Oxfordshire
Day trips taking in steam train rides are increasingly popular in the UK and the South East of England boasts an enviable mix of experiences suitable for enthusiasts and families.
Discover the history behind steam locomotives told by passionate and knowledgeable volunteers while experiencing some of the most hidden and beautiful parts of our great outdoors.
Look out for seasonal events and dining experiences taking place this weekend on most steam railways that are sure to make for a fun day out. At Christmas time the popular Santa Specials fill up fast so book early to avoid disappointment.
Our guide takes you through the best steam train days out in South East England or simply select the map view button below to find a steam railway near you.
The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960.
Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex, yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.
The Great Western Railway was incorporated in 1835 to build the railway from Bristol to London, designed and engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Members of the Great Western Society have created a living museum at Didcot, based around the original engine shed and depot to which has been added a typical branchline and country station, signalling demonstrations and a recreation of Brunel's original broad gauge trackwork, complete with a replica of the Fire Fly locomotive built in 1840.
The picturesque line weaves between Tenterden and Bodiam for more than 10 miles. England's finest rural light railway enables visitors to experience steam train trips and service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored coaches and locomotives dating from Victorian times. The earliest plans for a railway for Tenterden were made in the 1850s.
An award-winning heritage railway steaming alongside the Chiltern Hills on an approximately 1-hour round trip. The line operates between stations at Chinnor in Oxfordshire and crosses over the county-boundary to Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire.
View the map of steam railways by selecting the 'map view' button and see what's near you.
Number of results: 7
Railway
Didcot
Living museum recreating the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Steam locomotives and trains, Brunel's broad gauge railway, engine shed and small relics museum.
Steam Railway
Tenterden
Images of this picturesque line weaveing between Tenterden and Bodiam. England's finest rural light railway enables visitors to experience travel & service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored Victorian coaches and locomotives.
Steam Railway
Ryde
Inspiring, Surprising and Award-Winning … Equally appealing to adults and families, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm, engage and captivate, leaving you with some lasting memories of a special day out.
Model / Miniature Village
Beaconsfield
Bekonscot delights visitors of all ages and be a giant in this miniature wonderland. Established in 1929 Bekonscot Model Village depicts rural England in the 1930s.
Steam Railway
Uckfield
The Bluebell Railway is a preserved country branch line, lovingly restored and maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers. The railway runs nostalgic steam trains through nine miles of Sussex countryside.
Railway
Vintage Trains are the only charitably controlled train operating company, running at speed on the mainline in Britain. Offering steam hauled trains, high-quality dining experiences and authentic Pullman, 1st Class and Tourist coaches.
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