1 / 2Guildford Model Engineering Society
đ Guildford, Greater London
Volunteer-run model engineering society offering ride-on steam train passenger railways in multiple gauges on public open days. Free entry with low-cost rides, free parking at nearby Spectrum Leisure Centre.
Very popular very friendly place to bring young children. Free entry. Only pay for the ride-on train rides. Sunny days in summer are more popular. Be warned there is limited parking available and it can be very busy. Lots of families bring small children to enjoy watching the trains or riding trains. At weekend open days, there are usually lots of delicious homemade cakes to enjoy. The problem is then too many nice cakes to choose one. Gala event is held every year. Lots more to see and do. Two families having birthday parties for their 1 year old and a 2 year old this Sunday (21st September 2025.) Very busy with lots of young children (along with their families). Lots of delicious home cooked cakes as usual.
đ Family Action Verdict
Outstanding value for families with toddlers and children under eight who love trains. The combination of free entry, affordable rides, and the novelty of a working steam railway makes this a genuine find. Older children who are serious about model railways will enjoy seeing members' engineering work up close.
âšī¸ What to Know Before You Go
đŦ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews â105 Google reviews
Keith Roberts
6 months ago
âVery popular very friendly place to bring young children. Free entry. Only pay for the ride-on train rides. Sunny days in summer are more popular. Be warned there is limited parking available and it can be very busy. Lots of families bring small children to enjoy watching the trains or riding trains. At weekend open days, there are usually lots of delicious homemade cakes to enjoy. The problem is then too many nice cakes to choose one. Gala event is held every year. Lots more to see and do. Two families having birthday parties for their 1 year old and a 2 year old this Sunday (21st September 2025.) Very busy with lots of young children (along with their families). Lots of delicious home cooked cakes as usual.â
Daniel Moriss-Jeffery
3 years ago
âGreat afternoon out for parents and toddlers when they open the gates to the public. At all other times it is members only so that the serious business of working on the module trains can be done in peace!? But their work is really quite special and worth a visit when they let everyone else watch them play! Check out their website for open days. There are two ride on train tracks with a variety of trains to pull the passengers around the park. Tickets are only a ÂŖ1 a ride and you get a lovely souvenir of your visit.â
June Shutt
6 months ago
âReally enjoyable experience. Park for free in Spectrum leisure centre. Trains smell lovely too. Three rides for a fiver too very good value.â
Gaya Irfan
10 months ago
âA great family day out especially if you have young children. Well organised and well maintained with a cafe and toilets on site.â
Reviews from Google
Overview
Guildford Model Engineering Society opens its outdoor ride-on railways to the public on selected Saturdays and Sundays. Members operate steam and diesel passenger trains across gauges from OO to 16mm. Families pay only for rides, with three rides for approximately five pounds. Homemade cakes are available on open days. Sunny weekends attract large crowds so early arrival is essential to secure parking and shorter queues.
