Didcot Railway Centre

About

Full Steam Ahead as Trains Get Green Light at Railway Centre

​​Didcot Railway Centre has announced the resumption of its popular steam train rides.  Visitors will be able to take a trip behind one of the Great Western Railway’s steam express engines on the Centre’s demonstration line at weekends and Wednesdays. In July, locomotive 2999 “Lady of Legend” is set to be in action with the Edwardian engine hauling wonderfully restored carriages from the early 20th Century, allowing each group of visitors to be accommodated in their own individual compartment.

The return of working steam trains to the Centre’s activities, comes after a series of successful open days at the 21-acre living museum since re-opening on 4 July.  “Visitor feedback about the measures we have implemented to welcome our audiences back safely has been very positive,” said Chief Executive, Emma Jhita, “We have limited numbers, staggered arrival times and set up extra outdoor displays and photo opportunities,” she added.

Summer Steam Days will run on weekends and Wednesdays in July and August and as well as the unlimited train rides, visitors can explore the extensive outside spaces at the living museum with goods trains, a locomotive on the turntable and engines outside the shed amongst the displays.

Inside the Centre’s iconic Engine Shed, a one-way system allows visitors to climb onto the footplate of Hall Class engine No. 5900 “Hinderton Hall”, while the route through the spacious carriage display takes visitors past a travelling post office coach, a Royal saloon and carriage that has been restored after spending many years as a riverside summerhouse!

Rare surviving track from Brunel’s broad gauge railway and replica Victorian locomotives and carriages are also on display while children can let of steam in the train themed play area while the watch the real thing steam past!

Further details can be found, and tickets booked, at www.DidcotRailwayCente.org.uk.