Train adventures

Training days!

By @girlaboutbirmingham

Is there anything that evokes a better sense of freedom than steaming through the countryside on an old-fashioned locomotive, gazing out of the window watching the rolling hills whizz by? Like most children, my three boys are fascinated by different forms of transport, and we always have a great day when two or more wheels are involved.

The ideas I’ve suggested below are fantastic fun for Autumn, but some are also good to keep an early eye on for their Christmas offerings too. Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster

The Severn Valley Railway is one of the most well-known steam railways in the country! Only a short 40-minute drive from Birmingham, the train runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. You can choose to travel the whole way or just a part of the way as we did, stopping off at the beautiful and quaint Arley for a pub lunch and to explore the nearby Arboretum. The Severn Valley Santa Train (Nov and Dec) is not cheap, but it is an authentic and special experience so book early if you fancy it. svr.co.uk/family-tickets Echills Wood Miniature Railway at Kingsbury Water Park, Sutton Coldfield

What a delightful miniature railway this is! Running through the scenic Kingsbury Water Park, the railway operates on scheduled days from March - December and puts on a ‘Bright Lights for Winter Nights’ event near Christmas (tbc). ewr.org.uk Vintage Trains, Tyseley

Vintage Trains run steam trains on Britain’s mainline railway. The trains begin at Tyseley Locomotive Works and pick passengers up at Birmingham New Street or Snow Hill. There are many routes to choose from during September and October. It is a full day out and therefore important to be aware of this when taking smaller children. I particularly like the sound of the Liverpool route as this one has family tickets available. vintagetrains.co.uk

Arley Station, Severn Valley Railway

Transport Museum, Wythall

This lovely little museum in Wythall is kid heaven. We’ve visited more than once and also attended children’s parties there. The children absolutely love riding around on the miniature steam train, going through the tunnel and waving to everyone they pass. Not only this, but the museum is also jam packed with an incredible collection of old vehicles – some that you can even climb aboard! wythall.org.uk/train.asp Chasewater Railway

The Chasewater Railway is located in Chasewater Country Park in Brownhills, Staffordshire. The website describes the attraction as follows: The Railway is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the major visitor attractions within the Walsall, Lichfield & Cannock areas. With its policy of low-cost fares and membership fees, it offers excellent value for money for railway enthusiasts and other visitors alike. Well, that sounds good to me! I am tempted by the Halloween night train on 28 - 29 October. Plus, Santa specials commence on 27th November. chasewaterrailway.co.uk Baggeridge Country Park

This miniature railway is operated by volunteers and therefore runs most Sundays, weather depending. The train usually runs from 1pm – 4pm. I’ve also noticed a Cradley Heath Model Railway Club Show on 8th October! If this one is local to you, I’d definitely check it out for some low-cost family fun. wolverhampton-dmes.co.uk Trainmaster UK

Have you got any Thomas fans in the family? Well, if so, then the Trainmaster events are for you! Trainmaster events have recently sprung up in the West Midlands and are currently taking place at Bentley Heath Community Centre, Solihull and Hagley Community Association, Stourbridge. The dates for September have not been released at the time of writing but keep checking back to make sure you get booked on! trainmaster.co.uk A final tip from me- for a cheap and cheerful day out – why not ride the mini land train at Cannon Hill Park? You can do a 15minute lap of the park and even get an ice cream afterwards! birmingham.gov.uk Go to familiesbirmingham.co.uk ‘Highlights’ to see my full article on top train tips!