Trains & Railways in East Midlands

These seven split by how much of a day they ask for. Great Central Railway - Loughborough is the fullest commitment: our verdict is that it suits families who can give it a whole day and have at least one train enthusiast, with the ride, platform museum, locomotive shed and shop filling the time. Reviewers say day tickets allow unlimited boarding, and gala days with visiting locomotives are the highlight. Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre in Chesterfield offers a similar all-ages heritage day around its turntable and locomotives, though reviewers flag gravel surfaces throughout, so a carrier beats a pushchair for toddlers. Dogs are welcome, and a bus runs from the town centre.

Around Ripley, two sites sit next to each other. Midland Railway (Butterley) is our pick for train-loving children aged 3 to 10, especially the Christmas Santa specials, which reviewers say sell out early; plan a toilet stop before boarding, as facilities are a long walk from the station. The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust next door at Swanwick Junction is free to enter, with active restoration workshops and Churchill carriage tours that reviewers say need a full day.

For younger children and smaller budgets, Sherwood Forest Railway near Mansfield charges nothing to enter and only for the ride, with play equipment, a bouncy castle and picnic tables included, and Sherwood Pines ten minutes away. Manor Park Miniature Railway in Glossop runs a scenic route through trees and over bridges, with a stream for paddling; buy the all-day ticket, and note adults must ride with children, which reviewers say adds up for big families. NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is the one for transport generalists: reviewers say Sundays, when volunteer-run trains operate, and bus rally days are best, with Rushcliffe Country Park next door.