Best Easter Steam Train Rides for Families 2026: UK Heritage Railway Events
Is there anything more magical than watching a child’s face light up as a real steam locomotive pulls into the station, billowing clouds of white smoke? We think not! This Easter, heritage railways across the UK are going all-out with Easter bunny train rides, egg hunts on board, character meet-and-greets, and chocolate goodies galore.
Whether you’re looking for a classic kids train ride through the Welsh valleys, a Victorian steam adventure in the South East, or an Easter Eggspress event in East Anglia, we’ve rounded up the very best Easter steam railway events happening across England and Wales this April.
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday 5th April, with Good Friday on 3rd April and Easter Monday on 6th April. Most Easter steam train events run across the full long weekend, and many extend throughout the school holidays, so there’s plenty of time to hop aboard! Not sure exactly when the holidays fall? Check our complete guide to Easter 2026 for all the key dates.
Quick tip: Heritage railway Easter bunny train events are incredibly popular and tickets sell out fast. Book as early as possible to avoid missing out!
Jump to Your Region
- Easter Steam Trains in Wales
- Easter Steam Trains in the South East
- Easter Steam Trains in East Anglia
- Easter Steam Trains in the Midlands and Mid Wales
- Easter Steam Trains in the North
- Tips for a Perfect Easter Steam Train Day Out
Easter Steam Trains in Wales {#wales}
Wales is absolutely spoilt when it comes to heritage steam railways, and Easter is one of the most magical times to visit. From narrow-gauge mountain lines to scenic valley routes, there’s a kids train ride for every family!
Easter bunny train events are one of the most popular family days out over the school holidays!
Brecon Mountain Railway, Merthyr Tydfil
One of our absolute favourites for a family Easter steam train experience! The Brecon Mountain Railway runs its brilliant Easter Bunny at the Railway event from 3 to 6 April 2026, taking families on a 9.5-mile return journey through the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
- What’s included: Steam train ride, meet the Easter Bunny at Pant Station, and a railway-wide Easter egg trail along the line
- Tickets: From £26.50 per person (all ages)
- Where: Pant Station, near Merthyr Tydfil
It’s one of the steepest heritage railways in the UK, which makes the journey itself a real thrill. Wrap up warm, the mountain air is crisp in April!
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, Mid Wales
The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway’s Easter Carrot Express is an absolute treat for families. Hop aboard a vintage narrow-gauge steam train for a 45-minute journey each way through beautiful Mid Wales countryside, with entertainment at both Llanfair Caereinion and Welshpool stations.
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £23 | |
| Child (3-15) | £10 | Includes a chocolate Easter egg! |
| Infant (under 3) | FREE | Includes a small bag of chocolate eggs |
| Small Family (1 adult + up to 2 children) | £31 | |
| Large Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | £54 |
On the train itself, the Easter Bunny makes a special appearance, and there’s a Comedy Magic Show and Party Games at Llanfair Station. Brilliant value for a full day out in Mid Wales!
Easter Steam Trains in the South East {#south-east}
The South East is home to some of England’s most famous heritage steam railways, and both are pulling out all the stops for Easter 2026!
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells
Peter Rabbit is hopping aboard the Spa Valley Railway this Easter! On Easter Sunday 5th April and Easter Monday 6th April 2026, the beloved character will be appearing at intervals throughout the day at Tunbridge Wells West station. Kids can meet Peter Rabbit in the Engine Shed, join an Easter egg hunt, and ride the magnificent steam locomotive ‘Sir Keith Park’ on the 5-mile journey between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge.
The best bit? Children aged 0-15 travel completely FREE when accompanied by a full-fare-paying adult, and train tickets are valid all day for unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel!
- Adult: £16 | Senior (60+): £15 | Child (2-15yrs): FREE
- Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): £32
- Peter Rabbit appearance times: 09:30, 10:40, 12:10, 13:40 and 15:00
Bluebell Railway, Sussex
The Bluebell Railway is one of the UK’s most celebrated heritage steam railways, running 11 glorious miles from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead through the Sussex countryside. The railway runs regular steam services throughout the Easter holidays, with its beautifully restored locomotives and vintage carriages making for an utterly classic family day out.
Good to know:
- Easy access from London and Croydon by mainline train (short walk between stations at East Grinstead)
- Free car parking at Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes
- Interactive steam adventure exhibition at Sheffield Park station, perfect for curious kids
- Check the Bluebell Railway website for specific Easter timetable and event details closer to the date
Easter Steam Trains in East Anglia {#east-anglia}
East Anglia’s heritage steam scene is seriously impressive, and the North Norfolk Railway runs one of the longest Easter steam train programmes in the country!
Easter railway events are packed with character meet-and-greets, egg hunts, and family fun!
North Norfolk Railway (The Poppy Line), Sheringham
The North Norfolk Railway has a truly spectacular Easter line-up for 2026. Their Easter Eggspress event runs from 28th March all the way through to 12th April, making it one of the most generous Easter steam programmes we’ve seen. That’s over two full weeks of family steam train fun!
Younger visitors can help Morgan the Railway Cat find Easter eggs scattered across the stations and lineside. Find them all and collect a special prize! The 11-mile return journey between the beautiful Victorian resort of Sheringham and the Georgian town of Holt is breathtaking in the spring sunshine.
Why we love it:
- Day Rover tickets give unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel all day
- Book online in advance and save 15% on your fares
- Brand new play coach at Holt Station for little ones
- Signal box experience at Reedham Junction (Sundays only)
- Groups welcome; contact the bookings office on 01263 820800
Steam into Spring runs over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend specifically (Fri 3 to Mon 6 April), with two contrasting historic steam trains running the full 11-mile line. An absolute must for any family who loves heritage railway Easter events!
Easter Steam Trains in the Midlands and Mid Wales {#midlands}
The Midlands and its borders are packed with brilliant heritage steam railways, and Easter 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic season for family days out on the tracks.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
The East Lancashire Railway has one of the most action-packed Easter programmes of any heritage railway in the UK! Running throughout the school holidays, there’s something different going on almost every day:
| Date | Event | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 April | Peter Rabbit | Meet the famous bunny at Bury Transport Museum; funfair rides, face painting, crafts |
| 8 April | Villain Academy | Meet infamous characters and unlock evil secrets |
| 9 April | Wizarding Adventure | Wand-waving, spell casting and mysterious creatures |
| 10-12 April | Legends of Steam | Ride behind famous locos including 60163 “Tornado” and 34070 “Manston” |
All events include a heritage steam or diesel train ride as part of the ticket price. The Legends of Steam event is a particular highlight for train enthusiasts, with brake van rides and dining experiences also available.
Bear with us here! The East Lancashire Railway is also home to The Trackside pub and the Buffer Stops Bar (just named CAMRA Pub of the Year 2026!), so grown-ups are well catered for too!
Getting there: The railway is easily accessible from Bury, Rochdale and Rossendale. Residents of those boroughs can also access special discounted travel passes.
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
Already featured in our Wales section, this gorgeous Mid Wales line is also a brilliant option for families based in the Midlands, sitting right on the Welsh border near Welshpool. See the Wales section above for full Easter Carrot Express details!
Easter Steam Trains in the North {#north}
From the Yorkshire Dales to the Irwell Valley, the North of England has some absolutely stunning heritage railway scenery to enjoy this Easter. These kids train rides are guaranteed to impress!
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Yorkshire
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway runs its Easter Express from 28th March right through to 12th April 2026, giving Yorkshire families a brilliant two-week window to hop aboard. The five-mile scenic heritage line passes through six unique stations, each bursting with character, through the glorious Worth Valley countryside.
What to expect:
- Beautifully restored heritage steam trains through the Yorkshire countryside
- Six unique stations to explore, including the famous Haworth (home of the Brontes!)
- Real ale buffet car on board (for the grown-ups!)
- Tickets available on the day or in advance online
- Just 40 minutes from Leeds and 25 minutes from Bradford
Think the Worth Valley is just for train spotters? Think again! The combination of steam trains, Bronte Country, and stunning moorland scenery makes this one of the most complete family days out in the North of England.
East Lancashire Railway
Already covered in our Midlands section, but worth a reminder that the East Lancashire Railway also serves the North West brilliantly, with easy access from Manchester, Bury and Rochdale. Their Easter programme (3-12 April) is genuinely one of the most varied of any heritage railway in the country. See the full event table above!
Planning ahead? Our complete guide to UK school holiday dates 2026 has everything you need to map out your Easter break across the whole country.
Tips for a Perfect Easter Steam Train Day Out {#tips}
Getting the most out of your heritage railway Easter visit is all in the planning! Here are our top tips to make sure the day goes smoothly.
Before You Go
- Book early. We can’t stress this enough! Easter bunny train events at heritage railways sell out weeks in advance. The Brecon Mountain Railway, North Norfolk Railway and Spa Valley Railway events in particular go fast.
- Check what’s included. Some events include the egg hunt and character meet in the ticket price; others charge separately. Always read the booking page carefully.
On the Day
- Arrive early. Heritage railway stations are charming but can get very busy on Easter weekend. Arriving 20-30 minutes before departure gives you time to explore the station, grab a coffee, and get the best seats.
- Dress in layers. April weather in the UK is famously unpredictable! Steam trains can be draughty, and station platforms are exposed. Pack a light waterproof and an extra layer for little ones.
- Bring a bag for chocolate. Trust us on this one. Between Easter egg hunts, chocolate eggs included in tickets, and station gift shops, you will need bag space!
Making the Most of the Journey
- Sit on both sides! Heritage railway journeys often have stunning views on both sides of the carriage. Let the kids swap seats on the return leg.
- Look out for the locomotive. At the end of the line, the engine runs around the train to pull it back. This is genuinely fascinating for children (and adults!) to watch.
- Combine with a walk. Many heritage railways, including the North Norfolk Railway and Keighley & Worth Valley, have brilliant walks accessible directly from the stations. Make a full day of it!
Looking for even more Easter inspiration? Browse our full range of things to do across the UK, or check out our family holidays 2026 guide if you’re planning something bigger this spring!