Now that the daffodils have raised their delicate heads and the bog of muddy puddles has eased, it feels like the perfect opportunity for a spring-time adventure. And nothing says ‘adventure’ quite like a quintessentially British steam train trip.
Lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic – and chocolate easter egg – and hop aboard one of these five fun steam train experiences taking place throughout March and April 2024, for a well-spent day out with the family.
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Nicknamed the “Middy”, the team behind the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway have recently announced an Easter Steam Up Weekend, which will act as the opener to their 2024 season. Rescued by a railway preservation society following its post-war disappearance into the Suffolk landscape, this much-loved railway will be opening its attractions to visitors on the 31 March / 1 April Easter weekend, including the museum, restoration shed, tearoom, and real ale bar. There will even be a traditional Easter Bunny hunt to keep little ones entertained.
Find out more: https://www.mslr.org.uk/easter-steam-up/
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Servicing five stations including Tenterden Town, Rolvenden, Wittersham Road, Northiam, and Bodiam, the Kent & East Sussex Railway is offering plenty of fun-filled activities during the Easter break and half term. Over the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend, visitors can tuck into a scrumptious ‘all you can eat’ style breakfast buffet in the Tenterden Station Tea Room from 8:45 until the first train departs (advance booking required). The Easter Bunny will also be making appearances at Tenterden Town Station throughout the long weekend, plus there will be fun Easter challenges and activity sheets for children to enjoy, which once finished can be exchanged in the gift shop for a delicious small treat.
Find out more: https://kesr.org.uk/easterholiday
Avon Valley Railway
Hop aboard the ‘chocolate train’ with Avon Valley Railway on either 31 March or 1 April and celebrate Easter in steam train style. Visit the railway’s restored locomotive from the Fry’s chocolate factory in Keynsham and discover more about this special locomotive. Children will also receive a free bar of Fry’s chocolate and there will be plenty of additional family activities to enjoy including a one-hour train ride too.
Find out more: https://quaytickets.com/avonvalleyrailway
Midland Railway - Butterley
Test your wits against the Easter Egg Trail at Midland Railway – Butterley. From Good Friday on 29 March until Easter Monday on 1 April, visitors can board a special Butterley Easter Train at Butterley Station before taking part in a fun Easter Egg Trail at Swanwick Junction. Travelling children will receive a gift from the Easter Bunny and adults will receive a complimentary hot drink at Deeley’s Tea Room.
Find out more: https://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/whats-on/easter-egg-trail/
Beamish Museum
Hop along to the Beamish Museum for an egg-cellent day out with plenty of Easter-themed events taking place between 29 March and 1 April. The traditional Easter celebrations are included in the museum admission - full details of what to expect over the Easter bank holiday weekend are still to be revealed but if last year’s festivities are anything to go by (egg hunt, trails, chocolate easter eggs, and more) visitors will be in for a real treat!
Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/easter-celebrations-2024
Discover more epic steam train experiences in Julian Holland’s books Britain’s Heritage Railways, which is out now in paperback and available to buy online and from all good book shops.