
Swindon and Cricklade Railway
A charming heritage railway offering nostalgic steam and diesel rides, with magical themed events for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most operating days for rides

Swindon and Cricklade Railway
Best Time
Most operating days for rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming heritage railway offering nostalgic steam and diesel rides, with magical themed events for families.
"Absolutely brilliant time! This felt like a proper festive experience and our family loved every minute."

🎟️ Book Thomas/Santa in Advance
These events are super popular and sell out! Book online ASAP to secure your spot.
☕ Cafe Treats
The cafe offers delicious cakes and drinks, a perfect break spot. Prices are reasonable for an attraction.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thomas the Tank Engine Events
Various locations
Magical days for kids with rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets. Pure joy for little train enthusiasts!
Heritage Steam and Diesel Rides
Blunsdon Station
Experience the nostalgia of steam and diesel trains chugging through the Wiltshire countryside. A charming journey.

Festive Santa Specials
Blunsdon Station
A truly magical Christmas experience with decorated stations, Santa meet-and-greets, and festive train rides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Volunteer-Run Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Thomas/Santa in Advance
These events are super popular and sell out! Book online ASAP to secure your spot.
☕ Cafe Treats
The cafe offers delicious cakes and drinks, a perfect break spot. Prices are reasonable for an attraction.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the station and potentially country paths.
📸 Capture the Magic
Great photo ops, especially during themed events like Thomas or Christmas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Thomas/Santa in Advance
These events are super popular and sell out! Book online ASAP to secure your spot.
☕ Cafe Treats
The cafe offers delicious cakes and drinks, a perfect break spot. Prices are reasonable for an attraction.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the station and potentially country paths.
📸 Capture the Magic
Great photo ops, especially during themed events like Thomas or Christmas.
🚗 Check Parking Info
Parking is available at Mouldon Hill Country Park or the visitor centre.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experiences, especially during themed events like 'Day Out with Thomas' and Santa Specials, praising the volunteers' dedication and the festive atmosphere. While food can be a bit pricey, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the joy it brings to children and the nostalgic charm for all.
"We recently visited the Swindon & Cricklade Railway during their Thomas the Tank Engine event, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience, especially for my nephew. This place truly knows how to create a magical day for children, and we were all thoroughly impressed.
From the moment we arrived, the excitement in the air was palpable. My nephew was beyond thrilled to see Thomas and the other engines up close. The highlight of his day was undoubtedly getting to board the train. Watching his face light up as he gazed out the window, waving to everyone as we chugged along, was a joy to behold. The train ride was a charming journey through beautiful countryside, and the nostalgia of the classic steam engines brought a smile to everyone's face.
The live show put on by the crew was another standout feature of the day. The performers were engaging, energetic, and kept the children entertained from start to finish. It was a well-produced show with lots of interaction, ensuring that every child felt involved in the adventure. My nephew was mesmerized, clapping along and shouting with excitement as his favorite characters came to life. This alone made the visit worthwhile, and it's clear the organizers put a lot of thought and effort into creating a truly memorable experience for the little ones.
Beyond the train rides and the show, there were other fun activities that kept my nephew entertained. The bouncy castle was a huge hit, and it was great to see the kids burning off some energy in a safe and supervised environment. It's the little touches like these that make Swindon & Cricklade Railway such a family-friendly destination.
I will say that the food was a bit on the pricey side, with a portion of chips costing £4. However, this is fairly standard for attractions like this, and we found the quality to be good. The on-site cafe was a lovely surprise. I treated myself to a slice of sprinkle cake, and it was absolutely delicious! The cafe offers a nice selection of cakes and drinks, providing a perfect spot for a quick break while the kids enjoy the day's activities.
While there's not a huge amount for adults to do, Swindon & Cricklade Railway is undeniably a paradise for children. Watching my nephew have the time of his life made the entire trip more than worth it. If you're looking for a day out that your kids will absolutely love, this is the place to go. The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the whole experience was wonderfully nostalgic. We will definitely be back for more family fun in the future!"
Ayyub Chowdhury
"Absolutely brilliant time! This felt like a proper festive experience and our family loved every minute. The whole station, walkways, train, cafe etc are all dressed head to toe in decorations it must have taken weeks and weeks to do. All the staff are volunteers and were so invested and passionate about making it enjoyable for everyone and put so much effort in talking to us. Santa was super lovely and realistic! The train ride was brill and loved having our own carriage to sit in. It was all so authentic and well looked after. Also, the presents my kids got were soo lovely. My son got a puzzle/drawing set which he was so chuffed with, and my baby had a beautiful quality teething toy - so well chosen. Also food and drink really reasonable prices. Just had the best time - thank you to all who made it so special."
N
"My friend and I decided to visit the railway today and were hoping to get a peek at their class 73. Sadly it was in the workhop, but the staff here went way above and beyond to make our visit both informative and memorable..... and we got to see the class 73. Thank you Stan and all the volunteers at this wonderful railway for making us so welcome. We will definitely return and look forward to riding the new track extension once its approved."
Michael Crowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the railway by car, with parking available at Mouldon Hill Country Park or the visitor centre at Blunsdon. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advised.
Yes, parking is available. Visitors can park at Mouldon Hill Country Park to access Taw Valley Halt, or at the main visitor centre at Blunsdon.
While possible, walking might be challenging due to sharp road turns and limited visibility of oncoming vehicles. It's generally recommended to drive or use other transport.
Swindon is well-connected by train. From Swindon station, you would then need local transport to reach the railway itself.
Information on direct public transport links can be scarce. It's best to check local bus timetables for routes serving Blunsdon or Mouldon Hill Country Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Standard rides might be around £10, while special events like 'Day Out with Thomas' or Santa Specials will have higher, package-based pricing. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
For special events like 'Day Out with Thomas' and Santa Specials, booking in advance is essential as they often sell out. For regular operating days, it's advisable to check their website for current ticketing policies.
Operating hours and days vary significantly based on the season and special events. Always check the official Swindon and Cricklade Railway website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
Information on specific group or family discounts isn't always readily available online. It's best to contact the railway directly to inquire about any potential group rates or family packages.
While some tickets might be available on the day for standard services, popular events like 'Day Out with Thomas' and Santa Specials are very likely to be sold out. Advance booking is strongly advised for these.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Enjoy heritage train rides, special themed events like 'Day Out with Thomas' and Santa Specials, and explore the station. Volunteers are passionate and informative.
Absolutely! It's a paradise for children, especially during themed events. Rides, shows, and character interactions are a huge hit.
You can experience both steam and diesel heritage trains. They also have special events featuring popular characters like Thomas the Tank Engine.
While primarily geared towards children, adults can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, the scenic countryside rides, and the passion of the volunteers.
It's a magical experience for kids, featuring train rides with Thomas, live shows, and character meet-and-greets. It's highly recommended to book tickets well in advance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site offering a selection of cakes, drinks, and light snacks. Food prices are considered reasonable for an attraction.
While some items like a portion of chips might be around £4, the overall prices for food and drink are generally considered reasonable for an attraction.
Picnic policies can vary. It's best to check with the railway directly or look for designated picnic areas if you plan to bring your own food.
The cafe typically offers cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks, and some light snack options. It's a good place for a quick break.
Specific dietary options are not always detailed online. It's advisable to inquire at the cafe upon arrival about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The station platforms, the trains themselves (especially steam engines), and the surrounding countryside offer great photo opportunities. Themed events provide unique backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally permitted on the train rides. Be mindful of other passengers and ensure you don't obstruct views or cause a disturbance.
While generally allowed, avoid professional photography without prior permission, especially during busy events. Always be respectful of other visitors and staff.
Any camera will work, from smartphones to DSLRs. Capturing the movement of the trains and the expressions of excited children makes for great shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites and attractions to ensure safety and privacy. It's highly recommended to contact the railway directly for their drone policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the themed events, regular train rides offer a fun and engaging experience. The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks and treats, and there are often other activities like bouncy castles to keep little ones entertained. Remember to book tickets for special events well in advance as they are extremely popular.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
The railway is actively involved in restoration and preservation, so there's always something new to see. Keep an eye out for specific locomotive events or the chance to ride on different types of heritage rolling stock. The dedication of the volunteers ensures a high level of authenticity.
💖 Couples and Nostalgia Seekers
It's a perfect low-key activity for a relaxed day out, perhaps combined with a visit to the charming cafe. The peaceful journey and the unique heritage setting offer a refreshing escape from the everyday.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Thomas the Tank Engine
These events are incredibly popular, and tickets often sell out months in advance. The railway's dedication to creating a magical atmosphere, from the decorated carriages to the enthusiastic volunteers, makes it a standout attraction for families. It's a chance for children to step into the world of Sodor and create lasting memories.
Pro-tip: Book your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment, and arrive with plenty of time to enjoy all the activities on offer. The railway's website is the best place to check for event dates and booking information.
Volunteer Spirit and Heritage Preservation
Visitors often praise the volunteers for their passion, friendliness, and willingness to share their knowledge. They are instrumental in maintaining the heritage steam and diesel locomotives, the tracks, and the station facilities. This hands-on approach ensures that the railway remains a vibrant and well-loved attraction.
This dedication extends to special events, where volunteers go above and beyond to create memorable experiences, particularly during festive periods like Christmas with their Santa Specials. Their commitment is a key reason why the railway offers such a genuine and heartwarming visit.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Wiltshire
The route takes you from Blunsdon Station through scenic landscapes, offering a peaceful and relaxing way to see the local area. It's a chance to disconnect from the modern world and appreciate the simple pleasure of chugging along on a historic train.
While the journey might be short, the experience is rich in atmosphere and charm. It's a perfect outing for those who appreciate vintage transport and the beauty of the English countryside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit