Didcot Railway Centre

One review of “Didcot Railway Centre”

Elouise Powell

• 25th January 2021 Log in to Reply

In the heart of Didcot, famous for its train station and industrialised power station lies a celebration of the golden age in train travel the Didcot Railway Centre.

20 acres of awe inspiring mechanics gleaming with over five generations of history. Entering through the modern Didcot Parkway station I use a vintage rotary telephone alerting my arrival, instantly igniting my love for forgotten classics. I proceed to be warmly welcomed by Anne, a volunteer for the centre who is passionate and knowledgeable about the trains which she calls her ‘babies’. The centre is an incredible contrast of man-made constructions including locomotives, carriages, wagons and woodland surrounding a picnic area where visitors snack on packed lunches watching trains surge past.

Left to wander blissfully anywhere and everywhere, visitors get to access all areas to make their visit truly unforgettable. Notable sights along the journey include the only working coal stage in the UK; where coal is stored before being gravity fed into waiting empty tenders, the original 2021 built engine shed housing locomotives, some of which date back to the 19th century, and the ‘Locomotive Workshops’ where you can climb into the caboose and imagine being a conductor for the afternoon.

Starting your personal tour experience at the turntable, you can leisurely stroll and visit the main demonstration line. On steam days you can board the working train and travel along one of the centre’s running lines, and make your way to the GWR museum and archive to view antique models, toy trains, old uniforms, signals, posters and pictures. Continue on to the carriage shed housing over 40 carriages and admire the ornate paintings on older carriages. End your journey around this magnificent centre at the refreshment room serving delicious food before heading to the bookstall and gift shop for delightful mementos of your trip to the centre.

Personally, I came to the Railway Centre to further my curiosity about how far trains have progressed throughout history. The contrast as you leave the modern trains behind and dive head first into steam built engines is engaging and fascinating. The centre is entertaining for children, teenagers and adults with plenty to do for all. I will be returning to the centre to enjoy their many events such as the Gala’s, Heritage Diesel Days, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the Steam Days. The calendar for 2021 is bursting with fantastic days out at the Didcot Railway Centre, so head to Didcot and start your own experience.

Six Good Points:
✓ The passionate volunteers
✓ The strange feeling of walking across the tracks safely
✓ The freedom to explore
✓ Seeing the old Royal Mail trains
✓ Journeying through the ages

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