride-on trains which are run by our sister Society VAMES, (there is a small £1.20 charge for this per person - under 3s are free). Also, the rest of the site is open including the Railway Museum, the Visitor Centre with Gift Shop and Railway Cafe, and the model trains are usually running too. Steaming Days are every Sunday (Easter-Halloween), and also some Wednesdays during school holidays.
Cafe Only: NEW!
Our Railway Cafe is now open Monday to Friday, all year round, with no entry ticket required. Current opening hours are 9.30am-2pm. Our Railway Cafe sells Full English Breakfasts, baps/sandwiches made to order, burgers, chips and freshly baked cake/brownies, plus snacks and hot/cold drinks and ice creams. On these Cafe-Only days, the bridges are closed so there isn't access to The Railway Museum etc, but cafe users are welcome to wander around the Visitor Centre and the close vicinity outside, which includes our new play area
We especially welcome cyclists on our Cafe-Only days! Our Visitor Centre is large and cyclists are able to bring their bikes inside to keep them safe! Or, we have plenty of outdoor seating for those who prefer to stay outside. Any queries, please call us on 01296 655720.
Our cafe and gift shop are fully open on all Steaming and Special Event days.