Reconnect with family by rail

South east

Seek thrills along the Kent Downs Line

Thrill-seeking families will love Go Ape at Leeds Castle. Around a 30-minute walk from Hollingbourne Station you'll reach the Treetop Challenge at Go Ape. This challenge boasts five zip lines, two of which are over an impressive 250m long! Get the family out and about into the treetops. The adventure course unfurls as you make your way into the woods and is a great confidence booster and starting point for young explorers.

Scenic railway route: Ashford to Otford

Crack codes and delve into history along the Abbey Line

Spend quality time with the family as you leap into new worlds completing ground-breaking missions, finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges. Will you escape in time? Choose from Escape Hunt Watford or Breakout Rooms Watford both within easy reach of Watford Junction Station.

Traces of Roman life can be explored in St Albans with the Verulamium Museum containing ancient treasures and artifacts. Visit the nearby Roman Theatre built around 140AD and used to showcase religious processions, dancing, wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. Take a walk to the majestic St Albans Cathedral and take some time to admire this magnificent building. All with easy access to St Albans Abbey Station.

Scenic railway route: Watford to St Albans

Midlands

Outdoor family fun near Wellington Station

Bowring Park, located a 15 minute walk from Wellington Station, is an ideal place to catch up with family and friends. This lovely green space just outside the market town of Wellington, is overlooked by the famous Wrekin Hill. The park boasts a children's play area, free tennis courts and table tennis, outdoor gym, bowls club and plenty of outdoor space to explore. Why not pack a picnic and treat the family to an al fresco lunch this summer? If the weather's not great you can always pop into the park café for a tasty bite to eat before you head home.

Tucked away on the edge of Wellington, less than a 20 minute walk from the railway station, is the rare suburban villa and mini-estate of National Trust Sunnycroft. Immerse yourself in a past era as you explore how families used to live in this pre-First World War country house lifestyle. Look out for special events throughout the year.

Castle to Coventry on the Nuckle Line

Discover Leamington Spa, home to Jepson Gardens, the Pump Rooms and plenty of museums, galleries and open spaces nestled in this beautiful Warwickshire town. The railway station is a few minutes' walk from the main high street and the town is perfect for days out with the family, weekends away with friends or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion.

Further down the line you'll reach Kenilworth, with plenty of attractions within walking distance of the train station, it makes a perfect day out with the kids. Discover 900 years of history at Kenilworth Castle where you can climb the towers and battlements and let imaginations run wild. A 10-minute taxi ride from the station you can explore Stoneleigh Abbey, a hidden gem in the Warwickshire countryside. This beautiful stately home is a wonderful day out, set in 690 acres of parkland.

When you arrive in Coventry, head to Coventry Transport Museum to see the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world. Only 15 minutes walk from the station, you'll enjoy captivating displays, interactive galleries and immersive exhibitions, perfect for all the family.

Other highlights close to Coventry Station include the Herbert Gallery, offering a wide range of detailed talks, fantastic events and workshops for all ages alongside an ever-changing exhibition programme. Get active at The Wave boasting high-speed slides, fun-packed splash zone, exciting wave pool and relaxing lazy river.

Scenic railway route: Nuneaton to Leamington Spa

Explore Shakespeare's heritage along the Shakespeare Line

Stratford-upon-Avon is world famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare and with over 800 years of history to explore, this charming town is ideal for a family day out. From Shakespeare's Birthplace to the magical Butterfly Farm and the extraordinary MAD museum, there is plenty to discover.

A 20 minute walk from Stratford-upon-Avon railway station will bring you to Avon Boating. Here you can hire a small boat or book on to a public boat trip to marvel at the picturesque views down the River Avon.

Further along the line you can step foot in the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm on a fantastic family day out at Mary Arden's Farm, a short 5 minute walk from Wilmcote railway station.

Scenic railway route: Shakespeare Line

Create & make with pottery in North Staffordshire

Take a trip on the picturesque North Staffordshire and visit the home of The Potteries. Gladstone Pottery Museum is only a 15 minute walk from Longton station and offers families a variety of engaging exhibits and hands on learning.

As Britain's only complete Victorian pottery factory, families are invited to have a go at throwing a pot, making a bone china flower or painting pottery. There are children's trails to follow, watch expert demonstrators and go inside giant bottle ovens as well as learning more about pottery and local history. Pay a visit to the café for a bite to eat before you head back to the station.

Scenic railway route: Derby to Crewe via Stoke

Yorkshire & North East

From fire engines to animal encounters in Calder Valley

Get up close and explore full-sized fire engines at Fireground, Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum as it opens it's doors this summer. Learn about the fire service and it's heritage through fascinating interactive displays and young ones will love the children's play area. Less than 5 minute walk from Rochdale Station.

Back on the train head to Mills Hill to have a wild day out at Lancaster Park and Animal Farm. Located across the road from the railway station, the farm offers families the chance to meet, touch and feed a range of animals. The adjoining park boasts two play areas and zip lines dotted along a scenic nature walk, rides, sand pit and look out for the pirate shoot-out! A perfect place to burn off some energy before heading home on the train.

Uncover the history of rail

Step back to a time when rail travel was only for the few as you explore Locomotion – The National Railway Museum at Shildon. The museum is the smaller sister of the National Railway Museum in York but still displays a number of real-engines and carriages for you to explore. You can even see the locomotive that hauled the first train along the Bishop Line. It's easy to explore by train along the historic Bishop Line, leave the train at Shildon Station and it's only a 10 minute walk.

Scenic railway route: Darlington to Bishop Auckland

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We encourage you to explore these journeys safely by adhering to the latest government advice. Before planning any journey, please check the government guidance on travelling on public transport, relevant to where you are: England, Scotland, Wales. Please research your journey in advance as timetables can change and check for disruptions before you set off.

These scenic railway routes are supported by community rail partnerships, you can find out more about each partnership on the individual line pages linked above. Community rail is a growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships and groups across Britain. They engage communities and help people get the most from their railways, promoting social inclusion and sustainable travel while working alongside train operators to bring about improvements. Learn more about community rail across Britain and how you can get involved through the Community Rail Network website.