Didcot Railway Centre is the living Museum of the Great Western Railway. The Centre was developed around the original 1930s Engine Shed and is home to a large collection of Great Western Railway steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings and memorabilia. On Discovery Days visitors can enjoy 180 years of railway history from Brunel's Broad Gauge to the modern trains that run past the Centre. They can visit the Engine Shed, Carriage Display, Victorian Transfer Shed, GWT Museum, Signalling Centre and Air Raid Shelter. There is a full catering service of hot meals and sandwiches in the Refreshment Room and a picnic area. On Running Days, there are also unlimited train rides in genuine vintage carriages on two demonstration lines.
Had been on my wishlist for years and, now retired, seemed a good time to visit. Ample parking in the multi story (paid in advance by app) and a short enclosed bridge/ walkway direct to the mainline station. Access to the centre is visible the subway below the tracks giving an instant nostalgia to the day out. A fantastic opportunity to ride 2 steam locos and see plenty more on display and undergoing restoration. A must for vintage spotters and steam enthusiasts.
Had a lovely day at the Didcot railway centre. The train rides on the diesel and steam aren't the longest, only a short distance but very enjoyable. There is access to almost everywhere.on site.with fantastic retired volunteers with a wealth of knowledge, for example ex signalmen giving demos on a working simulation and letting visitors have a go. You can also view.the trains and carriages being worked on and restored. The cafe is very nice with some rather tasty hot pasties!
Such a wonderful day out for all ages and luckily we caught good weather. Recommend wearing comfortable shoes as we did not expect it to be as big as was so lots of walking. 100% recommend the cafe too - their pasties and cakes were delicious!
Fab family day out! Not too expensive at PS55 for a family of four. Nice little Cafe and as many train rides as you'd like! I'd go again and I have zero interest in trains!
An oustanding centre for all rail enthusiasts, young and old. Visited with my children and parents, to see where my Great Grandad worked 100 years ago and were treated to a wonderful site, full of history, information, atmosphere and a rail-related collection of locomotives, carriages, rolling stock, buildings, artefacts and more. So much to see and explore - we went on a non-steam day, but even without trains running, spent 6 full hours taking in everything there was to discover. This is a gem of a venue and a real treat. We will definitely be returning.
Nice collection of old trains and carriages. There's also a signalling museum, a WW2 bunker, a cafe, shop and toilet, a picnic bench area and a children's play area. In special days they have operational trains going backwards and forwards between their two stations. Lots of active train conservation work going on during our visit. Staff friendly and helpful.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair rental
Restaurant
Toilets
Family friendly
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
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Had been on my wishlist for years and, now retired, seemed a good time to visit. Ample parking in the multi story (paid in advance by app) and a short enclosed bridge/ walkway direct to the mainline station. Access to the centre is visible the subway below the tracks giving an instant nostalgia to the day out. A fantastic opportunity to ride 2 steam locos and see plenty more on display and undergoing restoration. A must for vintage spotters and steam enthusiasts.
Had a lovely day at the Didcot railway centre. The train rides on the diesel and steam aren't the longest, only a short distance but very enjoyable. There is access to almost everywhere.on site.with fantastic retired volunteers with a wealth of knowledge, for example ex signalmen giving demos on a working simulation and letting visitors have a go. You can also view.the trains and carriages being worked on and restored. The cafe is very nice with some rather tasty hot pasties!
Such a wonderful day out for all ages and luckily we caught good weather. Recommend wearing comfortable shoes as we did not expect it to be as big as was so lots of walking. 100% recommend the cafe too - their pasties and cakes were delicious!
Fab family day out! Not too expensive at PS55 for a family of four. Nice little Cafe and as many train rides as you'd like! I'd go again and I have zero interest in trains!
An oustanding centre for all rail enthusiasts, young and old. Visited with my children and parents, to see where my Great Grandad worked 100 years ago and were treated to a wonderful site, full of history, information, atmosphere and a rail-related collection of locomotives, carriages, rolling stock, buildings, artefacts and more. So much to see and explore - we went on a non-steam day, but even without trains running, spent 6 full hours taking in everything there was to discover. This is a gem of a venue and a real treat. We will definitely be returning.
Nice collection of old trains and carriages. There's also a signalling museum, a WW2 bunker, a cafe, shop and toilet, a picnic bench area and a children's play area. In special days they have operational trains going backwards and forwards between their two stations. Lots of active train conservation work going on during our visit. Staff friendly and helpful.
