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Oct 2011
With more and more of us looking to save a little extra cash by staying at home instead of travelling abroad during school holidays, ideas for a family-fun day out are always welcome. Fear not though, there's still plenty to see and do at home here in the UK. Many of Britain's heritage railways are currently enjoying a revival, with popular events such as 'Day Out With Thomas', afternoon teas, luxury dining, murder-mystery events and real-ale train rides.
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 gives children and adults alike the opportunity to enjoy rides on carriages pulled by character steam and diesel trains including Thomas, Percy and Spencer. There are also static displays, refreshments, picnic areas, miniature railway rides, face-painting, competitions and even a chance to meet the ‘Fat Controller’ - Sir Topham Hatt,.
If you or your little ones love the friendly blue train, why not book tickets for the next event and make a weekend of it? Hotels and guesthouses near the four Watercress Line stations include:
'Day Out With Thomas' events are held countrywide each year. Check out the national events calendar.
Fans of Thomas and Friends might also enjoy:
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', also by Paul Atterbury, celebrates the history of old steam lines. It features detailed route maps and railway routes of yesteryear.
The 'Lost Lines of Britain', written by one of the UK's most respected railway writers Julian Holland, retraces Britain's lost railway history - exploring many of Britain's more popular routes that have now been converted to footpaths and cycleways.
Also written by Julian Holland, 'Discovering Britain's Little Trains' contains photographs from past to present and remarkable archive pictures, forming a nostalgic trip through 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.
Check out our other inspirational ideas for days out and weekend breaks.
...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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