Trains & Railways in North West

The 18 railways here split into two kinds. At one end are full-size heritage lines. East Lancashire Railway in Bury runs a hop-on hop-off format along a 12-mile route, with Burrs Country Park as a mid-journey stop, and the verdict treats it as a full day out. Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway is the scenic pick, with open-top carriages and the option of a single fare out and a walk back through the fells, though return tickets are the easier plan with young children. Ribble Steam Railway & Museum in Ashton-on-Ribble pairs a 30-minute ride with a static museum and included workshop tours; its verdict suggests the ride suits children aged five and over more than toddlers. Great Days Out UK lists only Ribble and East Lancashire as year-round steam railways in the region, with Santa specials at those two plus Ravenglass.

Crewe is a case of its own. Crewe Heritage Centre is free and hands-on, with signal box and cab access, and the Crewe Heritage Centre Miniature Railway adds a three-station layout on the same site. Opening is seasonal and irregular, so check dates first.

Most of the rest are volunteer-run miniature lines in parks or behind garden centres, usually weekends only and often paid by donation or small change. Brookside Miniature Railway and Dragon Miniature Railway in Stockport both suit under-sevens: Brookside for decorations that change with the season, Dragon for a seven-minute ride and cash-only fares. High Legh Miniature Railway near Knutsford lets children hop off at a playground stop and re-board. West Lancashire Light Railway in Preston stands out for volunteers handing children flag-waving and signal duties. Community lines such as Halton Miniature Railway, Urmston & District Model Engineering Society, Sale Area Model Engineering Society (Walton Park Trains), Handforth Miniature Railway and The Peacock Railway run on limited days, and reviews of several flag that opening can be unpredictable.