There are all sorts of steam trains and railways still running in London that offer rides and day trips and the chance to see some of the most famous steam trains of all time up close.
So if you or your kids or grandkids are mad about steam trains do check out this guide to steam trains in London. It covers all the best places to see and ride steam engines in London PLUS some very cool model and miniature railways of all sizes you can visit.
I do hope you enjoy a great day out riding London's steam trains. For more ideas for days out check out my other guides to fun things to do in London.
Table of Contents
Epping & Ongar Steam Railway
The Epping and Ongar Railway is without doubt, the best place to ride steam and other vintage trains on a full size steam railway in London.
The railway runs on an old branch line just beyond beautiful Epping Forest in east London and is great day out for young Thomas the Tank engine fans.
The railway has 3 main steam engines plus old diesel trains but also has guest steam trains visiting. There is also a lovely old Routemaster bus to pick you up from Epping tube or Shenfield station to take you to the railway.
The railway runs every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year plus more frequently during the holidays and there are regular special events.
A family ticket for the whole day is usually just over £30 but discount vouchers are sometimes available so it is worth doing a quick search.
For a really big day out you could combine the railway with cycle or horse riding in Epping Forest or strawberry picking at nearby Bloomfield Fruit Farm. There is a bus from Ongar station to the PYO farm.
Main Line Steam Trains
The steam trains on the Epping & Ongar Steam Railway are Thomas the Tank Engine and Edward sized branch line trains, but you can actually see Gordon and Henry sized steam trains running out of mainline London stations most weeks of the year.
The steam trains pull excursion trains but even if you don't want to go on the excursion you are still allowed onto the platform under Network Rail rules to see the trains and take pictures.
This is a great simple way for little train enthusiasts to see beautiful old steam trains such as the Scots Guardsman and the Duchess of Sutherland or most spectacularly the Flying Scotsman.
Check out these excursion companies to find out departure details :
Many excursions leave from King's Cross a great base for exploring Harry Potter locations or Victoria which is handy for the National Army Museum.
The Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman was a world record breaking steam train that used to run on the east coast line between London and Scotland and has to be Britain's most famous steam train.
You can still see the Flying Scotsman running out of London stations when it is on tour with trains running on different days from King's Cross, Paddington and Victoria. Check here for the Flying Scotsman schedule.
The Orient Express
The Belmond British Pullman was the British leg of the Orient Express the grandest of all the old steam trains, connecting with the main train in Paris.
You can still see the Belmond Pullman leaving London Victoria station for excursions around British 5 to 10 times a month. The departures are usually between 8 and 10 am but you can checkout the timetable here.
The old Orient Express carriages are unquestionably glamorous but the train is now often pulled by a diesel engine so if you're desperate to see an actual steam train, you're better off going to see the Flying Scotsman.
Acton Depot & Miniature Railway
If anyone in your family is mad about steam trains you will know all about the London Transport Museum but what you might not have heard of is London Transport Museum Depot at Acton.
It includes all sorts of steam trains and engines that can't be displayed in the main museum including the London Transport Miniature Railway.
The depot is not open the whole time but there are open days in the holidays and you can book private tours.
Gunnersbury Park and the London Museum Of Water & Steam which also has cool engines are close by.
Ruislip Lido Railway
The Ruislip Lido Railway is a great day out for kids who love trains in London as the engines run around the Ruislip lake lido which has a little sandy beach and through the Ruislip woods which are seriously brilliant for tree climbing.
The railway has a lovely steam engine Mad Bess but she doesn't run the whole time so do check the time table. The train ride is still great fun even without the steam engine and includes seeing the engine turned on a turn table which is a delight for little train fans.
The journey takes roughly 20 minutes and is about £10 for a family of 4.
Hampton & Kempton Waterworks
The Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway is a small steam railway in west London built on an old line that served the waterworks which are now the Kempton Steam Museum.
The Steam Museum includes some of the world's largest steam engines.
Malden & Thames Ditton Railway
The Thames Ditton Model Railway is a must for steam train aficionados in London. The steam trains are small but beautiful to engine lovers of all ages.
There is a both a ride on model railway with multiple steam engines and a miniature railway plus junctions, signal boxes, a locomotive shed and a turn table, so enough to keep steam train mad kids entertained for the afternoon.
The railway is open Sundays and bank holidays and does get busy. The railway is about 15 minutes walk from Thames Ditton station.
Brockwell Park Railway
The Brockwell Park Miniature Railway is little ride on railway in a popular south London park just a few minutes walk from Herne Hill station.
The railway line is only short and the trains only run on Sundays but it is fun for very small children and Brockwell Park is a lovely place to idle away a sunny Sunday afternoon.
You can visit the Herne Hill farmers market, ride the train and then explore the lovely ponds, playground, paddling pool, community gardens, BMX track and fabulous Brockwell Lido.
There is a tiny steam train on the Brockwell Park Railway but it does only run occasionally so don't bank on it.
Swanley New Barn Railway
The Swanley New Barn Railway is a ride on miniature railway in Swanley Park with a good number of very lovely 2-4-0 large narrow gauge steam and vintage style diesel engines.
The railway runs weekends and Kent school holidays. The park also has a boating lake, paddling pool, adventure playground, bouncy castle and more.
Roxbourne Park Railway
Roxbourne Park Railway is a lovely ride on steam railway in west London which has a range of tiny steam and diesel engines. The railway runs alongside the Yeading Brook in Roxbourne Park which also has a playground for children.
Ridgeway Park Railway
Ridgeway Park Railway is a tiny narrow gauge ride on railway in Ridgeway Park in Chingford in east London which has both steam engines and diesel engines and is popular with small children.
Ridgeway park also has playgrounds and a putting green and you are very close to Epping Forest for woodland adventures for kids.
There are also several miniature and steam railways just outside London and the M25 that are good for a half day trips with kids including ...
- East Herts Miniature Railway
- Great Cockrow Railway
- Spa Valley Railway
East Herts Miniature Railway
The East Herts Miniature Railway has a good handful of very Thomas like steam trains. The railway is close to a lovely part of the Lee Valley Park so you could combine a trip to the trains with adventures by the River Lee.
The railway is also just 15 minutes drive from Hertfordshire Zoo and 20 from the Royal Gunpowder Mills if you want to create a longer day out.
Great Cockrow Railway
The Great Cockrow Railway is near Cherstey so good for south west Londoners and has some very smart little steam engines.
The railway opens Sunday in summer.
Spa Valley Railway
The Spa Valley Railway is further out of London in Tunbridge Wells but is great for a big day out from London as it is a full gauge steam railway that runs through the Sussex countryside.
There are 4 stations on the line and those at Eridge, High Rock and Groombridge all provide good opportunities for exploring Sussex countryside.
The Bluebell Railway
The Bluebell Railway is one of England's loveliest old steam railway lines and is just outside London in East Grinstead. The line is long enough for a big day out from London and there are beautiful old stations along the line with things to see including a museum.
So there you go. A big old list of London steam trains and railways and the best places to enjoy both steam train rides and model trains in London with your train mad kids. I hope they keep your little train spotters happy.
For even more ideas check out my other big guides to fun stuff to do in London PLUS these mini-guides :
- London For Transport Lovers
- London For Young Scientists
- London For Wannabe Soldiers
- London For Dinosaur Fans
- London For Harry Potter Fans
Do bookmark or save the guide for later and follow me on Pinterest.
Original images under Creative Commons : Spa Valley Railway, Bluebell Railway, Epping Ongar Railway
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