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Steam Train Adventure

amomentwithfranca · 9 April 2016 · 35 Comments

Hola chicos, over the Easter weekend we spent some time with family in the pretty Cotswolds, so we took the opportunity to do a bit of tourism. We decided to visit Toddington Railway station, so we could embark on a Steam Train adventure!

We made a short video about our day which you can see below.

This post is definitely for train lovers! I’m not just talking about kids but adults too!! My father in law has an engineering background and is obsessed with trains. He can watch TV shows about trains all day long! He is probably now reading this and thinking, ‘Oh dear what is she talking about now?’, LOL. The truth is that he does love trains and I think he was the happiest of all of us that day. We took 3 children with us but in reality we had 4 – 3 little kids and 1 big kid! He knew all about the mechanics of how a steam train works and in terms of how they run (coal is burned which heats water, which makes its pistons move in and out, which in turn powers the train to make it move along). It was certainly an interesting trip for all of us!! 😉

Stream Train collage 1

Stream Train collage 2

We started at Toddington railway station which is a really nice station. You feel like you have been transported to the 1940’s as it is maintained to reflect that period. This included several old pieces of luggage that were placed on the platform as well as an old weighing scale which gave it an added authenticity and was fun to see that. The train conductors and staff running the trains and stations were all dressed up in appropriate uniforms too. I felt like I was in an episode of Chugginton on Cbeebies, LOL!

Stream Train collage 3

We then saw how they were filling the first engine with lots of water. They were doing this refill and then the first engine was moved to the other end of the carriages to start a new journey. I thought this was very interesting!!

Stream Train collage 4

Next we got inside the train! It was awesome. I felt like we were on one of the trains from Harry Potter! I loved it, the experience was amazing. The view was spectacular too! We were very lucky because it was a sunny day so which made it even better!!

Stream Train collage 5

There was even a formal train conductor who came to check and punch our tickets. This reminded me of the conductor played by Tom Hanks in The Polar Express movie, punching a hole in all the children’s tickets, lol.

Stream Train collage 6

We took a single stop at Winchcombe station where we had some lunch in the station cafe. Like Toddington station, it was also maintained with a period look so it really was an old style cafe, but they had some lovely sandwiches and cakes.

Stream Train collage 7

After lunch, we got the next train towards Cheltenham Station. When we arrived it was sunnier than ever. They had a lot of activities for kids and we even said hello to the Easter Bunny. Bella now loves having her photo taken with people dressed up in character but Sienna gets intimidated.  I think they are a little bit scary for her. I know she will grow out of that at some point because Bella used to be like that too!

Stream Train collage 8

We had a look at some of the displays that were in some dedicated cabins at the end of the platform which told you more about the line. After this, we got the next train to arrive.

Stream Train collage 9

It was a great day out and I thoroughly recommend it. Children may also be interested in the Thomas the Tank Engine days that are also run a couple of times a year – check out the GWR website for more details about this.

Have you been on a steam train before? Would this be something different that you might like to try for a family day out? Leave me a comment because I would love to read what you think.

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

Related

Filed Under: Days Out, Family, Family Days Out, Travel Tagged With: Cheltenham Station, Chugginton, Cotswolds, Easter Bunny, GWR, railway, Steam engine, Steam Train, The Polar Express, Thomas the Tank Engine, Toddington Station, train, Winchcombe station

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allyson Green says

    11 April 2016 at

    What an amazingly fun time! We went on a train tour/ride once when I was young and I have always wanted to take my kids to do the same. I never even thought about the Harry Potter connection, my daughter is obsessed! Think I will put train ride on our summer to do list! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  2. Mommy's Little Princesses says

    11 April 2016 at

    Looks like a great day out hon . I bet your father in-law was in his element. Can’t say I’ve been on a steam train, but it looks like fun. Xx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  3. Emma says

    11 April 2016 at

    Oh I love anything like this. We don’t have any trains on Jersey-boo 🙁 It does mean that whenever we go back to England the kids get so excited to go on any train! They would not be able to cope with a steam train, they would be so excited 🙂 #KCACOLS

    Reply
  4. Lola says

    11 April 2016 at

    Wow my son would adore this! I personally love the old brown betty teapot an cosy!!
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  5. Savannah says

    12 April 2016 at

    What a cool adventure!!! I know your kids must’ve had an absolute blast, and what a neat way to make it so much fun. I am in love with your photos, they truly capture the experience. I’ve always wanted to ride a train and have someone come around and punch my ticket! -Maybe one day (; #KCACOLS

    Reply
  6. Fern says

    14 April 2016 at

    I’d love to go on a steam train, my 2 year old girl is obsessed with Thomas the tank & trains.
    #kcacols

    Reply
  7. lizzie ( firstooth ) says

    14 April 2016 at

    I’ve just posted about our train journey too! My kids are obsessed! Sounds like such a great day and what a gorgeous place to spend your holiday, we’re hoping to visit next year so I’m so pleased to see there’s this to do and it’ll be a fun visit for my little babes. Thanks for hosting the hottest linky in town! X

    Reply
  8. Amanda says

    15 April 2016 at

    My youngest LOVES trains! He loved looking at your post while I read it out! Beautiful day out!

    Reply
  9. Clare says

    16 April 2016 at

    Ellis would love this! What a fab day out for you and all the family. Looks like you all had a blast, your comment about your father in law being a big kid made me chuckle #KCACOLS xx

    Reply
  10. Becky at PinksCharming says

    17 April 2016 at

    This looks absolutely brilliant! Toddington is just down the road from us so we will definitely be visiting – I can’t believe I didn’t know it was like that! Thanks so much for sharing on #KCACOLS (and sorry for being so late) xx

    Reply
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HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

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