Save with our Great Savings Guide
Members can save up to 50% on top attractions across the UK.
Save on attractions7 of the best steam train journeys in the UK
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or an exciting day out for the whole family, a steam train journey could be the answer. There are plenty of steam train rides no matter where in the UK you’re headed, and as a Club member, you may even get a discount too.
By Megan Trigg
East Lancashire Railway
Where: Burrs Country Park, Woodhill Road, Lancashire, North West England, BL8 1DA
Closest Club site: Burrs Country Park Club Site
The East Lancashire Railway is not to be missed, running from Rawtenstall to Heywood on the outskirts of Manchester. Why not explore the museums of Bury or the lively market town of Ramsbottom; two of the seven stops on the line. You can also take in the beauty of Burrs Country Park, which is easily accessible from our nearby Club site. This family-friendly site is literally on the doorstep of the railway - you can watch the trains go past from some pitches!
Club member discount: Two for the price of one with a ‘Freedom of the Line’ ticket
The Vale of Rheidol Railway
Where: Park Avenue, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 1PG
Closest Club site: Shawsmead Club Site or Gwern-y-Bwlch Club Site
Travel from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge through some of Wales' most stunning scenery on the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Marvel at the rolling hills and unspoilt countryside as you travel through this picturesque part of West Wales. If you want to make a day of your railway experience, there are plenty of opportunities. Enjoy various special events throughout the year, including Jazz Nights and Santa Specials, plus Sunday lunch specials in November and 'ride and dine' summer evening excursions from May to August. Don't forget to pack your walking boots to enjoy a number of walks from many of the stations.
Club member discount: 30% discount on adult return tickets on selected dates
South Devon Railway
Where: The Station, Dartbridge Road, Devon, Devon and Cornwall, TQ11 0DZ
Closest Club site: Steamer Quay Club Site
The South Devon Railway runs along the valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. This former Great Western Railway branch line stretches for seven miles and is the perfect all-weather attraction for the whole family. Enjoy Sunday lunch or Afternoon Tea throughout the year on one of the steam trains with dining experiences from Buckfastleigh station or attend one of many special events like the South Devon 1940s festival or the Summer Diesel Gala.
Club member discount: £1 off adult and Senior Citizen fares, 50p off child fares
Bure Valley Railway
Where: Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Norfolk, East Anglia, NR11 6BW
Closest Club site: Norfolk Broads Club Site or Incleboro Club Site
Welcoming over 100,000 visitors a year, Norfolk's longest narrow-gauge steam railway operates between the old market town of Aylsham and the bustling town of Wroxham. A single journey between Aylsham and Wroxham takes 45 minutes and involves optional request stops (known as halts) at the likes of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Break up the 18-mile round trip with a few nearby walks from any of the halt stations and explore an abundance of local history.
Club member discount: £1 off adult return fare
Peak Rail
Where: Matlock Station, Nottinghamshire, DE4 3NA
Closest Club site: The Firs Club Site or Carsington Water Club Site
Enjoy riverside walks and museum strolls on the heritage steam railway between Matlock and Rowsley South Station. Peak Rail hosts many special events and galas throughout the year, from an Easter Treasure Hunt to the Steam and Diesel Gala, and also offers luxury dining. If you’re bringing the whole family, take advantage of kids go free days throughout the year.
Club member discount: 10% off peak fares
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Where: Haverthwaite Station, Cumbria, Lake District, LA12 8AL
Closest Club site: Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site or Coniston Park Coppice Club Site
Take the 20 minute journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside and enjoy stunning views at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. There’s an abundance of things to do nearby, from the Lakeland Motor Museum to The World of Beatrix Potter. You could also hop aboard a Windermere Steamer with Windermere Lake Cruises and head to Bowness or Ambleside to extend your day out or head out on a country walk to really make the most of the views.
Club member discount: One free child when accompanied by one full paying adult
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Where: The Railway Station, Toddington, Cheltenham, GL54 5DT
Closest Club site: Broadway Caravan and Motorhome Club site
Hop aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway to see some of the Cotswolds' most spectacular scenery. Your views will stretch out across the Malvern Hills and beyond, spotting picturesque hamlets and villages as you travel from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse. The railway line runs right past Broadway Club site, so lucky campers might be able to spot the trains as they fly past.
You may also be interested in
Hitting the Highlands in a campervan
By Jonathan Manning | 27 February 2019
Even a raging storm cannot spoil the untamed beauty of Scotland for Jonathan Manning as he heads north in his VW camper from Maragowan Club site to Kinlochewe. During his seven-site tour Jonathan has his breath taken away by enchanting waterfalls, fairytale castles, beautiful lochs, imposing mountains and a Harry Potter steam train.
Discover the best of British
By Rochelle Hibbitt | 7 March 2019
Start your touring season off right with a great British break - there’s plenty here to visit, and we’ve compiled a list of places responsible for some of the most iconic British foods, so you can eat your way around the UK!
About the author
