Nene Valley Railway Peterborough
Ride a steam train through the picturesque Nene Valley, a heritage line with cinematic connections and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most operational days
Nene Valley Railway Peterborough
Best Time
Most operational days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a steam train through the picturesque Nene Valley, a heritage line with cinematic connections and family fun.
"A fantastic day out for all ages, with friendly staff and a wonderful line."
🎯 Book Themed Weekends Early
Thomas events and special locomotive visits are popular and sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot.
📅 Check Operational Schedule
Steam operations depend on volunteers & weather. Always check the official calendar before visiting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Steam Train Journeys
Peterborough to Yarwell
Experience the romance of steam as you chug through the picturesque Nene Valley countryside.
Thomas the Tank Engine Events
Nene Valley Railway
A magical day for kids, meeting Thomas and his friends with special themed rides and activities.
Filming Location History
Various points along the line
See where James Bond and Queen filmed iconic scenes – a unique slice of cinematic history.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Special Events
Consider Your Visit Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Themed Weekends Early
Thomas events and special locomotive visits are popular and sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot.
📅 Check Operational Schedule
Steam operations depend on volunteers & weather. Always check the official calendar before visiting.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
Arrive early, especially on busy days, as car parking can be limited.
☕ Cafe Offers Good Value
Enjoy reasonably priced snacks and beverages at the on-site cafe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Themed Weekends Early
Thomas events and special locomotive visits are popular and sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot.
📅 Check Operational Schedule
Steam operations depend on volunteers & weather. Always check the official calendar before visiting.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
Arrive early, especially on busy days, as car parking can be limited.
☕ Cafe Offers Good Value
Enjoy reasonably priced snacks and beverages at the on-site cafe.
🚶♀️ Great for Walkers
The 12-mile walk from Yarwell to Peterborough is scenic, especially in drier weather.
📸 Filming History Spotting
Keep an eye out for locations used in James Bond and Queen music videos!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Nene Valley Railway for its nostalgic steam train journeys and friendly, helpful staff. The themed events, particularly for families, are a major draw, offering magical experiences. While parking can be a challenge on busy days, the overall atmosphere and the chance to see heritage locomotives make it a highly recommended day out for all ages.
"Integrates well for walkers; Yarwell to Peterborough, via Wansford, 12 miles. A lovely walk for when it's drier.
A nice trip down memory lane."
amib
"Had a fantastic day out with a friend. On arrival, the staff were friendly and helpful, and guided me to where I needed to be. It was an afternoon tea steam train journey.
Excellent welcome to the train and where shown to our table. I thoroughly recommend this as a great day out at Nene Valley. Lots to see and do. Excellent cafe just inside the entrance ."
Anthony Wilkes
"We went on a Fish and Chips Tea train ride.
The station was well sign posted and easy to find, car parking was at a bit of a premium, the station and its environs are clean and well maintained, staff are friendly and helpful.
The train itself was again pretty clean and well maintained and was pretty comfortable, staff on the train were great, but a bit pushed when handing out the fish and chip meals.
Toilets at the station were clean and fresh, cafe was nice and the beverages and snacks were of a good quality.
Would I go again, yes if in the area and i would book a particular journey in advance and book seats.
Good afternoon out."
Alan Holt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nene Valley Railway is located in Peterborough, UK. The main station is Nene Valley station, accessible by car. It runs from Peterborough through Wansford to Yarwell.
While the railway itself is a destination, Peterborough has good public transport links. You can reach Peterborough by train, and then local buses or taxis can take you to the Nene Valley station.
Driving is often the most convenient way to reach the Nene Valley Railway, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. However, checking local bus routes from Peterborough city centre is also an option.
Car parking is available at the Nene Valley Railway station. However, it's advisable to arrive early, particularly during special events, as spaces can fill up quickly.
Nene Valley Railway station is located on the outskirts of Peterborough. While not in the immediate city centre, it's easily reachable by a short drive or taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard travel prices are reduced, offering savings compared to previous years. On Thomas Branch Line Weekends, a Standard Travel ticket includes access to Thomas events. Check their website for current pricing and special event tickets.
Tickets can often be purchased on the day, but it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular themed weekends like Thomas the Tank Engine, as they can sell out.
The Nene Valley Railway operates most weekends, but specific opening hours and train running times vary depending on the day and any special events. It's essential to check their official calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, it is strongly advised to book tickets in advance for Thomas the Tank Engine events. These are very popular and tend to sell out quickly.
Nene Valley Railway has reduced standard travel prices. It's always a good idea to check their website for any ongoing promotions or special offers, especially when booking in advance.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy steam train rides through the countryside, visit Wansford station, and experience themed events like Thomas the Tank Engine. It's also a filming location for movies and music videos.
Absolutely! Families love the steam train rides and especially the Thomas the Tank Engine events. It's a fantastic day out for children of all ages.
The railway hosts a variety of heritage steam and diesel locomotives, including famous engines like the Flying Scotsman and Tornado, depending on their visiting schedules.
Yes, for a truly unique experience, Nene Valley Railway offers opportunities to drive a heritage diesel or steam locomotive, though this is a premium experience and requires advance booking.
Yes, facilities including clean toilets and a cafe are available at the station.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a cafe on-site offering beverages and snacks. Special journeys like 'Fish and Chips Tea' or 'Afternoon Tea' are also available for booking, providing a more substantial dining experience.
Reviews suggest the cafe offers good quality beverages and snacks at reasonable prices. The special dining trains are also generally well-received.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks for personal consumption, especially for families. However, supporting the on-site cafe is encouraged.
Yes, Nene Valley Railway offers special dining trains such as 'Fish and Chips Tea' and 'Afternoon Tea' journeys, which need to be booked in advance.
Prices in the cafe are considered reasonable, offering good value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire line offers scenic views, but Wansford station provides a classic heritage backdrop. Keep an eye out for unique angles along the 7.5-mile route.
Yes, photography is generally permitted on the trains, but be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing staff. Capturing the steam and scenery from the windows is a popular choice.
While generally allowed, always be respectful of private property and other visitors. Professional photography or drone usage may require special permission.
You can capture classic steam train action, scenic countryside views, heritage station architecture, and even recreate famous film scenes.
The 7.5-mile line offers various vantage points. Planning your journey with the train schedule can help you capture specific locomotives in action.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 'Fat Controller' often shares engaging stories about the engines, making the experience educational and entertaining. Practical tips for families include arriving early to secure parking, as it can get busy.
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
+2 The railway's commitment to operating steam trains on most weekends ensures a high chance of experiencing authentic steam action. Beyond just riding the trains, the Nene Valley Railway offers more immersive experiences. Enthusiasts can inquire about opportunities to drive a heritage locomotive, providing an unparalleled hands-on connection with railway history.
🎬 Film & Music Buffs
Additionally, the legendary band Queen filmed their energetic music video for 'Breakthru' here in 1989, capturing the raw power of steam. Visiting the railway allows you to walk in the footsteps of cinematic legends and rock stars. You can explore the stations and the line, imagining the cameras rolling and the music playing.
+1 It's a chance to connect with the history of these iconic productions in a tangible way, adding an extra layer of fascination to your visit. Don't forget to look out for specific spots that might be recognizable from the screen!Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History and Cinema
Visitors can experience the thrill of riding behind powerful steam engines, with regular services operating on weekends. Beyond its operational heritage, the Nene Valley Railway has a surprising connection to the silver screen. It famously doubled as Karl-Marx-Stadt in Germany for a thrilling chase scene in the James Bond film 'Octopussy'.
Furthermore, the iconic band Queen filmed their music video for 'Breakthru' on the line in 1989, adding a rock and roll legacy to its storied past. These cinematic links make a visit to the Nene Valley Railway a unique blend of historical transport and pop culture exploration.Community efforts are vital to its upkeep. For instance, local schoolboys rallied to raise funds for repairing a signal box destroyed by arson, showcasing the community's dedication to preserving this beloved site.
This spirit of preservation and community involvement ensures the Nene Valley Railway continues to be a cherished attraction.Family Fun with Thomas and Friends
The 'Fat Controller' often shares fascinating insights into the history of the engines, including details about the original Thomas engine. These events are designed to be highly engaging for young visitors, often featuring activities and entertainment that bring the world of Sodor to life.
The railway also offers rides on diesel trains in beautifully restored carriages, providing a different but equally enjoyable experience for families. The Nene Valley Railway Experience
The train journeys themselves are a highlight, with well-maintained and comfortable carriages.
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