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!! 😉
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!
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!!
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 💋
This looks like a great day out – my boys who are obsessed with trains would love this. Looks like you’ve also had great weather whilst we’ve been away too! x
Wow, it looks fab. Great pics, proper back in time experience 🙂 #KCACOLS
Aw, it looks like you had a great day! I love steam trains, there are some really fab heritage railways around the UK. We have a small volunteer one not far from us, so we go to their fundraising vintage days and stuff – it’s always good fun. 🙂 #KCACOLS
This looks great. Cygnet is only 19 months but he is really into Thomas the Tank Engine at the moment so I reckon he would really like this. Thanks for the recommendation Franca. And thanks for hosting #KCACOLS
My daughter has been bugging us to go on a train ride since the first time she saw one. We don’t have anything like this nearby, but have a trip planned for June that involves a train ride through the mountains. Looks like it was a great time. #KCACOLS
This looks fabulous! I have never been on a steam train before and I think i would feel a bit like i was in something from Harry Potter too!
How fun!! I can’t wait to take my son on a train later in the year! He would love it!! #KCACOLS x
Loved the pictures – very interesting
Love old steam trains. Theres one not far from us that I can’t wait to take Archer on when he’s a bit older. Great post!
#KCACOLS
Every year at Christmas we used to go on a steam train to see Santa. We loved it, great that places are preserving them for future generations to enjoy! #KCACOLS
This looks like such a great day out in a really beautiful part of the world. My father-in-law is into trains too plus my son loves trains so we should definitely do one of these rides. Thanks for sharing X #kcacols
Since becoming a mum we have been to soooo many steam train places! one of the best is the north Yorkshire Moors railway. really good fun. There are loads of smaller, local ones though that we love. #KCACOLS
We have the Bluebell railway near us which is fab – this post reminds me we should book a bluebell trip! #KCACOLS
Love this post Frnaca! I love steam and steam trains. In fact we’re heading out today to a steam day, I’m excited! The pictures are so happy…I love the one of you all in train laughing. Thank you, as ever, for hosting #KCACOLS
wow it looks like a great day and i love all the photos. thanks for sharing. #KCACOLS
It looks like you had an amazing time. My boys are obsessed with trains. We went on the Keighley to Haworth train last summer and they loved it. We’re planning on going to the National railway museum next week. Can’t wait. #KCACOLS
How lovely! Lovely photos too! Mia is into trains at the moment but we have yet to take her on one. There’s a steam train that runs every Sunday from a park near us and its on my to-do list! 🙂
#KCACOLS
This looks great fun – my boy would love to ride on a steam train (slight Harry Potter obsession), think we might have to arrange a visit #KCACOLS
Such lovely family photos, Franca! I can see you had a great day out. I have been on a steam train before and I agree that it is really good fun. There is something special about the sound and smell! #KCACOLS
I think this would be a great day out for my kids as well as they both love trains. Steam trains are just classic and well-loved by everyone, kids and adults alike, doesn’t it?! Lovely photos and videos too! #KCACOLS
I love Trains as well! I have never been on a steam train though! looks like you all had fun! xx
#KCACOLS
Awesome video – that looks like A LOT of fun! #KCACOLS
This looks awesome! I’ve not been on a steam train since I was little! Lovely photos! What a great day out 🙂
Laura xx
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THIS TAKES ME BACK TO WHEN MY SON WAS A TODDLER – HE WAS SO OBSESSED WITH TRAINS AND THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A PERFECT DAY OUT FOR HIM! YOU HAVE TAKEN SOME BRILLIANT PHOTOS TOO #KCACOLS
I need to do this! My son loves trains (though the noise of real ones can be a bit tough to manage) and I’m in Gloucestershire so not too far. Looks likea lovely day out for big kids and little kids alike 🙂 #KCACOLS