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 Didcot Railway Centre - Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK Posted by:  Dragontree
N 51° 36.793 W 001° 14.669
30U E 621548 N 5719480
This popular tourist attraction is in the centre of Didcot.
Waymark Code: WM7DF3
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/09/2009
Views: 6
Didcot Railway Centre is a working museum operated by the Great Western Society. This society was formed in 1961 and they formed the museum in 1967. It is run by their volunteers and is important in railway heritage, being the only place in the world where 170 years of railway history come together.
The museum is spread out along the railway line between the active main lines. It is accessed through the Didcot Parkway Rail Station entrance. There are several car parks in Didcot for visitors.
There are specific open days detailed on the website calendar. Everyone is welcome but please be aware of the action around you as this is a working museum with trains moving around and restoration works taking place.
With over twenty Great Western Railway steam locomotives on display there is a good choice to view. These are based in the original 1932 engine shed and in the locomotive works. Over forty coaches dating from the 1880s to the 1950s are on display in the carriage & wagon workshop area including goods wagons.
Further up the line is a re-creation of Brunel's broad gauge railway with buildings, signalling and turntable. Also there is a World War II air raid shelter, interactive science and learning display, a small relics building, a picnic area and a shop, refreshment room and toilets.
Special steam days are run around the year where visitors can ride in vintage coaches behind the locomotives. Rides can be enjoyed as many times as you wish for the entrance fee charge.
Thomas the Tank Engine days are great for the children where Thomas, Duck and Diesel are around to pull the carriages. The Fat Controller is also present. Father Christmas arrives for a few days in December.
Railway experience days are also on offer which include a full year's membership and special, exclusive opportunities. Group and school visits also take place.
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
The attraction’s own URL: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Saturdays and Sundays all year (except 17 and 18 October and 26 December), and daily between these dates in 2009:
* 14 to 22 February
* 4 to 19 April
* 23 to 31 May
* 20 June to 27 September
* 24 October to 1 November
* 22 and 23 December
* 27 December to 3 January 2010
The Centre opens to visitors at 10:30 am.
On Summer Weekends and Steamdays it closes at 5 pm.
On Winter Weekends (January, February, November & December) and on Midweek days it closes at 4 pm.
Day Out with Thomas events open at 9:30am.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
On Steamdays Train rides and some other activities normally start at around 11.00 am.
See the Calendar of Events for details of Steamdays and Special Events available on the main website.
Admission Prices:
Adult Child # Over-60 Family
Non-Steam Open Days: Adult £5.00, Child £4.00, Over-60 £4.50, Family £16.00
Steamdays: Adult £8.00 Child £7.00, Over-60 £7.50, Family £27.00
Broad Gauge Steamdays: Adult £9.00, Child £8.00, Over-60 £8.50, Family £30.00
Day Out with Thomas (March/October): Adult £10.00, Child £8.50, Over-60 £9.00
Day Out with Thomas (December) - Child price includes a gift from Father Christmas: Adult £10.00, Child £10.00, Over-60 £9.00
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Half of a day (2-5 hours)
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle or Public Transportation
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