Weekends and Wednesdays during July, August and September
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s.
Steam trains will be operating on at least one of the Centre's two demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides. On many days, the second line will be running too and may feature a pioneering diesel railcar, a heritage diesel locomotive or a small branchline steam engine.
Pick up our colourful Centre Guide, explore this 21-acre living museum and unearth almost two centuries of railway history. Get up close and see them at close quarters. Stroll through the original 1932 Engine Shed and see magnificent preserved locomotives – you can even climb onto the footplates of some!
See surviving track from Brunel's Broad Gauge, discover painstakingly restored buildings, coaches and wagons and learn more about the development of railways and how they changed everyday lives.
There's a chance to get hands-on in The Signalling Centre where you can find out how trains have been controlled through the ages. Descend into a shelter* built to keep Didcot's enginemen safe in WWII and experience an air raid or immerse yourself in the varied collection of fascinating, smaller artefacts in the museum. Don't miss the carriage display with coaches dating from Victorian times to the 1940s that evoke bygone eras. See the VIP Saloon reputed to have been used by General Eisenhower during the preparations for D-Day and later used in the GWR Royal Train!
Children can also make tracks to the outdoor play area or dress up as a station master*. You can relax over lunch or enjoy a snack in the refreshment rooms and don't forget to pick up a souvenir in the gift shop. The modern trains running past the centre complete the picture and mean you can experience over 180 years of railway progress in just one day!
Further details can be found, and tickets booked, at www.DidcotRailwayCente.org.uk.
Didcot Railway Centre Instagram
Steam Days at the Didcot Railway CentreSavour the sights, sounds and smells of steam; take unlimited rides behind a fully sized Steam Locomotive at Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire.
Discovery Days at Didcot Railway CentreThe Didcot Railway 'Discovery Days' offer the chance to explore the 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s - unearth almost two centuries of railway history. Trains will not be running on these days, meaning there's the chance to get up close and see them at…
Family Festival at Didcot Railway CentreThe Didcot Railway Centre Family Festival celebrates summer with a fun family day out with lots of entertainment
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from…
Brick Adventures at Didcot Railway CentreVisit Didcot Railway Centre on 22–23 August 2026 for Brick Adventures—celebrating the world’s favourite building brick with incredible displays, including the Block Party Robot League and a miniature Didcot. Enjoy 24 acres of railway history, unlimited train rides, and a great family day out in…
Autumn Steam Gala at Didcot Railway CentreExperience the excitement of the Autumn Steam Gala at Didcot Railway Centre, one of the top steam railway events in Oxfordshire. With multiple steam engines in operation, heritage train rides, live demonstrations and rare access to working areas usually closed to the public, it’s a unique day out…
Steam into ChristmasSteam into Christmas and help Santa find his missing reindeer at Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire - The visit culminates with a visit to Santa in our giant toy workshop where he’ll hear what you want to get for Christmas and you’ll get to choose your own gift from the selection on offer.
A Christmas Carol at Didcot Railway CentreHead to Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire on the 9th & 14th December for an exclusive performance of 'A Christmas Carol' performed by Gerald Dickens.
Code of Practice 2021
Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award 2024 2024
The Beautiful South - Awards for Excellence 2020-2021 Finalist 2021
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
Beautiful South Awards - Award For Excellence - Unsung Hero 2021
Tourism South East Member 26/27 - Gold 2026| 2026 (18 July 2026 - 31 Dec 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | 10:30 | - 16:00 |
| Thursday - Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday - Sunday | 10:30 | - 16:00 |
Cornerstone is a purpose-built theatre, entertainment and arts venue in the heart of…
Earth Trust is an Oxfordshire charity championing accessible green spaces. Based at Earth…
Oxford Proms-concerts with international soloists in Oxford’s historic buildings from 7…
The home and workplace of Dr Edward Bach who created The Bach Flower remedy system in the…
We offer Self Drive Day Boats and Rowing Boats for hire on the River Thames.
The former County Hall for Berkshire dating from 1678, displays and interprets…
Brightwell Vineyard was first planted in the late 1980's and acquired by its present…
Wallingford Museum is a colourful, delightfully intimate and family friendly local…
Known locally at "The Bunk" passenger services ceased in 1959. The railway aims to offer…
Discover the historic Abingdon Abbey Buildings at the heart of the the ancient town of…
Home of the Baring family. Early 18thC beautifully symmetrical house with unusually fine…
Situated on over 500 acres of glorious undulating heathland, just south of Oxford city,…
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the UK. Praised as…
The Beacon is illuminating Wantage through the culture, leisure and entertainment.
As a…
The museum is housed within a converted 16thC cloth merchant's house.
An interactive…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
