Didcot Railway Centre

“Visited the Didcot Railway centre, after travelling from Essex to kill a few hours before staying at a hotel for a couple of days. Cost approximately £21 each and what a surprise we had. It’s unusual to visit a site of this nature and have the ability to walk around everything. When I say everything actually walk on and across the tracks, get up close and personal with the restored steam engines and even play with some of the exhibit in the museum centre. The site covers about half a mile square, plenty of this to do and look at with about 15-20 restored engines. If engineering is your thing I would definitely recommend this place the smell is amazing. They’ve manages to restore the exhibits but maintaining their authenticity not compromising on the restoration. There is also an area that shows restored carriages dating back to the turn of the 19 century. They have 2 working engines an old Diesel and steam engines, both in their own tracks about half a miles long with old 1940/50 carriages. There’s a small museum with memorabilia to look at ranging from old platform ticket machines to cast iron signage from various locations from around the UK. Small cafe offering simple food, tea, coffee etc. All the staff were very friendly and helpful throughout the site. I believe most are volunteers (the ones operating the engines, Sundays only). A small shop with all train related and themed merchandise. Round the back of the main area there are further exhibits with old carriages and transport from the 30s/40s (an old Dennis fire appliance), a gentlemen selling antiquities, books and assorted model railway pieces. Great place to take kids with a purpose build playing area for them to explore. Considering this was a gap filler after travelling this was a fantastic afternoon out. We were on site for a good 4 hours, I would highly recommend visiting with young families, engineers and train enthusiasts. 5/5 very impressed.”

“I had a nice time at the railway museum, you can spend at least 2 or 3 hours there and not cover everything. It being a diesel day, they had two trains to go on from different eras. It was very immersive, being able to sit in different carriages that are beautifully restored. There are many steam engines in the sheds to look at, along with various carriages and motor cars in different spaces in the museum. It really is a beautiful space with plenty to see. There is an entrance direct from the Parkway station which is easy to find.”

“A great place to visit, we took our 3 year olad grandson there as he loves trains as do I. So much to see besides trains they have plenty to do inc a kids train feature playground. Good facilities, shop, cafe museum, signal box ect. It was well run with friendly staff. Sadly no heritage trains were running. But as its located between two busy main train lines, there were lots of trains to see.”

“A very enjoyable day at the Railway centre. If you like Great Western locomotives then this is a must. The number of locomotives in an original GWR setting is fantastic. Two small running lines allows some train rides behind GWR steam.”