1. East
  2. Essex
  3. Colchester

Attraction Information

The East Anglican Railway Museum is a treasure trove that kids will love to explore! This museum has lots of attractions and showcases the rich heritage and role of railways in the region and beyond. With a wide collection of diesel locomotives, train carriages, and railway memorabilia visitors can delve into the fascinating world of steam engines, diesel trains, and the evolution of rail travel over the years.

Things to do for families at East Anglican Railway Museum

East Anglican Railway Museum has a great collection of steam trains, carriages, and wagons to discover, plus a miniature railway you can explore. This attraction offers plenty to see and do here, whatever time of the year you visit!

Explore artefacts on display

The museum heritage centre is housed in a restored railway station, providing an authentic setting for families to immerse themselves in railway history. Exhibits include beautifully preserved steam locomotives that once chugged along the tracks of East Anglia, as well as interactive displays that bring to life the stories of railway workers and passengers.

We think children will enjoy exploring vintage carriages, signaling equipment , and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into the past. From the intricate details of the locomotives to the charming ambiance of the station platform, every corner of the museum is filled with history and nostalgia of steam trains era.

Interactive experiences

In addition to its impressive collection, the East Anglican Railway Museum also offers a range of activities and event days for visitors of all ages. Guided tours, diesel train rides, and special exhibitions are just a few of the experiences that families can enjoy at the museum. The museum also hosts workshops and educational visits, making it a great destination for school groups and families looking to learn more about the history of railways.You can pull the levers in the Signal Box and learn how a signalman controlled the trains on the lines. Explore the carriages and go back in time to how the previous generations would travel.

Calendar of events

Throughout the year, the museum hosts a range of events for railway fans. From classic car events, beer festivals and summer festivals to special holiday events like the popular Thomas The Tanks and Santa Specials, there’s always something new and exciting happening. These events provide unique experiences, allowing families to create lasting memories together. There's even additional late-evening trains running on some of the Summer event dates to help get visitors home. 

See Thomas The Tank Engine 

One of the regular events in the East Anglican Museum Railway calendar is a special Thomas The Tank Engine themed day. This annual event usually happens during the Springtime months or Bank Holiday dates. We recommend you don't miss this! Kids (and adults!) will have a fantastic time riding along with Thomas and some of his friends, meet Sir Topham Hatt and have some fun with Sodor's Station Sweepers, Rusty & Dusty! ! Join in the fun with a reenactment with Thomas, perhaps helping to fill him with water. Ride inside Daisy the DMU, and in Henrietta who is pulled along by Toby. Refreshments will be available throughout the day to guarantee a pleasant visit for all. There are also often extra fun activities such as colouring or drawing in the Imagination Station, face painting and watching balloon modelling!

Why we recommend East Anglican Railway Museum as a must visit for a family day out:

*Meet Thomas The Tank Engine and friends on selected dates

*Displays of steam engines and train trips on the miniature railway

*Family friendly events all year 

Reviews of East Anglican Railway Museum. What do other parents say about East Anglican Railway Museum?

Family bloggers Counting to Ten recently visited East Anglican Railway Museum.

They said: "A visit to East Anglian Railway Museum (EARM) will appeal to all train enthusiasts, but if your little one likes Thomas the Tank Engine then I highly recommend heading to one of the Day Out With Thomas events.

When you arrive at the station follow the signposts to the event entrance where you are given a wristband each and children receive a small paper bag with some activity sheets, stickers and crayons. Head along platform 1 and over the bridge to see the trains. You can spend your visit riding on carriages behind the popular engines of Sodor, but there are plenty more activities too."

Claim & Manage Attraction ListingTick Icon

Miniature Railway

Both children and adults will love to chug, chug along riding the miniature railway at East Anglican Railway Museum.

Children's Play Area

Don't miss a visit to the children's play area and see the ex-London bus that has been converted in a children's play bus.

Meet Thomas The Tank Engine

There's always something fun happening at East Anglican Railway Museum! A calendar of events throughout the year includes a visit from Thomas and his friends. We think any little Thomas fans won't want to miss this special event!

Tick Icon

Facilities

  • TOILETS iconToilets
  • GIFT_SHOP iconGift Shop
  • ONSITE_PARKING iconOnsite Parking
  • ACCESSIBLE_TOILETS iconAccessible Toilets
  • FOOD_AVAILABLE iconFood Available
Timer Icon

Opening Times

Regular Times
  • Monday, Closed
  • Tuesday, Closed
  • Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday, Closed
  • Friday, Closed
  • Saturday, 00:00 - 00:00
  • Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00

Open weekends, Wednesdays and most Bank Holidays. With event days throughout the year

April -October 10:00 - 17:00

November-March 10.00-16.00 Closed 25th - 26th December

Ticket Icon

Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Child (4-17) : £4.00
  • Adult (17-18+) : £8.00

Prices shown are for general admission museum viewing.

Special event day prices are adult £13.50 child £9.50

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to East Anglian Railway Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.

Timer Icon

Plan Your Visit

MorningAfternoonEvening

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 2 - 3 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Question Mark Icon

FAQs

Yes, there is parking.

Parking available at the railway. There is free parking at the front of the Museum for customers that visit the Museum, please be aware the large front field car park is open during Museum open hours only.

Pin Icon

Contact Details

Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Chappel
Colchester
Essex
CO6 2DS
England

Tel: 01206242524

Visit Website

East Anglian Railway Museum Reviews

Day Out With The Kids - VIP Pass Advert

Recent blog posts

Top Tips and Tricks In Planning Family Adventures With The Day Out With The Kids VIP Pass - Image
ShivaniMarch 18, 2024
Top Tips and Tricks In Planning Family Adventures With The Day Out With The Kids VIP Pass

Make planning family days out simple and easy with our top tips and tricks. Plus, save with our VIP Pass – it’s never been easier!

Ideas On A Budget
Things To Do
Easter Markets In The UK - Image
Jenny OsmondMarch 18, 2024
Easter Markets In The UK

With Easter just around the corner, many people are starting to plan their holiday festivities. One popular tradition in the UK is visiting Easter markets, where you can celebrate the arrival of Spring and find a wide variety of goods and treats to enjoy during the long Easter Bank Holiday weekend. In this blog, we…

Easter
Things To Do
I Went To Disneyland Paris - Here's What I thought! - Image
Harleen SahotaMarch 15, 2024
I Went To Disneyland Paris - Here's What I thought!

Heading to Disneyland Paris? Here’s my review of everything you need to look out for, top tips, the best restaurants and the best rides!

Disneyland Paris
Things To Do
Hop Into History: With The Best National Trust Easter Egg Hunts - Image
ShivaniMarch 15, 2024
Hop Into History: With The Best National Trust Easter Egg Hunts

The Easter holidays aren’t far away! So we’ve rounded up all the best National Trust Easter Egg Hunts, so grab your bunny ears and get going!

Easter
Things To Do
OMG! Primark Just Got a Hello Kitty Cafe! - Image
Harleen SahotaMarch 15, 2024
OMG! Primark Just Got a Hello Kitty Cafe!

Hello Kitty has come to Primark and we’ve got the inside scoop for you!

Events Near You
Things To Do
The Wonders of BeWILDerwood Norfolk: A Parent's Review! - Image
ShivaniMarch 11, 2024
The Wonders of BeWILDerwood Norfolk: A Parent's Review!

Read all about Cookie and her family’s day out to BeWILDerwood Norfolk! Including top tips, recommendations, food reviews and the best parts!

Family Creator Network
Reviews and Recommendations
Things To Do
Easter Dinosaur Hunts - Image
Jenny OsmondMarch 11, 2024
Easter Dinosaur Hunts

As Easter approaches, we understand families are looking for fun activities to celebrate the holiday. Got a little dino fan? One unique and exciting option gaining popularity is Easter dinosaur egg hunts. These interactive events offer a dinosaur twist on traditional Easter egg hunts. Easter dinosaur hunts offer exciting themed activities for children of all…

Easter
Things To Do
Step Into The Prehistoric Era With The Dinosaur rEvolution Exhibition - Image
ShivaniMarch 8, 2024
Step Into The Prehistoric Era With The Dinosaur rEvolution Exhibition

Become palaeontologists and deep dive into the world of the prehistoric beasts at the Dinosaur rEvolution Exhibition at Hornium Museum!

Events Near You
Things To Do