Surrey Society of Model Engineers

“Being train enthusiasts, this was on our list when we came to UK in Sept 2023. You have to visit website to check for open days. Its free admission and train rides cost a reasonable £2 per head. We took a train from Victoria stn London to Leatherhead and then it was a beautiful walk along a park land and over a rivulet. ( note: google Maps takes you around it) . The club/ society is on a wonderful picnic area, and the members running the open day were friendly and happy bunch, as were the families visiting. Amazing scratch or kit built steam engines showing extreme dexterity and workmanship of the owners. These take a typical 4 to 5 years to build. Nice club canteen for food stuff. You can pack your own picnic. Expect to spend min one and a half hour and bring kids. It is best to read up on steam engines to impress your kids, but the members are glad to disseminate knowledge. I think my brother and I must be rare tourists from Pakistan to find this gem. Thanks to the Society for their hospitality.”

“Brilliant for a day out with kids. Model trains run frequently and are looked after by people who genuinely care. There is a cafe on site with very reasonably priced food. Car park was shut but leisure centre car park is only 5 minutes away. Would recommend.”

“Fantastic day, well organised and social distanced. You need to book ahead for a table and then get asked up to go on a train. We had about 5 rides in all on all the trains. Really fun! Nice tables for picnics. Well worth a trip! My 2 year old loved it!”

“Always a lovely experience to visit the miniature railway! The staff / volunteers are super friendly and the queues are generally short. The landscape is beautiful and the smell of the coal-fired engines really makes the experience.”