Didcot Railway Centre - Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
Posted by: 
Dragontree
N 51° 36.793 W 001° 14.669
30U E 621548 N 5719480
This popular working railway museum is in the centre of Didcot.
Waymark Code: WM7T1R
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/29/2009
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.
Museum Website: [Web Link]
Train ride provided?: yes
Actual railroad cars or locomotives on display?: yes
Admission fee?: £5.00
Street Address: Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7NJ
Gift shop?: yes
Café/restaurant?: yes
Theater?: yes
Other features?:
Interactive science and learning display and air raid shelter
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Visit Instructions:
1. Visit the museum. 2. Provide your thoughts/experience of this visit. 3. Provide a photograph of your visit to this museum. A GPSr photo is NOT required.