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Home > Travel > Ride the Rails >

Ride the Rails

There's more to a day on the tracks than trainspotting

Many of Britain's heritage railways are enjoying a revival with events such as 'Day Out With Thomas', afternoon teas, luxury dining, murder-mystery events and real-ale train rides - spend a day or a summer evening travelling through rural England in a beautifully preserved steam locomotive, or even learn to drive one yourself.

Hampshire's Watercress Line is one such railway. Formerly part of Britain's national rail network between the towns of Alton and Alresford, this heritage steam railway is now operated by dedicated volunteers. It runs between four stations which have all been carefully restored to their former glory.

Some of the most popular dates on the Watercress Line are the annual 'Day Out With Thomas' events – giving fans a chance to 'meet' heroes from Thomas & Friends. This fun family day sees children and adults enjoying rides on carriages pulled by character steam and diesel trains including Thomas, Percy, Spencer and more. There are also static displays, refreshments, picnic areas, miniature railway rides, face-painting, competitions, the chance to meet the Fat Controller Sir Topham Hatt, and much more.

If you or your little ones love the friendly blue train, book tickets for the next event and make a weekend of it. Hotels and guesthouses near the four Watercress Line stations include:

• Alton Grange Hotel
• Travelodge Alton Four Marks
• Swan Hotel, Alresford
• Beech Barns Guest House
• The Granary
• Haygarth, Alresford

'Day Out With Thomas' events are held countrywide each year. Check out the national events calendar.

Fans of Thomas and Friends might also enjoy:

• Thomas & Friends at Drusillas Park
• Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park

If you're looking for a more grown-up rail experience, why not take a ride on the Real Ale Train, which runs from March to December, enjoy a weekend of military nostalgia, or try a luxury dining experience.

Find out more about exploring Britain's spectacular coastline by steam train.

The AA has published four books celebrating Britain's railway heritage. With lively, informative accompanying text by Paul Atterbury, best-selling author of railway books and Antiques Roadshow expert, 'All Change!' focuses on Britain's minor lines, rural routes and branch lines in all corners of the country.

'Discovering Britain's Lost Railways' is also by Paul Atterbury, and celebrates the history of old steam lines. It features detailed route maps and railway routes of yesteryear.

'The Best of Britain's Steam Railways' is a fully illustrated guide detailing more than 40 of the best preserved and privately-owned railways in the country. It even features ideas for walks and cycle rides.

And 'Discovering Britain's Little Trains' contains photographs of the lines from past to present and remarkable archive pictures. It's written by Julian Holland – one of the UK's most respected railway writers – and forms a nostalgic trip to the eccentric world of Britain's narrow gauge railways, including every aspect of the lines, their trains and the people who worked on and used them.

Railway enthusiasts might also be interested to know that the AA has produced a collection of jigsaw puzzles featuring steam engines.

Check out our other inspirational ideas for days out and weekend breaks.

Wherever you're heading...

...plan your trip with the AA Route Planner, stock your car with essential accessories from the AA Shop, and check for traffic blackspots before you leave with AA Roadwatch. Find the best places to eat, drink and sleep, and check out our brilliant travel guides.

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