80 years of Thomas the Tank Engine: Where to take the rail fan in your life
'They're two, they're four, they're six, they're eight
Shunting trucks and hauling freight
Red and green and brown and blue
They're the Really Useful Crew!'
Parents worldwide will be familiar with this distinctive theme tune (and Thomas the Tank Engine's many, many vehicular friends). It's now eight decades since Rev. Wilbert Awdry wrote The Railway Series and introduced millions of children to a cheeky little blue train called Thomas, who has also starred, since the 1980s, in the enduringly popular TV series Thomas & Friends.
Celebrate the 80 th birthday of the world's favourite blue-hued character (sorry, Bluey – Thomas has 73 years on you) by indulging in these train-tastic trips and days out across the UK.
Day Out With Thomas
This, the anniversary 'Party Tour', is a dream come true for young Thomas fans. At ten heritage railways across the country, from Brechin in Scotland to Buckfastleigh in South Devon, enjoy a steam train ride with Thomas – cue awestruck looks on little faces as he puffs into the station – live entertainment by Sir Topham Hatt (still known to many as the Fat Controller), garden games and more.
Details: Day Out With Thomas; Prices vary by location, from £15 (under 17s) and £18.95 (adult)
Thomas Land
Kids will be smiling ear to ear at Drayton Manor as they explore Thomas Land's 25-plus rides and attractions, from a journey on the fictional Sodor Railway with Thomas, Rosie or Percy to flying high with Harold the helicopter. And if that doesn't sate their appetite for the little blue engine, the theme park's hotel even has a kid-tastic Thomas-themed room.
Stay nearby: Drayton Manor Hotel
Details: From £15 (two and three-year-olds) and £27.50 (4 and over)
Bekonscot Model Village & Railway
The whole family will be equally charmed by the world's oldest original model village, opened in 1929. Adults will appreciate the full scope of its history and every painstaking 1930s detail – the seven little 'towns' feature 200 buildings, 3,000 people and 1,000 animals – and kids will love watching tiny trains run along 450m of tracks and riding on the light railway (for a small fee).
Stay nearby: Chequers Inn
Details: From £9 (children) and £14 (adults)
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
In the summertime, when the weather is fine… jump aboard the immaculately restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages of a steam locomotive for a ten-mile round trip through the Isle of Wight's beautiful countryside. Young rail fans will be as delighted to do this at Halloween during the spooktacular themed Wizard Weeks (October 19-31) – watch out, a witch just might appear onboard with some treats (or tricks).
The Polar Express Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway
Too soon to think about Christmas? Not if you want to snap up tickets to this hour-long festive steam train experience, inspired by the Warner Bros film The Polar Express. Hot chocolate, singing chefs, silver sleigh bells delivered by Santa himself – and even more festive magic sprinkled on the occasion thanks to guests (grown-ups too) being encouraged to wear pyjamas 'with a dressing gown for good measure'.
Details: From £37.95
Scarborough North Bay Railway
In this North Yorkshire seaside resort you'll find Britain's biggest miniature railway, open since 1931. Chug for two nostalgic miles for a round trip around the beautiful Northstead Manor Gardens before running in parallel to Scarborough's expansive North Bay. Once disembarked, under 10s can have a go driving a tram and the whole family can enjoy a Victorian water chute and Skytrail (additional costs).
Stay nearby: Filey Grange Guesthouse
Details: Child return ticket from £5.25
London Transport Museum
Absolute heaven for train-lovers of all ages, housing the first omnibus, the only surviving 1860s steam train, full size buses and carriages to explore, STEM stations and play zones to indulge in transport delights. It's wheelchair friendly too. Adult tickets are valid for 12 months and those for under 18s are free, so go back as often as you wish.
Details: Unlimited Annual Pass, £25 (under 18s free)
Snowdon Mountain Railway
You don't need to travel to the Rocky Mountains or even the Alps to experience one of the world's most scenic rail journeys: in Wales, travel in a carriage pushed by a traditional diesel locomotive for two and a half hours, including a 30-minute stop at the UK's highest visitor centre, Hafod Eryri, on the only public rack and pinion railway in the UK. Gasp at Snowdon's breathtaking landscape and hidden secrets, from viaducts and waterfalls to abandoned chapels and farms.
Stay nearby: Plas Dinas Country House (children over 12)
Details: Summit returns from £30 (child) and £40 (adult), April 18-October 26
Caledonian Sleeper
Sometimes all the joy is in the journey and – for train lovers able (or allowed) to stay up past their bedtimes – memories will certainly be made on the Caledonian Sleeper. Departing at 11.45pm, passengers can enjoy an evening meal nearby before boarding the train at Euston from 10.30pm. Off to bed promptly to wake up in time for breakfast with spectacular views of the Scottish landscape; explore the delights of the country's capital knowing that a return sleeper trip will complete your visit.
Details: London to Edinburgh return tickets for two adults, two children from £290
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat
What if your little ones love all vehicles with equal zest? This South Devon 'Round Robin' experience, running between May and October, will be a winner; spend your day out visiting the charming towns of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes by steam train, river boat and bus.
Details: Family ticket £120 (two adults, up to three children under 15)
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